The Western Force has launched its anniversary playing strip ahead of the 2015 Super Rugby season – the club’s 10th year in the competition.
Representative players were involved in the design process with the 10th anniversary jersey featuring the iconic swan on the front the Force’s ocean blue jersey. Gold trim and black panels under the arms link back to the traditional state colours of Western Australia, where rugby has been played in the state for more than 120 years.
The jersey also has the Force’s ’10 Years’ logo emblazoned on the chest while each name of the 126 players that have represented the Force in Super Rugby since 2006 are listed on the lower back.
The alternate strip is predominantly white featuring the black swan across the front, and a blue trim.
The Force’s remaining inaugural players, Matt Hodgson and Pek Cowan, were on hand to launch the playing jerseys on Tuesday afternoon, as were locally-produced rising stars, Luke Burton and Oliver Hoskins.
The 2015 men’s replica jerseys and training kit are now available for purchase through the Force Team Store, with members receiving a 10% discount. Women’s and children’s jerseys can be pre-ordered.
Force captain, Matt Hodgson, who was one player involved in the design of the jersey, said recognising the traditional colours of the Force and rugby in WA, as well as paying tribute to players that have been a part of the club over the past nine years, was important.
“While we are always proud to pull on the Force jersey to represent our mates, our club and state, and play in front of the Sea of Blue, it was great to be involved in designing the jersey,” he said.
“For me, it was important that we maintained the integrity of the Force jersey but also have the opportunity to recognise the history of rugby in WA. We were also keen to recognise all the players that have pulled on the jersey, on the jersey itself.
“I am very excited about being a part of the club’s 10th season. The boys have been working extremely hard through the pre-season and this early effort and results, and owning our standards will be an important part of us being able to back up from last year’s season.”
RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry said the jersey is an important part of the 10th year celebrations.
“Our 10th year anniversary is a very exciting time for the club,” he said.
“This season is an opportunity for us to recognise many of those who have contributed to the history of our club and have so passionately supported us over the past nine years.
“The club has learned a great deal over the past nine years, and as we enter our 10th season, while we acknowledge there is more work to be done, we’re further motivated by the knowledge that we’re heading in the right direction.
“The launch of our jersey is the first in a number of events we have planned to celebrate our 10th anniversary, and we’d like everyone that has been a part of the last nine years to join us in our 10th season.”