Munster dress to impress with €2m shirt deal

ADIDAS “tight shirts” were once the preserve of the All Blacks but next month Munster will wear similarly-designed shirts after a new sponsorship deal signed between the sporting giants.

Munster dress to impress with €2m shirt deal

At an extravagant launch in Dromoland Castle on the outskirts of Newmarket-on-Fergus in Co Clare, the traditional red home kit was sported and modelled by Munster’s Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer, Donncha O’Callaghan, Denis Leamy and Anthony Foley.

The kit which goes on sale on August 9 will be worn by Munster for the first time in a pre-season friendly against USA Eagles in Chicago on August 26.

Munster’s lucrative three-year deal with international multi-sports brand adidas will reportedly net the province €2 million.

Neat, detailed and fashionable and which got the thumbs up from all the players, the new tight fit shirt hasn’t deviated from the traditional “real” red colours of Munster. Close in appearance to the 2005 Lions shirt, it features rugby-specific “ForMotion” technology, which helps the kit move with a player’s body.

The jersey is specifically constructed to be most comfortable for a player when he is in position to catch, make a pass or go into a tackle. ClimaCool technology also features. This allows heat and sweat to escape while bringing air into contact with the skin. There are also some stand-out design details in the shirt, most notably at the back neck where the three crowns of Munster are embroidered.

The new shirts will be available in two types; the tight-fitting playing version which retails at €100 and a standard supporters’ replica €65, which is a more loose-fitting type.

Munster Rugby chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald, said after three attempts to nail down a deal with the company that boasts the famous three stripes, he was finally delighted to be able to land a deal with one of the world’s leading sports brands “They bring with them all the latest kit technology yet have maintained a classic look to the shirt. This association will ensure the squad is fully equipped for the demands of modern rugby. Adidas’ global brand appeal and heritage in rugby apparel is second to none.”

Robin Money, Head of Sports Marketing, adidas Area North said he never thought he’d be associated with such an iconic brand. “Munster are a class act,” he said “We know that, coupled with our long history of rugby innovation, we can look forward to many years of success.”

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