2005 British and Irish Lions Shirt Revealed

2005 British and Irish Lions Shirt Revealed

At a launch in London yesterday, global sportswear giant adidas unveiled the official shirt of the British and Irish Lions squad to tour New Zealand in June and July 2005.

For the first time, the British and Irish Lions shirt features ClimaCool technology, a revolutionary moisture management system that will perform a crucial role in maximising players’ performance. Form-fitted to specific players’ needs - as first introduced by adidas into rugby in 1999 – the shirts will be the toughest ever produced.

Competing in the cold, wet and mud – likely New Zealand conditions for the June and July tour - can place enormous demands on a player’s body. Despite such adverse weather, each player produces on average an astonishing 6-8 litres of sweat during a game. Add to this mix a game played in heavy rain and the players can be surrounded in considerable moisture, which a traditional cotton rugby shirt would fully absorb. Over an 80 minute game, the increased weight of that shirt would increase the rate of fatigue, affecting performance.

ClimaCool technology has a unique wicking capability which not only draws sweat away from the skin for fast evaporation, but ensures the shirt will not become waterlogged by rain. In addition, mesh panels are strategically placed over key heat zones of the body to allow further ventilation. Keeping the body at a constant temperature enables muscles to reach op tim um performance levels – meaning dryer, lighter and more comfortable players.

When developing the Lions shirt, adidas scientists used body mapping techniques to specifically identify the key sweat and heat producing zones of the body. Weather conditions were re-created using environmental and climatic chambers, infra-red cameras and wind tunnels. Finally the improved fabric was put through countless bursting strength and tear tests ensuring it can meet the demands of modern rugby.

Clive Woodward, Head Coach of the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2005 said, “I think anyone who’s experienced the level of intensity of rugby in New Zealand , knows that for the squad of players we select, next year’s tour is likely to be the toughest experience of their careers. As such, I am extremely happy to unveil the kit that will help ensure our guys are as well equipped as possible to face the All Blacks. “

Robin Money, Head of Sports Marketing for adidas UK , said, “We are immensely proud to once again be official kit supplier to the British and Irish Lions. This is the third successive tour that we have provided equipment. For 2005, the development of ClimaCool technology means that players will now be more capable than ever of competing at the highest possible performance level for 80 minutes and beyond.”

The new British and Irish Lions shirt will be for sale in New Zealand from 1 December.

© Scoop Media