THE IRFU HAVE announced a major new deal with kit manufacturers Canterbury which will run until 2020.
Canterbury will take over from Puma in a multi million euro deal which will commence on September 1st. The new jerseys will be worn for the first time when Ireland take on South Africa on November 8th.
Ireland have further games that month against Georgia on November 15th and Australia on November 22nd. The Irish team will continue to wear Puma jerseys for the upcoming Six Nations.
The deal marks the second time that Canterbury have teamed up with the IRFU since their inaugural partnership which ran from 2000 until 2009. Canterbury will work closely with the IRFU management and international players to produce match day, training and bench wear for the national squad.
Ireland’s junior and underage teams including the O2 Irish Wolfhounds, Under 20’s and Women’s national side are also covered under this new deal. Official Canterbury IRFU merchandise will be sold through all major sports retailers and online from autumn 2014.
Irish Head Coach Joe Schmidt commented on the deal.
“I’m delighted to have Canterbury partnering with Ireland in our upcoming World Cup cycle. I’ve worked with Canterbury in the past and have always been impressed by the quality and innovation they bring to the table.”