The national rugby teams are expected to turn heads in their newly designed Nike jersey.
Nike has partnered with Fiji Rugby as the official team and training kit supplier until the end of 2024.
The Fiji 7s and Fijiana 7s teams will be the first to don the new jersey when they participate in the 2021 PacificAus Sports Oceania Sevens from June 25-27 in Townsville, Australia.
The 7s playing range design will feature pyramids, triangular shapes and silhouettes of the ‘tabua’ (whale’s tooth) as well as a striking turquoise blue alternate strip that honours the tranquility of the island nation.
The XVs playing jersey which will be unveiled early next month, will feature traditional white and black colouring with masi design elements including triangular designs, rugby balls, the i ‘ula’ (a traditional Fijian weapon) and 15 squares that celebrates the history, traditions and fighting spirit of the Flying Fijians and Fijiana XV.
During a press virtual conference yesterday, Fiji Rugby chief executive officer John O’Connor expressed his delight for the parent body to be able to partner with such an iconic global brand.
“Nike is synonymous with greatness and it will give me and all the millions of Fijian rugby fans around the world great pride to see the famous Swoosh on our jersey the next time our men’s and women’s teams run onto the field of play,” O’Connor said.
He said Fiji’s biggest retailer, Tappoo would continue to exclusively sell the official training and playing kits and expects them to be very popular when available in coming weeks and months.
FRU general manager commercial Brian Thorburn said Nike was not only a massive global brand and incredible apparel powerhouse, but had a deep commitment to innovation and product development.
“Our national teams will benefit from Nike’s continuous product development and performance enhancements.
“Their mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to very athlete in the world and they will certainly be doing that for Fiji Rugby teams and our players.”
He thanked Fiji Rugby’s licensing agent, Velocity Brand Management, for its work in growing the Fiji Rugby brand and licensing program over the last four years, in particular their efforts to bring Nike on board.
