adidas have unveiled the New Zealand Super XV franchises’ ‘Away’ shirts for the 2013 season, with the Highlanders bucking the trend displayed by the other four sides, who all opted for white jerseys, and going for a bold colourway described as Blue Ribbon/Sprint.
The colour of the Highlanders shirt has been controversial in the past, with a bright green jersey at one stage being touted for the Home kit. The new shirt was designed to represent the ‘spirit of the Highlander’, and carries the iconic phrase ‘Pride of the South’ on the collar, and the watermarked names of the franchise districts, Waitaki, Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland, Gore, and Invercargill, on the front.
Made from adidas’ patented 100% Polyester Climacool material, the shirt is form fitting, lightweight yet strong, and breathable. The Highlanders and adidas logos are embroided on the front, with competition sponsors’ logos on the sleeves.
After an encouraging year in 2012, where the gutsy Highlanders were in play-off contention until late in the competition, coach Jamie Jospeh has recruited hard, and the Dunedin-based franchise is set to boast a star-studded backline in 2013, including marquee signing Ma’a Nonu, while their forward pack will be bolstered by All Black prop Tony Woodcock and the legendary Brad Thorn, who returns to New Zealand rugby after a stint in Europe following the 2011 World Cup.