The Five Best Wales Rugby Jerseys of All Time
The Welsh rugby jersey is a symbol of national pride for Wales. It has been worn by generations of legendary players, from 'The King' Barry John to the most capped international player of all time, Alun-Wyn Jones. Although the red hasn't changed professionalism in the modern game has brought about sponsors and kit designers resulting in evolving designs. In this blog post, we'll delve into our picks for some of the best Wales rugby jerseys, exploring their design, and their significance in Welsh rugby history.
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5. 2013/2014
Kicking off our list is a classic from the Under Armour era. This jersey features a bold red base with contrasting black and white accents. A distinctive diagonal stripe pattern on the sides add contrast to the design, while the Admiral sponsorship is subtle and clean. The jersey was paired with red shorts which emphasised the traditional Welsh colour while introducing a modern and energetic look. Although a departure from the traditional style, this jersey remains a fan favorite and represents a successful era for Welsh rugby in the mid-2010s.
4. 2024/2025
Fourth on our list is the current Wales rugby jersey. This Macron designed shirt adheres to the iconic Welsh red, but with a contemporary twist. White accents feature on the collar and sleeves, and a subtle fire graphic on the sides nods to the Welsh dragon, the national animal. The colours of the Vodafone sponsor also complement the jersey, resulting in a clean and modern aesthetic. While the team hasn't enjoyed the best of luck recently, with a string of losses leading into the 2025 Six Nations, we hope this jersey brings a change in fortune and inspires the team to victory.
3. 2002
At three, we have a somewhat controversial classic from the early 2000s. This Reebok-designed jersey features the iconic Welsh red, but with a bold twist: a black collar instead of the traditional white. This jersey was also paired with black shorts to mirror the look of legendary 1970s Welsh teams. The jersey sparked debate among fans, however, the jersey's simplicity ultimately makes it stand out. The predominant red is complemented by minimal Reebok and Rockport branding. This design is a testament to the principle that less is often more.
2. 2023/2024
Second on our list, we have another Macron classic: the 2023/24 Wales home jersey. This design pays homage to the classic Welsh jersey with a vibrant red base, a classic white collar, and an embroidered WRU badge on the chest. White bands on the sleeves and subtle maroon accents on the sleeves and sides add a modern touch, creating a visually appealing contrast. The Vodafone sponsorship maintains a clean and professional aesthetic. This jersey was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, and it proved to be successful for Wales as they topped their pool in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
1. 1970's
Topping our list is a true classic: the retro 1970s Wales jersey. From an era of long-sleeved cotton jerseys, minimal branding, and no prominent sponsors, this jersey embodies simplicity and elegance. Featuring a vibrant red base with a crisp white collar and the iconic WRU badge on the chest, it's a timeless design. This jersey evokes memories of a golden age for Welsh rugby, when legends like Phil Bennett, Gareth Edwards, and Barry John graced the field. While original versions are rare, Ellis Rugby has created a stunning replica of the 1976 Grand Slam-winning jersey, allowing fans to embrace this iconic era.
So there you have it: our list of the five best Wales rugby jerseys! From vintage classics to modern designs, these jerseys tell a story of Welsh rugby throughout the years Do you agree with our picks? Let us know in the comments down below!
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