The Rugby League World Cup is not far away and Ireland have unveiled their new home and away kits for the competition which takes place in Australia and New Zealand.
First to show their hand are Ireland and yes, it's green. But perhaps surprisingly, Ireland's kit was actually made in Ireland by O'Neills. One wonders if any other nation will be able to make such a proud boast.
The new link-up with the Irish sportswear brand who also manufacture kits for Super League sides St Helens, Huddersfield Giants and Widnes Vikings could last three years.
O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918 and is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.
The O’Neills brand has become synonymous with the production of teams kits, footballs and hurling balls for Gaelic games but is fast becoming a major supplier to rugby and football clubs across Ireland, the UK, Europe and America.
RLI director, Richard Egan: “We are delighted to partner with O’Neill’s and look forward to seeing our jerseys on sale in shops and online to meet the demand from supporters of Rugby League in Ireland and abroad. We have been keen to partner with O’Neill’s for many years as they are an iconic sports brand in Ireland and have a rich heritage and their products are of the highest standard. With O’Neill’s already in place at our head coach, Mark Aston’s club Sheffield, it was a natural link to bring them into the senior team.”
“I’m really excited to have O’Neills Sportswear on board and hope the fans are too, especially when they see the new shirt designs launched soon.”
You can buy the new kits and other training gear at www.oneills.com.
