New look Springbok jersey
A new-look Springbok change jersey will be seen for the first time on the team’s tour of Great Britain this month.
The jersey has been designed by up-and-coming Khayelitsha-born and raised designer Mzukisi Mbane and was scheduled to be worn in 2020 for the first time until the pandemic wiped out the Springbok season.
The design is a collaboration between Mbane, Springbok technical partner ASICS and SA Rugby.
It is anchored in the traditional white of the Springbok alternate jersey but features Mbane’s signature patterning.
The jersey will now be worn during the on-field warm-up before each of the forthcoming three Tests.
“Our alternate jersey is traditionally plain white but when ASICS suggested using a young South African designer to give it a 21st-century twist, we welcomed the idea,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.
“Jersey design and technology is unrecognizable from what it was even 20 years ago and our rarely-seen alternate jersey gives us the chance to explore new thinking.”
Barry Mellis, general manager of ASICS SA, said, “The design is striking and has provoked plenty of comment, but overall, we’ve had really good feedback.”
The Springboks will wear the jersey for the first time on November 6 before the Test against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
It will reappear again before the meetings with Scotland (Murrayfield) and England (Twickenham) on the following Saturdays.
