New-look Wallabies set the trend

Defending champions Australia have climbed onto the World Cup catwalk in in their new rugby jersey.

The gold and green tops are 25% lighter and 10% stronger than the old ones, and have been cunningly cut to make it hard for a tackler to get a grip – bad news for Group A opponents Ireland.

But the Wallabies resisted the temptation to go for a high-tech design like their main rivals England and New Zealand.

The Wallaby version looks just like a traditional short-sleeved jersey with a proper collar.

Even so, it took two years‘ research and development and is made from a new fabric.

Wallaby captain George Gregan said: “It’s going to be hot during the World Cup, much hotter than the temperatures we usually play in.

“So at least now with the new jersey, keeping cool will be less of an issue.

“It is very light and comfortable and it‘s a great design.”