This article explores the history and design changes of the Springboks' rugby jerseys over the past three decades. From the classic 'green and gold' to modern innovations, each jersey reflects the team's spirit, cultural heritage, and quest for victory.
The Springboks will soon hold their first alignment camp of the year, which will undoubtedly begin to build some anticipation for the team’s return to international action in July. During this quieter period, though, we take a look back at some of the Springboks ’ most memorable jerseys and how they have evolved over time. The Springboks ’ most recent World Cup -winning kit was a hit.
Nike designers worked closely with the team to design a kit that reflects the history of the team and South African culture. The classic ‘green and gold’ jersey has been reimagined to include a traditional collar with the underside of the collar giving a nod to the South African flag. As an acknowledgment of the team’s spirit, the phrase “Stronger Forever” was inscribed on the inside collar. With MTN as the sponsor, the jersey worn by the Springboks during the 2021 British & Irish Lions series win proved to be another collector’s item, with an iconic badge design on the right breast. The jersey retained the classic gold collar and featured an enlarged crest – much like on rugby jerseys of old – detailed by a 3D logo as seen on many Champions League football club kits. Shirt sponsor at that time, ASICS, delivered a stylish jersey that used 3D measurements to enable special fitting for the players. After over 10 samples with 30 fabrics, the rigorous lab-testing process produced a shirt with a modern look and feel, as well as technical advancements to give the Springboks a competitive edge. The goal was to create a jersey which would help rather than hinder the Boks on their quest to become “unstoppable”. One could say that the end justifies the means, and Rassie Erasmus’ men looked increasingly comfortable as the tournament progressed, ultimately beating England 32-12 in the final. The 2007 World Cup-winning team wore an iconic jersey during this global showpiece. A key feature of this jersey was grips on the chest to help players hold onto the ball while running, while the golden jersey stitching gave it a unique look. Although the Springboks didn’t achieve the result they hoped for at the 2003 World Cup, the jersey design did represent an interesting shift to more modern features. Nick Mallett’s 1997-1998 Springboks were almost unstoppable as they achieved a famous run of 17 consecutive Test victories. Back with Nike as a sponsor, the jersey had all the ‘old school’ properties with a prominent colour and loose fitting style. The 1995 home jersey donned by the first South African team to participate in and win the Rugby World Cup will forever be etched in Springbok history. It is still a collector’s item for many, not least for the fact it was also worn by the late great Nelson Mandela when he handed captain Francois Pienaar the Webb Ellis Cup following the Springboks’ heroic victory
Springboks Rugby Jersey World Cup Design Evolution South African Culture Team History
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