England Rugby and Umbro unveil 150 anniversary kit
Umbro has revealed a special anniversary shirt to be worn by England in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations match against Scotland.
The 2021 Calcutta Cup match will be played at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, 6 February at 1645 GMT, 150 years after the two sides met in the first ever international rugby Test match, at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh in 1871.
England will commemorate this historic milestone by wearing a one-off jersey created by Umbro, the Official Technical Kit Partner to England Rugby, which is inspired by the one worn a century-and-a-half ago.
The traditional and clean design features England’s heritage rose, and a gold embroidered 1871-2021 sign off. Paying homage to the original kit from 1871, the shirt was created in consultation with England Rugby’s Principal partner O2, whose mark moves to the sleeve to support the heritage aesthetic.
With its pioneering approach to developing kit and a rigorous testing programme, Umbro has ensured that the traditional shirt is fit for purpose. Constructed with high stretch elastane, and finished with plastisol grip zones, to provide optimum grip, the heritage shirt is ready to meet the demands of the modern game.
A limited-edition range of heritage shirts has been produced for fans to purchase and are available now through www.englandrugbystore.com.
Anthony Little, Managing Director, Umbro commented: “We are hugely excited to unveil England’s anniversary kit for the 2021 Calcutta Cup match. For the last 150 years, players and fans have worn the English rose with immense pride. We are extremely proud to have played a part in English rugby’s history and we look forward to building on our past experience in creating elite performance products to shape our future in rugby.”
Bill Sweeney, CEO , England Rugby said: “We are extremely proud to be celebrating 150 years of rugby union in England and the iconic red rose. Umbro has created a terrific anniversary kit and I look forward to seeing Eddie Jones’ side wearing this when they take to the pitch against Scotland in February. We’d also like to extend our thanks to O2 for agreeing to give up their front of shirt position on this special one-off heritage jersey.”
Gareth Griffiths, Head of Sponsorship, O2, said: "We’re delighted to support the RFU and Umbro with this one-off jersey inspired by the kit worn 150 years ago. The heritage of rugby is showcased in this special design and we look forward to seeing the players and fans continue to Wear the Rose when England take on Scotland next month.”
Following the match with Scotland, England will return to their regular Umbro home kit for the remainder of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations Championship.
