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Adam Ashley-Cooper models the new Wallabies jersey designed by Kooga - Image from Rugby.com.au
Jerseys, guernseys, shirts, jumpers and strips – whatever you may call them, through the professionalism of modern-day sport, the real jersey, as in the one you can wear to the bar or to the park, is dying.
It hit around 2003, a point in rugby which will be remembered as when the professionalism of the game we love started to kick-in. So did shirt sponsors, and similar to swimming and athletics, performance enhancing technology. One could argue that, as with any workplace or occupation, one’s attire is built to suit it, but rugby jerseys are greater than this.
Rugby jerseys are an essential part of rugby culture, a distinguishing feature of the game of rugby. So in changing the playing gear, they’re changing the culture. Again, this isn’t to say that cultures shouldn’t progress, but this is definitely a part which should have stayed. The hoops and harlequins designs, the quartered and plain – these are all designs which have been born and lasted in rugby. Even the rugby league “V” is distinctive of the sport. But this is slowly being taken away by designs that could be described as leotards.
Separation takes place from the community and professional games on all fronts right now, but this is certainly a symbol of it. The fact that you could wear your jersey around town with relative comfort was one of the greatest features of the greatest game.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.