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Adidas creates strongest ever rugby jersey

By Danielle Wightman-Stone

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Fashion

Sportswear brand Adidas has unveiled what it is calling the “strongest and most innovative ever” rugby jersey shirt for the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team.

The new jersey takes on-field technology to a “new level” with unique features, such as a “ground-breaking chassis system and new fabric innovation”, said the sportswear brand, and comes after two years of development alongside the All Blacks team.

The strength of the new fabric lies in the way the fabric has been digitally woven together, which Adidas says helps reduce the likelihood of ripping, as well as retaining the jersey’s shape under the physical demands of the game. The weave marks the strongest rugby jersey Adidas has ever created.

In addition the fabric offers a four-way stretch, giving a more personalised fit and even greater comfort, which has been tested over a two-year period with a number of All Blacks members including Owen Franks, Malakai Fekitoa and Kieran Read.

Following player feedback, the pattern of the jersey was also re-engineered to improve the fit, preventing opposition players grabbing hold, and increasing breathability. In addition, the collar has seen an overhaul, and is now ribbed for improved comfort and an adaptive fit. It sits lower on the neck making it difficult for an opponent to take hold.

Adidas unveils “strongest and most innovative ever” rugby shirt

The fabric isn’t the only innovation, Adidas has also developed a system which sits underneath the jersey and shorts, called the ‘chassis system’, which combined with the jersey, supports a player’s kinetic chain and strengthens posture. It also improves core stability and movement efficiency.

Deborah Yeomans, director of Adidas Futures explains: “In looking at the kinetic chain, which is the flow of energy through the body, we found an area we could improve to give the All Blacks a competitive advantage. We identified the area of the spine known as ‘L5S1’ as the key point where energy transfers between the top and bottom parts of the body. The chassis system works with the jersey to improve posture, core stability and a player’s movement efficiency.”

Commenting on the new jerseys, All Blacks Captain, Kieran Read, said: “We look for advantages in every part of the game. The adidas team worked closely with us to design a new jersey that would help us maintain that edge and help our performance. We think it certainly does that.”

The new design was showcased for the first time over the weekend when the All Blacks played Ireland in Chicago.

Images: courtesy of Adidas

Adidas