The international rugby season is on the runway.
But before any of the teams even take the field, the first order of business is the uniforms. And the All Blacks and new Wallabies kit have been released, dividing supporter’s opinions.
In late June, Rugby Australia unveiled the new Wallabies kit for the remainder of the 2023 season, which includes the Rugby Championship – with two Bledisloe Cup matches involved – and the Rugby World Cup in September.
Two designs will be used for the international season. A classic golden strip will be worn for a majority of the time, but also an alternative white jersey, with Indigenous detail along the sleeves and side panels, was also designed.
For the All Blacks, it seems they have shifted away from the usual all black design, with extra significance placed on the iconic silver fern; outlined multiple times across the jersey.
The designs have been met with mixed feelings from supporters of both nations, with some loving the details while others are left scratching their heads at the decisions made from people high up.
With a lot to unpack from the unveilings of the All Blacks and new Wallabies kit, here’s everything you need to know about the release of these international kits.
Where can I get the new All Blacks and new Wallabies kit from?
With a jam-packed World Rugby schedule heading the way of the Trans-Tasman rivals, why not throw your support behind them by purchasing their new kits.
The new Wallabies kit is available in plenty of places via the Wallaby Shop online, Rebel and ASICS stores.
It’s not different for fans from the other side of the ditch, with the both the new home and alternative kits ready for purchasing through the All Blacks shop online.
How much do the All Blacks and new Wallabies kit cost?
As of late June, the new Wallabies kit costs between $160-$170 for adult jerseys, with kids ranging around $140.
According to the All Blacks Shop, the nation’s Rugby World Cup kits cost a little less at $150 for adults, dropping down to $110 for youth sizes.
What is the design of the new Wallabies kit?
As per World Rugby’s request, each nation is accomodating for fans who deal with colour-blindness by donning white alternative strips where they see fit, including the Wallabies.
Unlike the 2019 World Cup, which saw Australia wear a dark green First Nations designed jersey, the new Wallabies kit includes a white design — still continuing the theme of Indigenous designs. But let’s be honest, it’s not their best attempt.
The Wallabies will officially wear the alternate strip when they play Portugal on October 1 in the World Cup, which will be the first time not wearing the primary jersey since 2011.
Accompanying the white strip is the usual gold and green home jersey design that will be worn a majority of the time.
Following the rules of the World Cup, their will be no sponsors anywhere on the kit, meaning the torso of the jersey is completely bare with only the grip-tech feature there.
Some supporters are disappointed about the lack of creativity shown on that part of the jersey, as in previous World Cups the Wallabies kit has found ways to stay interesting even with one dominant colour.
What is the design of the All-Blacks 2023 kit?
It’s going to be a controversial topic in the world rugby community, with the All Blacks shifting away from the classic all black approach.
New Zealand’s World Cup kit is designed by emerging Parisian-based artist Fey The Wolf along with current All Blacks players, focusing on the silvern fern.
Many would argue that the silver fern logo was enough ‘silver fern’ on the jersey, but its symbolism in Māori culture of strength, resilience and enduring power is a great meaning behind the jersey.
Some supporters are upset that the side which will play two Bledisloe Cup games against Australia in preparation for the World Cup would even entertain ditching the solo black design.
These are seeming to be the same fans that are shaking their heads at the All Blacks alternative white strip, which resembles something the Black Caps (New Zealand’s Cricket team) would wear.
