Danny Brosnan
The 24/25 season approaches. The four provinces and national have revealed there new kits and training gear. Yet there seems to be a pretty common consensus amongst the fans in regards to it.
A design for splintered opinions.
Over the last few years it’s been rather a mixed bag in terms of how new jerseys have been perceived by supporters of the game. Some liking them some loathing them there own teams jersey.
Ulster in there first year with Castore have a simple yet nice design. The current Leinster jersey also made by Castore looks like a mish-mash of the teams previous supplier’s Adidas. Adidas have released a new Munster European jersey that some in Munster have asked who not only designed it but who approved it. Connacht have some a good jersey this that seems to reflect the hills and mountains of the province.
Yet the icing on the cake that really seems to have supporters on one side or the other is the recently released national jersey made by Canterbury. The fact its either a fantastic design or horrendous depends on perspective.
Yet some feel that the rugby jerseys are made to resemble something more a kin to a football or gaa pitch than an actual rugby pitch.
Fit for purpose or the bargin bin?
“The size isn’t great”, “the logos start peeling”, “it looks cheap”, some of the most common issues I heard across the board regarding jerseys over the last five or six years. Heat printed logos on jerseys of the badge, sponsor and manufacturer. Plus the fact they seem to be giving just enough material for it to just qualify for a size. Not only that but the actual material at times feels it might fall apart after some rough and tumble. Something jerseys from 10 plus years ago never seemed to have an issue with.
So why the gradual changes?
Set amount, the environment and missing the mark.
One issue of course for the decline in jerseys is the exclusive deals signed by Provinces and the IRFU. I know it’s important that they get a set regular amount compared to a sales percentage that’d fluctuate from one season to the next. Yet that’s only one part of the issue. Provinces having a two year cycle is fine. But is it really necessary to have a URC and a European jersey?
On the other side of fence is the various manufacturers labelling “environmentally friendly”, “recycled material”, “made from sustainable material”.
Yea, that sounds great on paper and for the stock market. Yet it ends up being more costly in the long run for the people buying them. Not that the companies mind once they get there money back they’ll throw a price tag on anything that’ll get them money.
Yet in regards to both of the above points. My main question to Adidas is why are they putting stitching on a Manchester United jersey and only heating on the logo and crest for Munster jerseys?
But apart from the quality that’s as shoddy as a cheap electrician. The design seems to rise the ire of fans of a certain age and over. An age where jersey designs were simplistic, elegant but represented the team the right way. Yet the design teams seemed to have missed the memo that simplistic is best for worn on the field. The 03-05 Ireland jersey and 06-08 Munster jerseys were that for me. Right colors and patterns. Nothing fancy but a good representation of the team. Now don’t get me wrong I know they’ve to appeal to the younger generation but surely that can be kept for the training gear.
Paying the price.
Considering it’s €90 or there abouts for a jersey. €120 give or take a chunk for a player fit. €65 roughly for the kids. It’s going to an expensive time for anyone buying the latest jerseys. I know some always look to get the latest stuff when it’s out. But is it really worth paying the price for sub standard gear?
Yet I can understand why people are buy second jerseys online or in charity.
Maybe it’s time for the team manufacturers to look back at what was successful. Prices for better quality might go up but for longevity it just might be worth. Let’s not forget there’d be hope for better designs.