Sportswear manufacturer Canterbury has been announced as the official kit supplier to the British and Irish Lions rugby union team ahead of their tour of New Zealand in 2017.
To celebrate the confirmation of the deal, Canterbury have created 1,959 limited edition commemorative jerseys inspired by the British and Irish Lions jersey from 1959, the year Canterbury first collaborated with the Lions.
Canterbury will hold exclusive rights to manufacture and supply playing and training kit to the Lions, as well as creating a new range of lifestyle and fashion wear for the team.
John Feehan, chief executive of the British and Irish Lions, said: “We are delighted to be working with Canterbury as our new apparel partner. The Lions are defined as being the very best of the best on and off the field and it is fitting that we are entering in to a partnership with Canterbury who are considered to be the world leaders in rugby apparel. Our two brands have a strong historical link and we hope today marks the start of a long and enduring partnership."
Canterbury supplied apparel to four of the nations who competed in the recently concluded Rugby World Cup 2015 – host nation England, Ireland, Japan and Namibia – as well as all match officials for the tournament.
