Available for pre-order from Lovell Rugby on June 1st, this exciting new kit is set to make its grand debut during the 2024 Summer Series.

The team will showcase it proudly in their first Test Match of the year against England at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on July 6.

But beyond its debut and initial impressions, the real excitement lies in the inspiration behind the design—let’s dive in!

Inspired by the Players – Adored by the Fans

You’ve got to love a brand’s commitment when they actually consider the history behind a jersey, and honour the wishes and respects of the players, and adidas have certainly hit the mark with this one!

In anticipation of the shirt’s launch, adidas brought together the stars of today, including newly-named captain Scott Barrett and Black Ferns’ Alana Bremner, as well as longstanding legends of the game Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

Leading the inspiration behind the design is none other than All Blacks’ sensation Jordie Barrett, who reflected upon the launch:

“The jersey holds a special place to the people of this nation […]

To be involved in the development prcoess of this shirt has been an incredible honour. As a player we have a responsibility to ensure it is always passed on to the next generation in a better place”

Here at The Full 80, we personally can’t get enough of the design. It is definitely a step up from last year’s rendition.

Perhaps most impressively, the All Blacks shirt features a double fold-over design made from a whopping 89% recycled material for the player-worn jersey, while the replica jersey is made from 100% polyester.

The White Collar Returns!

Ah, who could forget the golden year of 1987 when Captain David Kirk lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time, or the triumph in 2011 when Richie McCaw led the All Blacks to victory in the Rugby World Cup once again, with both teams donning the iconic wide Cuban-style open white collar of their respective eras?

We certainly haven’t, and it appears adidas hasn’t either!

Harkening back to the jerseys of old, and in a bid to commemorate their 25-year partnership with adidas, the three-stripe giant have pulled out all the stops to honour tradition, and let’s just say, these jerseys have never looked so good!

Dubbed as “Cuban-Style” , thanks to its open collar with relaxed, boxy fit, the jersey echoes the sentiments of All Black’s Jordie Barrett upon launch, reflecting how:

“As soon as the players saw the potential for a return to the iconic white collar – we were in complete agreement that it was a feature we would love to return”

And Barrett isn’t wrong! Simple, elegant and imbued with class, the return of the iconic white collar is sure to be a hit amongst fans, with all eyes set on the jersey’s debut on July 6th when the Maori warriors are set to take on England.

“Showing Their Strpes” – A nod to adi heritage

Let’s face it, adidas without their stripes, is like a leopard without its spots, and for the first time ever, the signature three stripes makes an appearance on the shoulders for the first time ever, albeit subtly…

Running across each shoulder, but subtly offset against the deep blacks of the jersey, adidas doesn’t distract from the collar, which we feel to be a genuis move, as quite rightly, the collar is everything!

Reaching the Silver Milestone: 25 Years

An All Blacks’ shirt without some silverware seems incomplete, doesn’t it? It’s like a canvas waiting for its artist, a story waiting for its hero.

In celebration of their 25-year partnership with adidas, the All Blacks have chosen to adorn their iconic fern emblem in silver. The accompanying sponsor “Altrad” and the adidas logo also share this silver hue, creating a cohesive and striking design.

However, this design goes beyond surface appeal. It stands as a symbol of the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Maori community, paying homage to a team that not only represents a nation on the field but also embodies its spirit beyond the game.

As a result, the silver fern is not merely decorative; it epitomises national pride and we feel adidas could not have done better!

Extending Beyond the All Blacks

Despite their 25-year partnership with adidas, the All Blacks aren’t the only ones celebrating.

The Black Ferns and New Zealand Sevens teams will also unveil updated looks for the new season, so stay tuned—adidas is about to make history with these designs!

In the meantime, be sure to stay in the loop with the latest Rugby News, Boot Drops & Guides right here at The Full 80. You won’t want to miss this!