RUGBY:LEANER, MEANER and coming to a sports store near you. Irish rugby launched the latest incarnation of the national jersey this week, the all-singing, all-dancing home and away kits they will sport during the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The jersey will make its competitive bow against France at the start of August, with replicas already being sold at €66.
Recession or not, the cost of wearing your heart on your sleeve is not to be sniffed at, but the price of a rugby jersey is, by and large, in line with what fans are asked to pay across the sporting spectrum.
There are exceptions, of course, and while many fans would baulk at the notion of spending the guts of €100 on a jersey, for those keen to get their hands on the real thing without relieving Brian O’Driscoll and co of the match-day shirts an “authentic” Test edition is also available at €90.
By and large, though, the vast majority of fans will be happy to make do with the standard replica version.
France will also give their latest design an airing in Bordeaux, a natty two-tone number that is likely to get up the noses of their hosts in New Zealand, celebrating as it does their previous wins over the All-Blacks in World Cups. At €75 it is more expensive than any of the other Six Nations sides already on the market, while the “authentic” edition comes in at an eye-watering €130.
In a hectic time of the year for sports manufacturers, busy getting their stock on the shelves ahead of the new seasons, a number of Irish shirts will be launched in the coming weeks. Leinster have already unveiled their new design, complete with a pair of stars above the crest to signify their two Heineken Cup wins, with the adult replica version on sale at €65.
Ulster’s new range, including a striking Stade Francais-type design intended solely for supporters, is available on the province’s website priced at €66, while Munster will launch three new designs in July before they hit the shops in August.
Connacht are sticking with this year’s design for the new season. Originally on the market at €63, the shirts are now €31.
In soccer, Umbro and the FAI will launch their latest version on July 7th. The design remains under wraps, even though advance orders are being accepted, but what we do know is the shirt will set fans back €60.
Outside of the national team, English Premier League sides are the big sellers on Irish high streets, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal the main beneficiaries. Celtic can also expect to shift big numbers.
Airtricity League club shirts are around the same price, with defending champions Shamrock Rovers shirts on sale for €57, Bohemians available for €55 and Derry City going for £45 (€49).
With the GAA season still in its infancy, Sligo, Louth and Cavan fans may be among those feeling a little short-changed after parting with their hard-earned cash only to crash out in the first round of the qualifiers.
O’Neills, supplier to the overwhelming majority of intercounty teams with Dublin, Cork, Kerry and Tyrone among their 28 clients, sell their shirts at €60, while Azzuri, who kit out Waterford, Laois and Donegal, come in slightly cheaper at €55.
Cricket Ireland’s success at the last two World Cups has seen their shirts sales rocket, and the association, who recently signed a new four-year merchandising deal with BoomBoom Cricket, are selling their shirts at £40 (€44).
RUGBY
Ireland (Puma)
Authentic €90
Replica €66
France (Nike)
Authentic €130
Replica €75
Wales (Under Armour)
Authentic £90 (€99)
Replica £55 (€61)
Scotland (Canterbury)
Replica £55 (€61)
Leinster (Canterbury)
Authentic €85
Replica €65
Munster (Adidas)€60
GAA
Tyrone (O’Neills) €60
Dublin (O’Neills) €60
Cork (O’Neills) €60
Waterford (Azurri) €55
SOCCER
Republic of Ireland (Umbro) €60
Shamrock Rovers (Umbro) €57
Derry City (Hummel) £45 (€49)
Manchester United (Nike) €50
Liverpool Away (Adidas) €57
CRICKET
Cricket Ireland (BoomBoom)
Replica £40 (€44)
