Springboks target World Cup success with groundbreaking Asics apparel
New Springbok jersey is unveiled following months of innovation and testing.
The Springboks are one of the most successful teams competing in rugby’s global showpiece, having lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy twice in the history of the competition. With the 2015 RWC set to take place in the United Kingdom in September, Asics has partnered with the Springboks to provide them with some of the most technologically advanced apparel available.
The Springboks will don an all-new jersey, which was unveiled at Thunder City in Cape Town on Thursday, 4 June. The jersey was conceptualised at the Asics Institute of Sports Science in Kobe, Japan, and according to Global Product Manager James Noorkoiv, features an innovative weaving design, and key panels that offer the most contact with the ball on the shirt. The technology used in the jersey design not only makes binding easier for players, but also makes it more difficult for their opposition to stop them.
Following the jersey reveal, the players were asked to describe their experiences abroad and how they feel the jersey will benefit them. The feedback from the players was invaluable in the creation of the jersey, and media were walked through the rigorous testing phases which the jersey underwent prior to the launch. Listen to the clip below to hear what Springboks Eben Etzebeth, Jean de Villiers and Beast Mtawarira had to say about the new-and-improved Springbok kit.
Key for the coaching staff going into the tournament will be how they handle injuries. To this end, Asics have designed boots specifically for forwards and backs. These boots enhance forward motion, stability and grip, enabling the players to drive their opponent backwards. The players will also be equipped with socks which are designed to improve blood flow, aid recovery and alleviate fatigue. Bok coach Heyneke Meyer was quick to highlight the importance of paying attention to apparel design, saying that as an apparel partner “Asics provides an extra level of insight which at the highest level of sport in today’s game is invaluable.” Asics CEO Alistair Cameron further underlined the partnership by saying that his team firmly believe that this iteration of the Springbok jersey is “the most advanced in the world.”
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The Boks will no doubt look to use the competitive advantage provided by Asics to ensure that they return victorious with the 2015 Rugby World Cup trophy. The team will run out in their new strip against Japan on the 19th of September. Their following group matches are against Samoa, Scotland and the USA on the 26th of September, 3rd, and 7th of October respectively. The official replica jersey is available at www.asics.co.za.
Stay on top of the Springboks’ RWC campaign on social media by following Asics South Africa on Twitter @Asics_ZA, and by using the hashtag #BoksInAsics to voice your opinions on the new jersey.
