RAF Rugby Union Launches New Canterbury Kit to Mark the Start of a Four-Year Partnership

LONDON, ENGLAND, December 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) The RAF Rugby Union unveiled a brand-new Canterbury rugby jersey at Twickenham on Saturday, prior to England's QBE International test match against South Africa, to mark the start of a four year partnership between the world's leading rugby brand and the Royal Air Force Rugby Union.

As England prepared to host the Springboks, the RAF Rugby Union, made up of serving RAF members, modeled the new strip outside the home of English rugby.

The new jersey keeps the traditional RAF cronulla blue with traces of maroon that has long been associated with the RAF Rugby Union. New features include the 'Loop 21' collar and distinctive RAF roundels on both shoulders. The Men's First XV will wear it for the first time today, when they travel to Franklin Gardens to take on the Northampton Saints Wanderers.

Men's First XV captain Flt Lt John Hall and Women's First XV No. 8 Senior Aircraftswoman Sian Williams, who is also a Welsh International, posed in the new jersey at Canterbury's 'Join The Lineup' fan stand between 10.45am-11.30am.

Situated in the South Car Park throughout the QBE Internationals, the stand promotes Canterbury's 'England Is All' campaign celebrating the unity of the England Rugby family, and with the title 'Join The Lineup' this links perfectly to the RAF Rugby Union's objective of recruiting to the RAF 'family' through rugby.

Fans can become part of the 'England Is All' rugby lineup by visiting the fan stand on match days during the QBE Internationals and have their photo taken posing in the new England home shirt from Canterbury, within a 3D interactive booth next to a stellar lineup of England players.

Group Captain Chris Moore, Director of RAF Representative Rugby said:

"Signing of this contract is an important milestone in the RAFRU's strategy for reinvigorating Rugby Union in the Royal Air Force. We are looking forward to working with the Canterbury team, who have a track record for delivering quality kit and excellent service."

Wing Commander Rog Simon, RAFRU Director of Finance and Media said:

"The RAF Rugby Union is delighted to enter into this partnership with Canterbury, a company whose reputation for quality, performance and technological excellence mirrors that of the RAF. It has been particularly exciting to be able to 'launch' the new RAF playing strip for 2012/13 at Twickenham as part of Canterbury's wider support to the Rugby Football Union. We look forward to developing playing kit and apparel that supports the RAF Rugby Representative sides as they continue their drive towards excellence on and off the pitch."

Visit http://www.canterbury.com for more details