Rugby jersey marks 100 years of mana

Media release
For immediate release
2 June 2010
 
Launch of limited edition rugby jersey marks 100 years of mana

On a pristine day in May 1910, fifteen men proudly pulled on thick black woollen jerseys embroidered with silver ferns and ran out onto a rugby field in Rotorua, little knowing they were launching a legend.
 
The jersey has come a long way since that first outing of the official New Zealand Maori team, but the mana in wearing it remains the same. To mark the team’s centenary, adidas today launched a limited edition commemorative jersey, in conjunction with the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Union.

“The black jersey with its iconic silver fern is the most powerful symbol of rugby in New Zealand, but few people realise that it had its beginnings in Maori rugby,” says David Huggett, country manager of adidas New Zealand. “It was the New Zealand Natives team – the predecessor of the New Zealand Maori team – that first took to the field in black.
 
“Today the legend of New Zealand Maori rugby is woven into the very fabric of the jersey.”

The commemorative jersey was launched today (2 June) with a blessing ceremony at the NZRU offices in Wellington. adidas has released just 2,675  for sale so members of the public can share in the historic occasion.

From a technology point of view, the jersey is a far cry from that first hot, scratchy uniform. The 2010 jersey ismade using adidas’ patented Climalite technology. It was designed by Dunedin Creative Design Director Dave Burke and made in New Zealand by Auckland company Sport Resources.

Naturally, its emblem prominently features the silver fern. The fern is encircled by two mangapore (hammerhead shark) patterns that represent strength and symbolically protect the fern and the legacy of the New Zealand Maori rugby team. The patterns are weaved into a ball shape, representing the circle of life that connects all things, the oneness of team mates and the bringing together of head, hand and heart.

“It was an awesome responsibility to create a jersey that encapsulated the warrior spirit of the New Zealand Maori team and paid tribute to all those men who’ve worn it over 100 years,” says Huggett.

“We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that both the technology and the design are of the highest standards, to reflect the mana of this iconic team.”

Keeping in mind the jersey’s important legacy, and the intricate nature of the design, adidas embarked on an extensive search for the right manufacturer.

“Sport Resources’ experience and expertise gave us the confidence that they were the right people to execute this design to the level we had all envisioned,” says Huggett. “Its owner Tony Botica and Tiffany Emerson exceeded our expectations, working closely with adidas and the designer, Dave Burke. There have been countless hours of phone calls and emails, and Dave has flown up to Auckland from Dunedin to work one-on-one with Sport Resources to execute the design.

“We’ve now been able to deliver a jersey that adidas, the NZRU, the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board and Dave Burke are all very proud of.”

For the record, the New Zealand Maori team won that game on May 21 2010, against a Rotorua sub-union, 25-5.

ENDS

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