How much do we love this?!
We don’t normally want anything but equality for women.
But a move led by world-leading kit supplier Canterbury of New Zealand and the IRFU has to be applauded.
The Ireland women’s rugby team has chosen to change their traditional white shorts and instead make a permanent switch to navy.
The reason? It comes in response to players’ feedback about period anxieties.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there – although not necessarily on a rugby pitch, representing your country, with thousands of eyes watching your performance.
However, I think we can all sympathise with concerns of female players when it comes to dignity and comfort during your period.
The new shorts were worn for the first time by Ireland captain Nichola Fryday at the recent TikTok Women’s Six Nations launch and will be worn by the whole team for the duration of the tournament, which kicks off on March 25.
As part of the shift, Canterbury is also offering other teams and players at all levels, who have previously purchased Canterbury white women’s shorts, the chance to claim a free pair in a different colour.
The opportunity applies to players who have purchased women’s white shorts from Canterbury in the last three years.
The announcement comes after players voiced concerns about playing in white rugby kit during their period.
Ireland International Enya Breen, says: “The top way to ensure we perform to our best on the field is by removing any unnecessary distractions.
“Wearing navy shorts instead of white is such a small thing, but for us it’s a big step from Canterbury and the IRFU.
“Our hope is that it will help women at all levels of rugby feel more comfortable on the field so they can get on with performing at their best in the game that they love.”
The decision is one of a number of Canterbury initiatives to further the grassroots game. Its Give It A Try initiative with the IRFU has encouraged thousands of girls to take up rugby and Canterbury’s Future Fund grant, which focuses on creating equity for women in the sport, has supported UK players with kit, coaching and funding in its first year.
For Canterbury, this isn’t just about white shorts. With its mission to revolutionise rugby, the brand is committed to supporting all women in the game, by making sure every player feels listened to and respected.
Canterbury is already taking action to put women’s performance front and centre, working closely with players at all levels, ambassadors and partners to enhance its product offering, improve access to the game and ultimately level the playing field – with more game-changing plans to be announced in 2023.
Players can claim their free pair of shorts by contacting Canterbury via their online Help Centre, or if they’re part of a rugby club, by reaching out to teamwear@canterbury.com.