New Wallaby jersey unveiled

The Australian Rugby Union has unveiled a new-look Wallaby jersey on the eve of the team's departure for the four-Test Spring Tour.

The new jersey has been custom-designed by Canterbury, in close consultation with senior Wallabies including Lote Tuqiri, George Smith and Phil Waugh.

The change in design sees the green hoops removed from the sleeves and replaced with a green stretchable panel under the sleeves and down the side of the jersey.

The logo of the Wallabies' major sponsor Qantas will change from white to black, while the Coat of Arms remains on the left chest and the Wallaby and Southern Cross remain on the right chest.

The selection of the new design also involved feedback from several Rugby stakeholder groups, including Wallaby fans, club rugby players, ex-Wallabies, "traditionalists", Wallaby team management, retailers, female supporters, business experts and the team's major sponsor.

The new stretch panelling in the players jersey is designed to provide greater freedom of movement and help reduce jersey tackles.

The new jersey is also a closer fit through the back, underarms and biceps, and has a reduced collar and neckline, which will force defenders to get both hands on the attacker's body, and hopefully increase the gaps that attacking players can slip through.

Wallaby flanker Phil Waugh said he enjoyed the chance to have some input into the new design.

"It's a fantastic new design. It's important for the team to feel proud of the jersey, and the new design fits the bill. We are sure the fans will love it just as much".

"The jersey not only has to look good, but perform on field as well. It fits even closer to the body, but it is actually more comfortable because it has more stretch and flexibility.

"In this day and age of professional Rugby, we need to look at every possible advantage, so it was good to be able to have a say in the new design."

The new Wallaby jersey will be available in Canterbury stores and major sports retailers from 27 October in Authentic Slimfit and Regular Supporters versions. The popular women's fit jersey, specifically tailored for female supporters, will be available in ¾ sleeve and short sleeve.

Recommended retail prices:
Authentic on-field jersey: $199.95
Men's on-field replica (short-sleeve and long-sleeve versions): $169.95
Women's on-field replica: $129.95
Kids on-field replica (long-sleeve only): $109.95

Fans can also purchase the new jersey online at www.wallabyshop.com

Features of the new Wallaby Jersey

• Strong Tactel Elastane underarm gusset for improved freedom of movement across body (passing, catching etc) and to allow a closer fit to reduce jersey tackles.
• Trialled & approved by the Wallabies team including senior players.
• Slimmer fitting jersey with displaced side seam to improve fit through lower back.
• New seam positioning and reinforced coverstitching for increased strength and reduced skin irritation.
• Tactel Elastane sleeve underarm for firmer fit around biceps and to greatly reduce sleeve tackles.
• Super lightweight double layered Temex® fabric for superior moisture management.
• Zoned mesh knit construction for improved breathability and to accelerate evaporation in sweat zones.
• 75% Polyester/25% Cotton for strength and comfort.
• Traditional Canterbury collar and loop neck has been reduced to limit collar tackles.
• Tactel Elastane hem binding and longer back tail helps the jersey to stay tucked in.
• New Qantas logo with Black lettering.