Wales’ Rugby World Cup kit has been unveiled today.
The Welsh Rugby Union this morning released images of the new home and alternate Rugby World Cup 2023 kit that will be worn by the side in France during September and October.
The main jersey is, of course, traditional red, featuring dark red accents along the side of the jersey and the sleeves, while the retro white polo collar makes it really stand out.
The kits, designed and manufactured by Macron, are inspired by the Welsh National Anthem, ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, which features on the shirts themselves. A launch event is taking place on Thursday morning at the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd, in front of the Evan James and James James statue, the Welsh father and son who composed the anthem.
The jerseys feature phrases taken from the Welsh National Anthem, which are ‘PLEIDIOL WYF I’M GWLAD’, translating to ‘I am faithful to my country’, and “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” with anthem words embossed under the collar and at the back, bottom panel of the jersey.
The alternate away kit, which will be worn at the tournament for the second match against Portugal, is described as “a twist on the classic but offers that same nod to tradition and heritage”. The jersey is a bold black and yellow, paying homage to the flag of Saint David, the patron Saint of Wales. The main body of the shirt is black, with the polo neck and bottom of the sleeves trimmed in yellow. The front of the jersey contains the Rugby World Cup France 2023 logos along with the Macron Hero logo and the Welsh Rugby Union emblem on the chest which are also accented with yellow embroidery. The front of the jersey also features a unique, stylised version of the St David’s cross which is embossed onto the front panel.
Hundreds of children from schools in the surrounding area were invited to take part in the launch and sing the anthem as Wales’ stars visited the park pavilion in the new home and alternate kits
The new kits, along with replica versions are available to purchase now from £68 youth and £78 adult from the WRU Shop on Westgate Street, Cardiff or
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While the World Cup jerseys do not feature sponsors, Wales’ new jersey for other competitions, featuring new sponsor Vodafone, will be released next week and will be worn for the forthcoming summer series. Wales Women’s kit for the World Rugby WXV competition will also be revealed then.
Interim WRU CEO Nigel Walker said: “The anthem has become a defining moment on any Welsh matchday for players and supporters alike. It evokes such pride and passion, we’ve lifted those very words and phrases and emblazed them onto the home kit for 2023. It’s a rallying cry to supporters across the country to get behind the team Wales ahead of the Rugby World Cup later this year.
“We’re thrilled with both designs, including the black and yellow alternative kit, which is the first time we’ve had an all-black kit since 2011 and the nod to St David’s cross embossed on the front of the jersey. We’re looking forward to fans seeing the kit in action at the World Cup against Portugal.”
The jerseys are made from Macron’s unique Eco Fabric, a polyester material derived entirely from recycled plastic
