Munster kick off new clothing range

MUNSTER Rugby last night launched its own dedicated clothing range outside of regular team and supporter wear.

Ultimately, the range, known as the Thomond Park collection, given the hugely high profile of the Limerick ground, could rival Eden Park, set up a number of years ago based on the similarly high profile of the home of Auckland rugby in New Zealand.

Munster Rugby has become one of the first European sports brands to launch its own dedicated clothing range outside of regular team and supporter wear, and the new collection will be the official causal clothing wear for the Munster Rugby team.

Sales & Marketing Manager for Munster Rugby, Glyn Billinghurst, at the launch in Limerick last night, explained: “It was a very interesting process for all involved, bringing a new clothing line to the market. As the senior squad will be clothed by the Thomond Park collection, we ensured the players were very involved in the selection of the final range.”

He added: “This venture has received extremely positive support from the clothing retailers around the country, who have already seen the designs for spring/summer 2008. Based on trade feedback, we are confident that the range will become established firmly in the casual leisure market as a year-round favourite, and not just a Munster Rugby clothing item.”

Barry Murphy and Anthony Foley were among two of the Munster players involved in the selection process. Former captain, Foley said: “This is a great addition to the clothing options for all sports fans and not just rugby supporters. The feedback from the squad has been great and certainly added some style to the players’ casual clothing choices. The options within the Thomond Park collection are a match to any of the leading brands we are familiar with.”

The newly-launched collection will cater for all age groups. The sports category will initially include polo shirts, rugby shirts and fashion t-shirts while the casual range will include shirts, pants and pullovers.