PICTURES: Springboks unveil ‘special’ jersey for All Blacks tour

On Wednesday, Nike and SA Rugby unveiled a Springboks’ jersey design that has been specially crafted for the four-Test series against the All Blacks.

It’s described as a design that celebrates the mindset that has powered the team under the leadership of Rassie Erasmus.

“At the heart of the jersey design is a subtle, tone-on-tone graphic featuring the lyrics of South Africa’s national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, printed in the shape of the South African flag,” a statement read.

“The words in all five languages – Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Afrikaans, and English – will be carried on the team’s chests as they represent the convergence of South Africa’s diverse voices, histories, and communities.

“Created with Nike’s athlete-first approach to design, the jersey combines lightweight performance construction with a fit engineered for the demands of the modern game – featuring Nike FIT ADV, engineered from superior materials and a rigorous testing protocol.

“Every detail is designed to help athletes move with speed, confidence and focus, enabling the Springboks to play with the adaptability and creativity that have become hallmarks of their success.”

The jersey reflects the promise of the Tour to be “like no other” and will only appear in the four RGR Tests.

YOU CAN SEE PICTURES OF THE NEW SPRINGBOK JERSEY BELOW

HOW TO GET YOUR HANDS ON THE NEW KIT

The jersey will go on sale on Thursday (6 August) at three different price points from Nike stores and Nike.com, at Springbok retail stores in Sandton, Menlyn Park and Canal Walk, and all good sports stores.

South Africa meet the All Blacks in the first of four Tests at Ellis Park on 22 August, ending a 30-year wait for the resumption of a Test series between the two great rugby nations

The fixtures are:

• Saturday, 22 August: First Test, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 17:05
• Saturday, 29 August: Second Test, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 17:05
• Saturday, 5 September: Third Test, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg – 17:05
• Saturday, 12 September: Fourth Test, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, United States – 23:00