SA Rugby
ASICS has unveiled the Springbok jersey for next year’s tour to South Africa of the British & Irish Lions, featuring a vintage colourway and special commemorative 3D logo, among other features.
The world champions will don a unique commemorative jersey when they face the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in three Tests on home turf next year in the much-anticipated Castle Lager Lions Series.
“Lions tours come around only every 12 years, so we thought it appropriate to create a jersey that is indisputably unique,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO.
“It will be worn by the team on only three occasions and we wanted to make it memorable and special for the players and hopefully this unique rendering of Springbok green – in conjunction with the badge – will do exactly that.”
The 2021 tour will be 14th time the British & Irish Lions have visited South Africa and ASICS wanted to celebrate this rich history by putting a very classic spin on the most modern jersey.
“A British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa is a hugely significant event for both players and supporters, as it takes place only every 12 years or so,” ASICS South Africa said.
“That kind of rarity brings with it a special responsibility when creating a jersey and we wanted the players and the fans to get goosebumps every time they pull that jersey over their heads.”
The Castle Lager Lions Series begins on Saturday 3 July 2021 when the Lions face the DHL Stormers in Cape Town. Three weeks later the new jersey will be worn for the first time by the Springboks at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg – a venue which previously hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.
Full 2021 tour schedule:
Saturday 3 July: British & Irish Lions v DHL Stormers - Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Wednesday 7 July: British & Irish Lions v SA 'Invitational' - Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Saturday 10 July: British & Irish Lions v Cell C Sharks - Jonsson Kings Park, Durban
Wednesday 14 July: British & Irish Lions v South Africa 'A' - Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Saturday 17 July: British & Irish Lions v Vodacom Bulls - Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday 24 July (first Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions - FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 31 July (second Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions - Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday 7 August (third Test): Springboks v British & Irish Lions - Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
