Adidas, the global sports brand, on Friday unveiled the new-look DHL Stormers kit which brings the Western Province and the Stormers brands much closer for the 2013 season.

Sport24

“In 2013 we plan on ‘bringing it home’ – which has been the design inspiration behind the new jersey. While a lot of rugby jerseys have become reserved for Saturday afternoons, the new Stormers jersey just oozes style and character,” says GP Sangiorgio, the Category Manager for Team Sports at adidas South Africa.

The most noticeable change is the colour and striping execution – bringing the Stormers and Province brands closer to each other.

“We’ve gradually moved away from a stack of colours, to a black and storm inspired jersey and now into a more traditional striped royal blue, bringing home the Province and Stormers brands,” adds Sangiorgio.

adidas has also added unique touches to the new kit in order to lift it above its predecessors. Inside the collar the wording ‘I am a Stormer’ connects the fans with brand in a powerful way.

“As we enter into yet another exciting phase in the evolution of the Stormers jersey it’s worth reflecting on the long-term relationship we have had with adidas over many, many years,” says WP Rugby CEO Rob Wagner.

“The new Stormers jersey is the next step for us in aligning our two brands and we look forward to seeing our loyal supporters in this new-look jersey in 2013.”

The new kit also comes with the climacool technology – which is a combination of open mesh fabrics and fibres which serve as ventilation channels in key parts of the jersey – under the arms, across the chest, etc. This technology keeps cool air flowing in with heat and sweat flowing out. “It allows our athletes to stay cool, dry and comfortable at the highest level,” adds Sangiorgio.

The new replica kit is available from Friday at major sports retailers and adidas stores at the recommended retail price of R699.

The jersey looks like this: