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The Wallabies have added a First Nations design to their new gold jersey with the numbering set to embrace a fresh look, Rugby Australia has announced.
The design by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding, will be incorporated into the playing numbers starting this weekend against South Africa at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
RA said it will mark the first time an Australian representative team will bear both the coat of arms and a First Nations design in its primary playing strip.
RA also confirmed that the Wallabies will wear the complete First Nations jersey for the team’s Test match in Townsville against Argentina.
(Photo by Rugby Australia/Andrew Phan)
“The First Nations design celebrates and recognises Australian Rugby’s First Nations peoples with the artwork also highlighting all communities coming together as one,” the statement said.
“The Wallabies debuted their First Nations jersey in 2017 when they overcame the All Blacks in a memorable victory at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
“The team then took the jersey to Twickenham to play England at the home of Rugby before celebrating and recognising Australia’s First Nations’ history at the 2019 Rugby World Cup when they played Uruguay.
“The jersey has been worn on another two occasions during the 2020 Tri Nations when the side faced New Zealand and Argentina in Sydney.
“Wearing the jersey in Townsville will add to an already historic weekend of Rugby with the All Blacks set to play the Springboks in the 100th Test match between the two nations.
“Additionally, wearing the jersey in Townsville will culminate in a week of activities and initiatives for the team with a link to country and culture a key focus for the Wallabies ahead of their match on September 25.
Throughout the week, the Wallabies will engage with the local Rugby community and members of North Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations as they look to broaden their understanding of their country’s history.”
Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie was quoted as saying: “This jersey holds significance to every member of our team, and to have the First Nations artwork now on our primary jersey is something incredibly special.
“It was the players who had been advocating for the idea of a permanent First Nations addition, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to come up with a solution with ASICS which will feature on the new-look jersey.
“We place a great deal of thought as to when and where we will wear it, and Townsville is an obvious choice – it boasts a strong First Nations community who we represent, and when we wear this jersey, we feel it will provide us with an even stronger connection with our people.
“As a squad, we pride ourselves on culture and inclusivity, and that’s what the First Nations jersey represents, and to now have it on both jerseys is something special for our Rugby community,” Rennie said.
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.