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Sam Warburton unveils the Canterbury jersey the Lions will wear versus the Springboks

(Photo by Canterbury)

The countdown to July’s British and Irish Lions Test series versus the world champions Springboks took another step forward on Wednesday with the unveiling of the jersey and the full kit that will be worn by Warren Gatland’s tour party in South Africa.   

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Gatland will name his 36-strong squad on May 6 and players who are in line for selection will have had their ears pricked by the launch of kit they will hope to be wearing. Double tour skipper Sam Warburton did the honours, the 2013 and 2017 captain modelling the latest design.

A Canterbury statement read: “With the Lions tour celebrating the best-of-the-best in British and Irish rugby, Canterbury’s new range of products gives fans the opportunity to show their support for the team, wherever they are watching from.

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“The brand new British and Irish Lions Test jersey is made from a recycled polyester blend fabric and is the most advanced Lions jersey to date. With Canterbury’s strongest ever neckline and its signature lightweight, breathable Vapodri+ fabric, the Test jersey has been expertly designed and is ready for the Lions to tackle the reigning world champions.

“The sleeve features the unique Lions graphic design, the pieces of which come together to represent all those who have helped the players to reach the highest level of the game and achieve their success, creating one distinctive image. When the players take to the field, they will do so wearing this reference of those parents, coaches and other supporters who helped them become the player they are today.

“To ensure that the 2021 Lions squad can step out on the pitch in South Africa with confidence that they are in the best kit possible, every element of the new Test jersey has been rigorously tested at all levels of rugby, ranging from grassroots to elite players and across the globe in different climates.

“Alongside the Test jersey, Canterbury has also unveiled the Lions stealth pack, the first-ever collection of Lions products in an anthracite colourway. Featuring tonal branding for a more subtle off-duty look, the range is for fans after a more understated piece of training apparel.  Alongside this, there is also an increased range of training and off-pitch product in the iconic Lions red to allow fans to recreate a sea of red on game day.”

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Gatland said: “We know from our experience of the last tour that Canterbury kit is of the highest quality and this collection is no different. I know the players are going to love every single piece of the range and I would love to see as many fans as possible supporting the team and helping us to create a sea of red wherever they are cheering on from.”

Canterbury global head of sports marketing, Simon Rowe, added: “We know that this year’s Lions tour is going to be a series like no other, so it’s only right that we could offer a better product range for both players and fans than ever before. The new collection of products means fans can get ready for the tour by getting their hands on the exact same kit the players will be wearing on the pitch in South Africa.”

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
Three-way race to be number one in World Rugby men's rankings

IF SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.


As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.


Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).

This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.

If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.

Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.

After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.

Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.


Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)

Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.

Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.


Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.


Lets look at what Seeding bands might look like with todays rankings:


Seeding Band 1

IRE/SA/NZ/FRA/ENG/ARG

Seeding Band 2

SCO/ITA/AUS/FIJ/WAL/GEO


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: FIJI

1/8 final opponent GEORGIA

Prognosis: advance to 1/4 and potentially beyond


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if NOT in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: SOUTH AFRICA

1/8 final opponent NEW ZEALAND

Prognosis: You know the prognosis


I am pretty sure this is not lost on Joe Schmidt?


Keep in mind when enjoying the matches.

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