ASICS unveils the most technologically advanced jersey the Springboks have ever worn
Available today, the Springbok’s new jersey is an imposing look that fans and players alike will be proud to wear.
A true sport performance brand, ASICS developed the jersey with direct insights from the Springboks. Scientists from the ASICS Institute of Sport Science(ISS), Kobe, Japan focused on the every detail that can improve a player’s performance.
Jean De Villiers, Springbok Captain, said “If we can bottle the atmosphere and enthusiasm from this launch, then we’ll start the rugby world cup on a very positive note. We’re amazed at the level of detail and research that ASICS has put into creating the kit, which reflects the detail we put into our own preparation.”
The official Rugby World Cup 2015 Springbok jersey will be the lightest jersey the team has ever worn. It is packed with technology focusing on different areas of the game. Grip on the ball is improved with special silicone pads on the ribcage and the jersey is designed with special fabrics to make it harder to hold onto in the tackle.
Anti-grab
Special weave with two fabrics which make the jersey stretchy, but with snap back technology.
Eben Etzebeth, Springbok lock, “The contact area is a fiercely competitive part of the game and it’s very important that you can keep possession of the ball. Having direct input into the grip on the jersey during my visit to the ASICS Institute of Sport Science was invaluable. The grip placement now allows for more security when carrying the ball, but also a stronger grip when binding in the scrum. These marginal gains can have a massive impact on performance.”
Super Grip
Uniquely positioned gripper technology on the chest with direct insights from players
ASICS was determined to make the jersey lighter. This brought them to the decision to include 3D badging technology to make the logo the lightest it possibly can be. By replacing traditional stitching methods ASICS saved a significant amount of weight.
“This is the lightest jersey we’ve ever worn and it’s going to give us a great advantage”, said Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira. “You might not feel the advantage of a lighter jersey instantly, but over the course of a game, with the rising intensity of international rugby, you will reap the benefits every time you put it on. We train extremely hard and analyse every element in our preparation and ASICS has done the same, every detail counts”.
Lightweight
The jersey is 70g lighter than previous Springbok jersey
The Springboks are aiming for a historic third Webb Ellis Cup win and will do everything they can to ensure they are prepared for every game. All the technology created by ASICS features in short hype video’s filmed at ISS, with Jean de Villiers, Tendia Mtawarira, Eben Etzebeth, Duane Vermeulen, Bismarck Du Plessis, Cornal Hendricks, Willie Le Roux and Pat Lambie.
Heyneke Meyer, Springbok Head Coach, commented, “Working closely with ASICS provides an extra level of insight. At the highest level of modern sport this kind of input from players, coaching staff and ASICS staff is key. As a partnership we have sought to understand all the areas where we can improve and ensure we are prepared for every game. ASICS has come to the party with this new kit and I know the team will wear it proudly at Rugby World Cup 2015.”
ASICS has a long history of developing products through science and research to meet the athlete’s needs. As the world’s leading true sport performance brand they have created a product with which the Springboks can dominate the Rugby World Cup.
Alistair Cameron, CEO of ASICS Europe B.V., said at the launch, “We are passionate about preparation and performance, as success is not an accident. We have collected data and insights from the Springboks and created products that actively enhance their performance. Together with the South African Rugby Union we have developed a kit which will help the Springboks in their ultimate aim of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.”
The Springbok Rugby World Cup replica apparel will be available countrywide at all leading sports retailers from 5th June 2015.
Springbok Home Jersey Test: SRP R1500 excl VAT
Springbok Home Replica Jersey: SRP R750 excl VAT
Springbok Home Fan Tee: SRP R450 excl VAT
For more information visit www.asics.co.za
The launch video ( Video 6 – We Are Ready) features ASICS developing the jersey with direct insights from the Springboks at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science, Kobe, Japan, can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/IXvSayRvBfM
In the build-up to the launch, ASICS and the Springboks released a series of hype videos featuring selected players at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science, Kobe, Japan.
Episode 1: http://youtu.be/vVEk4j1Y6OM
Episode 2: http://youtu.be/Ppvz9j_aPUU
Episode 3: http://youtu.be/IF1QTXVn_yc
Episode 4: http://youtu.be/dfNaZWGigrk
Episode 5: http://youtu.be/IXvSayRvBfM
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