Canterbury Kicks Off New Springbok Sponsorship

Canterbury Kicks Off New Springbok Sponsorship

Canterbury International, the number one rugby apparel brand in the world, has signed on as the Official Technical Kit Sponsor to SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd and the Springbok Rugby Team.

To celebrate the deal, Springbok players will be taking time out from preparations for their Tri-Nations opener in Christchurch against the All Blacks to meet some up and coming younger players also sponsored by Canterbury.

A group of Springboks including Captain John Smit will be at the Canterbury of New Zealand store at Westfield Riccarton Shopping Centre tomorrow (Tuesday 20 July) at 10am to present a limited edition signed Tri-Nations Springbok jersey to Christchurch Boys High School to auction at a fundraiser later this week.

A group of junior players from CBHS will be touring South Africa next year. Canterbury International sponsors all sports at the prominent rugby school.

The partnership between Canterbury International and SA Rugby is for a period of five and a half years. The announcement means that the Christchurch based apparel company now sponsors five major international rugby teams namely South Africa, Australia, Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

Canterbury International also sponsors all three Australian Super 12 teams, two South African Super 12 teams and are proud to sponsor NPC teams in New Zealand including the new addition to the family, North Harbour.

The Canterbury International sponsorship of South Africa includes all national teams defined as the Springboks, the SA A Side, SA U23’s, SA U21’s, SA U19’s, SA Sevens, SA Women’s Team and any other national team that may be created by SA Rugby or SARFU in the future.

“As the world’s oldest and largest rugby brand, we are extremely pleased and proud to partner with South Africa’s best,” said Canterbury International CEO, Bruce Cotterill. “We have a passion and vision to provide jerseys that are not only tough enough to withstand the rigours of the game, but are also comfortable and stylish to wear.”

The new Springbok Player jersey’s design combines cutting edge fabric technology with innovative design and yet retains the proud heritage and tradition of the Springbok jersey of old. The major technological innovation is a lightweight Temex® fabric created using patented technology from DuPont Textiles and Interiors combined with Canterbury International’s existing Temex® fabric. The Springbok jersey weighs little more than half a pound of butter! The lightweight Temex® fabric is stronger and more durable, and has a greater resistance to tearing, than any Temex® fabric Canterbury has ever developed.

The unique lightweight Temex® fabric is double layered and designed to enhance performance. The inner face features DuPont Coolmax® which draws sweat away from the body to the outside of the jersey for fast evaporation, thus ensuring players stay dry and comfortable for the whole game. The outer face of the fabric features a poly-cotton yarn, which has ensured the jerseys are incredibly light, but maintain their strength and durability.

Canterbury have also reverted back to the traditional Springbok gold collar, as well as being innovative in placing the Springbok logo on the players shorts and the word “Springbok” has been knitted into the players socks.

“Rugby is at the heart and soul of Canterbury International. We have announced some major international and domestic rugby sponsorship programmes in recent weeks further cementing our position as the number one rugby apparel brand in the world,” says Bruce Cotterill.

SARFU President, Brian van Rooyen, has welcomed Canterbury International to the sponsorship fold.

“The Canterbury brand and its definitive trademark are synonymous with rugby. We wish to thank Canterbury International for its commitment to the future of South African rugby.”

Individual Springbok’s endorsed by Canterbury include: De Wet Barry, Brent Russell, Jacque Cronje, Geo Cronje, Gerrie Britz, Wikus van Heerden and Solly Tyibilika as well as Nomsebenzi, captain of SA Women’s Team.

FACT SHEETS

About Canterbury:

From humble beginnings in the late 1880‘s when two family companies joined forces in 1904, the Canterbury brand is now distributed widely around the world focusing on rugby playing nations with its head office based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The company has operations in New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, North America and in Cape Town, South Africa. In New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Asia the company has dedicated specialty stores that sit alongside duty free, sports, department, and men’s wear stores.

Canterbury of New Zealand built its foundations in club rugby, the grass roots of the game, and while it outfits high profile international sides such as Australia, Scotland, Ireland and Japan, it has never lost sight of its beginnings.

It was a chance request by a friend of one of the company’s founders that led the company into manufacturing rugby jerseys. The avid rugby player wanted to see if the company could produce a playing jersey that would not only be tough enough to withstand the rigours of the game, but that would also be comfortable and stylish.

In fact, Canterbury of New Zealand made its jerseys so well that word soon leaked out to other rugby playing nations. Canterbury of New Zealand jerseys found their way all over the world including North America where they became just as desirable off the field as on. During the late 1970’s the Canterbury of New Zealand jersey became a hot item in the North American casual wear market.

Whilst the growth of ‘lifestyle’ clothing for the company has been nothing short of fantastic, to be successful off the field Canterbury of New Zealand recognises that it must remain the champion on the field. No other apparel company in the world has the same singular focus on rugby as Canterbury of New Zealand.

Rugby is the heart and soul of Canterbury of New Zealand, the world’s oldest and largest rugby brand. World champions and grassroots rugby players alike have worn Canterbury of New Zealand on playing fields all over the world since 1904.

Canterbury of New Zealand built its foundations in club rugby, the grass roots of the game and still outfits millions of players at all levels around the world.

In the 1999 Rugby World Cup, eight of the teams that made it through to the final rounds chose to wear Canterbury of New Zealand (and its subsidiary brand Cotton Oxford).

Just as the best players have devoted themselves to performing at their peak at international level, so too Canterbury of New Zealand have worked hard to develop the World’s toughest rugby gear. The Canterbury of New Zealand rugby jersey has become the pinnacle of the jersey maker’s art.

SPRINGBOK 2004 JERSEY LAUNCH BACKGROUNDER

OVERVIEW

The new Springbok players’ jersey design combines cutting edge fabric technology with innovative design and yet retains the proud heritage and tradition of the Springbok jersey.

The jersey is a modification of the jersey design worn by the Wallabies, Scotland and Ireland during Rugby World Cup 2003 and utilises more than two years of research and development, during which time the jersey underwent numerous wearer trials in Australia, England and New Zealand.

Essentially the jersey is designed to reduce thermal stress (heat build-up) and improve both heat and moisture transfer through the fabric. If the body doesn’t need to expend energy cooling hot sports (such as the chest area), it is more capable of investing energy into playing harder for a longer period of time. This obviously enhances the on-field performance and increases the chances of playing well… and winning.

KEY POINTS/FEATURES OF THE SPRINGBOK JERSEY

- The player jersey’s major technological innovation is a lightweight Temex® fabric created using patented technology from DuPont Textiles and Interiors combined with Canterbury International’s existing Temex® fabric.

- This jersey is 35% lighter than the standard Polycotton rugby jersey and weighs little more than half a pound of butter. The reduction in jersey weight was noted by all players involved with trials and considered to be a real bonus.

- The lightweight Temex® fabric is stronger and more durable, and has a greater resistance to tearing, than any Temex® fabric Canterbury has developed.

- The unique lightweight Temex® fabric is double layered and designed to enhance performance. The inner face features DuPont Coolmax® which draws sweat away from the body to the outside of the jersey for fast evaporation and ensures players stay dry and comfortable for the whole game. The outer face of the fabric features a Polycotton yarn blend (65/35%), which has ensured the jerseys are incredibly light, but maintain their strength and durability. This Polycotton outer face also assists ball control more so than a 100% polyester face.

- The zoned knit construction means different parts of the jersey have different specialised knit constructions designed to enhance performance. There is increased breath-ability and stretch in the areas that need it most (areas covered by body armour, such as shoulders, underarms, upper chest and back) as well.

- A very special feature of the player’s jersey is an embossed design featuring the Springbok and Protea emblem that is positioned at the centre back of the jersey and adds a unique element to the jersey.

- Seam-lines, which have been minimised to ensure fewer stress points on the garment, have been positioned to enhance ease of movement and reduce irritation and friction.

- The loop neck construction (a Canterbury International tradition) has evolved to offer less material for opponents to grab. The modified loop neck construction will ensure good air circulation through the chest region and this, in combination with the mesh Temex® fabric on the upper chest and back neck, and the Polyester eyelet mesh at the underarm will enhance cooling of the body.

- The centre of the torso becomes very sweaty during activity, hence the introduction of mesh Temex®, to the centre upper back region will assist the body in keeping cool. There is some evidence to suggest that keeping the spine cool is effective in maintaining a stable core temperature.

- The armpit area heats rapidly during exercise and ventilation of this area is the key to keeping cool. The introduction of the Polyester eyelet mesh aims to produce “bellows” type effect within the garment where air enters through the loop neck and exits through the mesh panel under the arm. This enhanced ventilation within the garment will assist with sweat evaporation and keeping cool.

Reduced stretch through the waist/hip area of the jersey will make jersey pulling and tackling more difficult and lycra binding on the hem help the jersey to stay tucked in and prevent the jersey riding up.

- The traditional back neck label has been replaced with back neck transcreens. This is a growing global trend in the active wear / training product market and the back neck transcreens used in RWC 2003 have been updated to incorporate stretch which results in a more durable label.

About Hardgear:

Rugby's professional era makes player protection even more important. After all, the players are the team's prime assets! Players train harder, become stronger, and play more. That means the level and intensity of player on player impact, is even greater.

The release of Canterbury’s Body Armour range has heralded a whole new concept in rugby body protection, making sure players can benefit from maximum protection during training and games.

The patented "Honeycomb" design is constructed from specially developed high impact foam. Lightweight and comfortable, the “Honeycomb” design contours easily to the body to ensure maximum protection. Armed with “Ultrafresh” treatment to stop bacteria and mildew (that create infection and odours), the Body Armour range is designed for ultimate protection.

Headgear, tackle suits, shoulder pads, shoulder vests, gloves/mitts and padded nicks are available.

The benefits of Honeycomb headgear from Canterbury

- Lighter and more flexible to ensure increased comfort
- Ergonomic moulding to conform to head contours
- Refined design to give great peripheral vision
- Remodelled earpiece to offer more protection
- Approved by the IRB

Product Features and player Benefit

- Unique honeycomb construction design, that allows for great flexibility and conforms to contours of the head
- “Ultra fresh” anti-microbial treated foam significantly inhibits the growth of bacteria and mould in the foam
- Expandable lace–up closure provides superior fit and significantly reduces movement during play
- Specially designed earpiece provides protection and maximizes hearing
- Adjustable chinstrap allows for secure closing with special pressure release
- Ultra soft cross-linked closed cell polyethylene foam allows for greater impact and provides maximum shock absorption
- Nylon / Elastene fabric outer ensures enhanced durability. It is designed to not rip or tear. Remains elastic by allowing foam to expand and contract under pressure. Strain resistant.

CCC Shoulder Pads

- Honeycomb Padding for greater impact and absorption
- Nylon lycra for flexibility, durability, fit and comfort
- Worn by leading rugby player’s worldwide.

KEY POINTS / FEATURES ABOUT SPRINGBOK SUPPORTERS TECHTEX JERSEY

The Springbok Supporters jerseys are made from a locally developed fabric called Techtex®. This innovative, cutting edge fabric has been tested in New Zealand and it has been confirmed that Canterbury International SA have created a superior fabric with regards to fabric performance factors such as fabric stability, weight and most importantly strength.

The fabric is currently used in the construction of all Canterbury International SA’s premier teams’ jerseys, including amongst others, The Sharks, Bulls and the Falcons.

The jersey manufactured in South Africa by South Africans, allows for local job creation and upliftment of the country’s economy as a whole.

For the first time ever in South Africa, a manufacturer is now providing supporters’ jerseys for the entire family. Canterbury has made available unique Springbok women’s supporters’ jerseys (CAP and ¾ sleeves) as well as jerseys for the kids.

Fabric Composition and Knit

The Techtex® fabric knitted using a Polycotton and Nylon. The percentages being:

- 15% Nylon
- 57% Polyester
- 28% Cotton

This fabric is knitted using fully electronic Jacquard knitting machines utilising a 4-feeder system.

Advantages Of Techtex

Although Techtex is lighter than a standard Polycotton or 100% polyester rugby jersey, testing has revealed that the fabric has an improved and greater resistance to tearing.

Techtex®’s decreased cotton content allows the sweat to be wicked off the body quicker and transferred to the front of the jersey, allowing it to dry quicker as the player runs, decreasing moisture in the garment.

This action of the fabric keeps the jersey dry and allows the player to move around freely in the jersey as opposed to a soaking wet jersey. It also creates a cooler jersey in Summer and warmer in Winter thus allowing the wearer of the jersey to always be at their peak performance irrespective of the weather.

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