Adidas and New Zealand Rugby celebrate 25 years of partnership with new kit release

adidas and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) reveal their latest jersey designs due to be worn for the 2024 international season. Going back through the archive to the roots of the partnership, adidas designers revisited iconic design elements synonymous with New Zealand Rugby, to craft a shirt 25 years in the making for both the All Blacks and Black Ferns.

Bold in its simplicity, the jersey offers a traditional block-black base adorned with unique silver detailing - selected for its traditional use to mark a 25th anniversary - on an enlarged fern emblem, the adidas logo, and the iconic three stripes which run down both shoulders for the first time. The jersey is punctuated by the return of an all-white collar design; a popular feature seen on some of the most loved New Zealand Rugby jerseys, including the design that saw All Blacks win the 2011 Rugby World Cup^TM.

Developed based on specific player feedback, the All Blacks version features a double-knit fold over design, while the Black Ferns jersey incorporates a round neck design. For the first time, the Black Ferns and All Blacks are united under a single design, creating a special link between two of the sport’s best teams. Originated for performance and to support players on the world stage during high-pressure moments, the jersey has been created in close collaboration with players from both teams.

KERRYN FOSTER, GENERAL MANAGER OF ADIDAS SPECIALIST SPORTS COMMENTED: “Over our 25-year partnership, we’ve shared unprecedented success and memories with the All Blacks, Blacks Ferns, Black Fern Sevens, All Blacks Sevens, Māori All Blacks and the u20s. This jersey is the embodiment of those 25 years, bringing back some iconic design elements from our shared history and matched with the best of our modern performance technology at the jersey’s heart.  

In our conversations with the players during the creation process, it became clear that the time was right for a unified look between Black Ferns and All Blacks, to celebrate the incredible legacy of New Zealand Rugby as a whole. 25 years together as partners is testament to the principles of trust, collaboration and pushing boundaries that we share, and we’re honoured to mark this milestone with kits that we feel encapsulate the journey.”

MARK ROBINSON, NZR CHIEF EXECUTIVE COMMENTED: “We’re incredibly proud that adidas has been a highly valued long-term partner of NZR for 25 years. We are also proud that our association has seen huge successes across our teams during this time and it’s brilliant to be celebrating this milestone together. We share a deep commitment and passion for the Teams in Black, so to see the current jersey weaving in designs from across the term of our partnership is really special. The legacy of the black jersey continues to resonate strongly for all our players, former players and fans around the world and we look forward to continuing to forge future success and amazing memories during this next stage of our partnership and beyond.”

While the look of the jersey is unified for both, the Black Ferns and All Blacks each have a bespoke performance silhouette. Fit is very specific and bespoke player versions have been created for both the men’s and women’s teams, to complement the body – using insights garnered from specific body mapping of both squads.

Beneath the design, ergonomic side panels on the abdominal region hug the body in key contact areas for a tight, three-dimensional fit which minimises the opportunity for opposition players to grip the shirt in close contact, while the set-in-sleeve structure provides a sturdy construction, fit for peak performance.

RUAHEI DEMANT, BLACK FERNS COMMENTED: “Wearing the black jersey is an honour and a privilege, and something every Black Fern and All Black understands the significance of – we are representing our people every time we step onto the pitch. We’ve enjoyed incredible success across the duration of the partnership with adidas and I’m constantly impressed at the ways in which each kit feels new and unique, while staying true to DNA of the jersey.

JORDIE BARRETT, ALL BLACKS COMMENTED: “The jersey holds a special place to the people of this nation. To be involved in the development process of this shirt has been an incredible honour.  As a player – we have a responsibility to ensure it is always passed on to the next generation in a better place. So, to witness adidas’ commitment to also ensuring each jersey builds on the last, has been incredible. As soon as the players saw the potential for a return to the iconic white collar – we were in complete agreement that it was a feature we would love to return. Watching the Black Ferns run out onto the pitch in the new design last month, filled us not only with excitement for our own upcoming matches, but also pride that we can celebrate this moment as one team, together. "
    
The partnership between adidas and New Zealand Rugby is synonymous with many of the sport’s most iconic moments. Since 1999, the Black Ferns have been World Champions five times (2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2021* played in 2022) and the All Blacks World Champions twice (2011, 2015) – providing an unrivalled legacy to encapsulate in the design of the latest jersey.

The on-pitch jersey is made with a high-performance yarn which contains at least 89% recycled polyester, while the replica jersey is made using 100% recycled polyester.  
Along with the on-pitch jersey - worn only by the players – and replica fan version, the launch collection also features a special lifestyle apparel collection and a unique New Zealand Rugby Gazelle trainer.  This new collection allows fans to express their support in their own style, no matter the occasion and marks a significant expansion in adidas rugby’s lifestyle and performance offerings.

Introduced on pitch by the Black Ferns in the Pacific Four Series 2024, fan versions of the Black Ferns and All Blacks jerseys are available from 1 July starting at $110 NZD Youth and $150 NZD Adult, while the New Zealand Rugby lifestyle range is available from 15 June in selected retail stores and from www.adidas.com/rugby.