The All Blacks have unveiled their World Cup jersey, which pays homage to the 1905 All Blacks team, The Originals.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in the new Rugby World Cup jersey. Photo: adidas
The jersey has undergone a subtle design change that pays respect to the legendary Originals team, which toured the United Kingdom, France and the USA in 1905-1906, losing just one match on their famous 35-match tour.
Fans can buy three versions of the jersey from the $120 cotton-based supporters jersey to the $200 performance version.
A patterned design across the shoulders and chest of the new jersey was inspired by the famous leather yoke which adorned The Originals jersey.
The design was developed with input from All Blacks management and senior players.
Senior Director at adidas Rugby Simon Cartwright said they wanted to pay respect in some small way to The Originals in the design of the new jersey and acknowledge the century-long success of the team, and they think they have done that with the subtle design around the chest.
As with previous World Cup jerseys, the RWC trophy is embossed on the right sleeve of the jersey acknowledging the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup successes in 1987 and 2011.
The adidas and All Blacks logos, as well as the jersey numbers on the back, are a gun metal silver colour.
All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw, who was consulted over the design, said to wear a jersey with a design that represents the nation's proud rugby heritage and reflects the team's success since that iconic team of 1905-1906 is hugely significant to them.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said the mana behind the jersey combines everything the country and our sport stands for, it's an honour to provide our players with the opportunity to wear a jersey which pays respects to our rugby ancestors.
