England Rugby have revealed the brand new home shirt that they’ll be wearing for the 2017/18 season, and long-time kit supplier Canterbury has brought all of its 113 years of apparel expertise to bare for the new design.
The shirt, has made use of significant 3D body mapping and extensive testing to improve the durability and strength of the jersey, while the weight has also been reduced by 20gsm, so it’s now the lightest kit ever made by Canterbury.
The new jersey’s most striking feature is the sleeves – these have been lengthened slightly and constructed with hi-stretch modular fabrication to improve the fit and comfort. These sleeves also incorporate a midnight blue fade, nodding to the traditional third colour of the RFU, traditionally seen on the socks.
Intriguingly, the new replica shirt also features a unique new ‘commemorative plaque’, which carries an exclusive number. This is part of Canterbury’s newly launched ‘Unbreakable Bond’ campaign, and means that for the first time, supporters will be able to buy an individual jersey that sports a unique number.
Speaking at the launch, England captain Dylan Hartley said:
“Every player in the squad is proud to represent England, put on the jersey and wear the rose. We’re all committed to improving – not only individually but as a whole team and it’s great to see this philosophy is shared by Canterbury. It gives us real confidence knowing we are wearing the best possible kit to help optimise our performance.”
The new shirt is available to preorder now, and keep a close eye on Rugby Shirt Watch for our full review of this shirt very soon.
Rugby Shirt Watch 
George Ford looks like he’s sweating ink in the promotional pic.