IN RESPONSE TO PLAYERS’ feedback on period-related concerns, the Ireland women’s rugby team, in collaboration with world-leading kit supplier Canterbury of New Zealand and the IRFU, has made a permanent switch from traditional white shorts to navy ones.
Ireland captain Nichola Fryday will debut the team’s new navy shorts at the TikTok Women’s Six Nations launch tomorrow, which will be worn by the team throughout the tournament starting on March 25th.
Canterbury is extending the offer to all teams and players at various levels, who have previously bought their white women’s shorts, to claim a free pair in a different colour as part of the shift. The offer applies to those who have purchased Canterbury women’s white shorts within the past three years, in response to concerns raised by players regarding playing rugby in white kit during their menstrual cycle.
To claim their free pair of shorts, players can get in touch with Canterbury via their online Help Centre or by contacting [email protected] if they are part of a rugby club.
Ireland international Enya Breen said: “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.”
Many people on social media have welcomed the move from the IRFU
One user said, “Great idea and a sensible response from all involved. Best wishes ladies”
While another said, “Well done Irish Rugby Looks great!
This comes months after Women’s Super League club Manchester City confirmed they would be no longer wear white shorts during games next season to ease players’ period concerns during matches
The club made the announcement along with kit sponsor Puma.
“Puma and Manchester City take pride in working closely with our players to support them and create the best possible environment for them to feel comfortable and perform at their highest level,” Puma said in the October statement.
“As a result of player feedback and the underlying topic of women wanting to move away from wearing white shorts while on their periods, we have decided to implement changes to the products we offer to our female players.
“Starting from the 2023-24 season, we will not be providing white shorts to our female athletes. We will always provide an alternative for our home, away and third kits to solve the issue highlighted by women across all sports.”