New 2013 Wallabies jersey revealed

Yes it is me.

Kooga release two tiers of jersey, the 'pro' jersey and the 'supporters' jersey. The supporters one is made of cotton and has a proper collar, making it much more like a traditional rugby jersey. With the trend of rugby jerseys, I can't see the collar making a reappearance, so it looks like the two tiers will be the compromise going forward

I'll tell you a little story about the Springboks when they were under Nike sponsorship early this century: They were due to come out to Australia and a mate of mine owned a footy store in Sydney. He decided that he would contact Nike in Australia to import some Boks jerseys to sell. The Nike contact said, "there are none." So, my mate arranged a meeting with the contact. After a short meeting, it was established that Nike had only sponsored the Boks as promotional activity to increase brand awareness about Nike boots, runners etc. - they didn't care about Springbok apparel sales. The deal had to be done via a slightly illegitimate path hidden from Nike hierarchy. The issue with international companies is that they care much less about smaller Australian markets. Why should Adidas worry about an Australian team when they own the contract to all NBA apparel, sold worldwide. When they had the contract for Cricket Australia, trying to get orders in to the matchday venues on time was appalling. Likewise, I know Sydney FC had to order a minimum of 15,000 jerseys when they sold out. On the other hand, smaller, Aus based companies have a 'small' contract like the Wallabies much higher on their priorities. As such, all my work with KooGa has been much easier. The only issue I have with them is I know their work at grassroots has gotten progressively worse (and more expensive) as they have gotten bigger. Canterbury I haven't had any issues with, both at professional and grassroots.

I agree! Over here in Cape Town is a big support base for the ABs. Its not about the logo but the team & I kinda like the new look Wallaby strip! I'm gonna buy me one 4 the Sept 28 test here at Newlands!

Im not saying they are necessary, but it is a definite improvement on the cycling inspired lycra garbage teams are playing in now.

yeah i'd like a count of the times anyone ever seen someone actually get grabbed by the collar. would make it a lot better to wear as a fan if it had one

what about the wallabies asics jersey?

Look I think you are all a bit precious. The boys could wear a bloody cyclists king of the mountain spotted number with purple shorts as long as they win! My suggestion would be one of these new fangled materials that sheds tacklers and changes to the oppostion's colour when the refs whistle blows up an infringement. Green and Gold are actually not Australia's colours. The official colours are Blue and Gold but from where I sit it is mostly brown, white and Blue with a touch of gold along the beaches! There are a hell of a lot of marsupials on the jersey, eh? How many? Count em

I understand your sentiment, but, being pedantic, in rugby the home team wears the alternate kit. The last time I saw this NOT happen was the world cup final. I like the green sleeve idea though. I've always thought a golden wallaby embroidered on the green sleeve would be a good idea, especially as the wallaby has to move from the front of the shirt in a world cup year. Does anybody remember the green alternate kit we had in 1999?

It would make a good soccer jersey

Nah, I'm all for big names, but honestly, the kits that have been coming out from Adidas, CCC, Nike and Puma recently have not been too good. I just wish this kit was more distinctive. Should have dropped the green sash, too much like CCC, and gone for a full green collar and sleeve-cuff

Thanks Gents. Much appreciated ;)

Johnno, What time do you get up?

How good's my memory!! Thanks mate - I remember Sean posted some pics, inluding of the white jersey with green and gold bands, and it looked fantastic..

Yeah I meant as a badge.

Brett, No need to get Sean, I answered Blinky for you! ;;-)

Blinky, The Wallabies decided to wear gold for the first time on their tour of South Africa in 1961. In the pre-WW1 days, the Wallabies wore the colour of the city they were playing in - NSW sky blue in Sydney & Qld maroon in Brisbane. A couple of times they even played in sky blue & maroon hoops. In the 20s, only the Waratahs existed & of course they played in sky blue. In the 30s, the Wallabies used green jerseys for the first time, but there were quite a few changes. In 1933 in South Africa, the Wallabies played in sky blue. In 1937 against South Africa, the Wallabies played in white jerseys with a broad green hoop bordered by gold bands. The following year against the ABs, they had a similar design but substituted gold for white. In the 40s & 50s, the Wallabies played almost exclusive in green jerseys. In both the 1953 & 56 series against South Africa, away & home, it was the Springboks who changed to white jerseys. By 1961, Australia realised it was their turn to come up with an alternate jersey. It wasn't because SA had demanded sole rights to green. Realising both South Africa & Ireland played in green, & that gold was their alternate colour, the Wallabies decided on this colour as a long-term solution. So that is why, since 1961 the Wallabies have played predominately in gold & all its various hues since.

The greater irony is that you're paying top dollar for jumpers that effectively have you advertising a bunch of companies everywhere you go! This is particularly bad in League, but not much better in the A-League and Rugby. By all rights you should be given a discount for the sponsor covered jerseys, and forced to pay a premium to have the ugly things removed. I honestly have no desire to advertise HSBC every time I go to the Tahs, or show love for Steggles if I watch the Roosters... and the massive VB symbol has prevented me from buying a blues jersey for a couple years now.

... and don't get me started on those glorified singlets that they wear in the AFL: $120 for a printed vest? With not a stitch of embroidery!? At least rugby and football shirts come with badges and the like.

Definitely agree with you on the return to green front. I honestly don't understand why Australian rugby seems to have made it a virtual taboo since 1961. Surely we can bring it back just for the sake of variety - and it'd certainly increase jersey sales! Other than that, I'm glad the southern cross is only hinted at now, as its become a symbol dominated by racist and small minded bogans in this country unfortunately, so the association with it feels uncouth and tarnished. On collars, this jersey hints at one, and that is enough I think. Qantas could be smaller, but again, it's already a lot less of an eyesore than the old vodaphone was once upon a time and doesn't dominate the jersey like the HSBC logo does for the Lions or the Tahs.