The British and Irish Lions have unveiled their shirt for next year’s tour of Australia, featuring a darker shade of red. The design also includes a pattern woven into the fabric, symbolizing the union of the four nations, and a vintage ‘grandad’ collar.
Lions’ chief executive Ben Calveley explained that the color change aimed to create a shirt “more wearable for fans” off the field.
The Lions aim to win their first series in Australia since 2013, with coach Farrell fueling excitement for next year.
Rugby Australia’s chief commercial officer, James Durbin, noted that despite the Wallabies’ exit at last year’s World Cup, enthusiasm for the three Tests against the Lions remains high. “The excitement for this tour is like nothing we’ve ever seen before in Australia,” he said.
Durbin added that the tour arrives at a crucial time for Australian rugby, with major events like the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the 2032 Olympics ahead.
Under new coach Joe Schmidt, Australia finished last in the recent Rugby Championship with one win from six matches. Durbin observed, “Schmidt has been in charge for six months, and you can already see the changes he is making and his influence on the team. He’s focused on progress and how the team performs, not just wins and losses.”