The Springboks have unveiled a special-edition jersey for the upcoming Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against New Zealand, with the unique design set to be worn exclusively during the four-Test series against the All Blacks.
Nike and SA Rugby revealed the jersey on Wednesday, describing it as a design “like no other” that celebrates the mindset and unity that have defined the Springboks under head coach Rassie Erasmus.
The world champions will debut the jersey when they face the All Blacks in the first Test at 10bet Ellis Park on 22 August. The match marks the return of a full Test series between the two rugby giants for the first time in 30 years.
The standout feature of the jersey is a subtle tone-on-tone graphic displaying the lyrics of South Africa’s national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, arranged in the shape of the South African flag. The anthem’s words appear in all five official languages featured in the anthem, Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Afrikaans and English symbolising the unity of South Africa’s diverse people.
Designed using Nike’s athlete-first approach, the jersey incorporates Nike FIT ADV technology, combining lightweight materials with an advanced fit to meet the physical demands of international rugby while allowing players to perform with speed, confidence and freedom.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer praised the design, saying it perfectly captures what the Springboks represent.
This truly is a Tour like no other and so is this jersey. Nike have outdone themselves in developing a design that speaks directly and honestly to the motivation of the team and management, they play for the people of South Africa and wear their hearts on their sleeve; now they will wear the words of the anthem on their chests.”
The commemorative jersey will only be worn during the four Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tests against New Zealand.
Supporters will be able to purchase the jersey from Thursday, 6 August, through Nike stores and Nike.com, Springbok retail stores in Sandton, Menlyn Park and Canal Walk, as well as selected sporting goods retailers nationwide.