By Lucy Rees
Wales have launched their new kit for the coming international rugby season, which they insist is “green” because of its environmentally friendly credentials.
The new Macron kit is 100% green, in spirit at least.
Wales has played in red since the first international in 1881, and that isn’t changing as ‘green’ is just a reference to the environmentally friendly Eco-Fabric used to make both the ‘home’ and ‘away’ kits.
The new jersey will be worn for the first time when the men face New Zealand at Principality Stadium in front of a full-house at the end of the month and the ‘alternate’ kit is set to feature against Fiji later in the Autumn Nations Series.
Wales Women will wear the new kit for the first time when they take on Japan at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday 7th November.
Previously, green, white, yellow, grey, black and gold have appeared as part of the change kit with the ‘home’ shirt always being the iconic ‘Wales-red’.
The new jersey features graphics as well as a strong message of sustainability and respect for the environment, given its Eco-Fabric build – polyester made in 100% recycled plastic, certified by the Global Recycled Standard.
These are ‘green’ jerseys are made with environmental protection in mind, with thirteen recycled 1Litre plastic bottles going into the production of each shirt.
WRU commercial and legal director, Rhodri Lewis has spoken about the two-season 2021/23 kit.
He said: “It will come as no surprise to anyone that Wales will play primarily in red, we always have and we always will, and we are particularly pleased with this new ‘Welsh red’ kit from Macron.
“But the green credentials of the new Eco-Fabric used in production by Macron are also particularly impressive and deserve top billing when it comes to launching our new two-year kits
“We are delighted to join the likes of Lazio football club and the Scottish national side in using these new eco-sustainable fabrics.
“Our black alternate kits have been some of our most popular amongst supporters and we know these jerseys will prove so once again.
“We are hugely grateful to Macron for their efforts and dedication throughout the design and manufacturing process; we are delighted with the outcome.”
A V is formed on the chest, in lighter red sublimation print, with Wales’ coat of arms applied to the left of the chest, and the Macron Hero logo embroidered in white, on the right.
The Welsh word ‘Anrhydedd’, meaning ‘Honour’, features on the back of the neck.
White shorts and dark green socks complete the ‘home’ kit, with red piping and side stripes with the same graphic design inside the shorts.
“Creating a new match kit is always a fascinating process, and the participation and passion of the WRU staff have made it even more exciting,” said Ross Cook, Sr Sports Marketing Manager of Macron.
“The result is once again one of great impact, and we are sure that players and fans will wear their colours with great pride.
“This year’s match kits also carry an important message of sustainability and respect for the environment, a choice and message to which we are strongly committed.
“We are lucky to have found in the Welsh Rugby Union a sensitive partner keen to fully embrace our green philosophy”.
The ‘Away’ version of the jersey is black and charcoal with a V with dark green borders and white details and this shirt features irregular geometric figures on both the front and back of the shirt.
Like the ‘home’ version, the Welsh word ‘Angerdd’, meaning ‘Passion’, appears on the back of the neck and the Macron Hero logo is embroidered in white beside the WRU’s three feathers crest.
Dark green shorts and white socks complete the ‘Away’ kit, with black bands and white detailing on the shorts and a dark green top hem to the socks.
Both jerseys have a Body Fit and the fabrics used are Eco-Armevo and Eco-Bodytex, which ensure lightness, breathability, and maximum resistance needed during a match.