Monday, October 16, 2017
New Look Kiwis to Take Field at Tournament
Thomas Leuluai, who has recently returned from the UK to play for the Kiwis, went to Otahuhu today to meet the team of
the newest Kiwis sponsor Mainstream.
Also on show was the new Kiwis jersey that features a hand drawn design by Kiwis cultural advisor Ora Kihi. Using photos
of many of the Kiwis players tattoos, he took elements that represent their many and varied backgrounds and combined
them into a design which has been added to the back and sleeves of the Kiwis playing jersey.
The jersey also features logos from long-time Kiwis sponsors Pirtek and Revera, recent partner G.J. Gardner Homes and
two new sponsors - Mainstream and Save My Bacon.
Mainstream will also sponsor the Kiwi Ferns and the NZRL referees, with the whole partnership to run until after the
2021 RLWC.
This freight and logistics company move, manage and store freight throughout New Zealand and worldwide. They offer
flexible, integrated and easy-to-use freight solutions.
Save My Bacon has also made a long term commitment to the game, with a focus on providing financial literacy education
to players and staff and supporting NZRL community programmes. Save My Bacon is working with NZRL to develop programmes
which will benefit the entire league community. They will be announced early next year.
Greg Haliday, Managing Director of Mainstream said “My family has a long history of involvement with rugby league so
when this opportunity came our way, we were very keen to be involved.
“Mainstream is a proud 100% Kiwi owned business with our roots in South Auckland so this is a great fit for us.”
“It’s wonderful to be associated with two of New Zealand’s elite sports teams and we’re looking forward to following the
Kiwis and the Kiwi Ferns during the RLWC.
“Given the high profile of women’s sport these days and the Ferns success both in this tournament and at the Nines, we
are really pleased to be able to be their front of jersey sponsor for the next four years.”
Alex Hayton, NZRL CEO explained that NZRL had wanted to keep the front of the jersey traditional with such an important
tournament being played at home, while adding interest and something of the players themselves for the same reason.
“We are very pleased with the design Ora has created and with the way Macron have integrated it into the jersey and our
range of retail apparel, connecting our fans with the Kiwis.”
“Over the next few years we will be playing more games at home and securing these excellent long term partners allows
us to focus on the delivery of these events.”
The Kiwis RLWC campaign kicks off on Saturday, October 28 against Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium. The Kiwi Ferns will play
their pool games in Sydney, with the games live on SKY from November 16.
Tickets for all games in NZ and Australia can be bought online at www.rlwc.com/fixtures.
ends