The Ireland Women’s team has become the first Six Nations team to make a permanent change from their traditional white shorts.
The move, which is led by kit supplier Canterbury of New Zealand and the IRFU, comes as a response to players’ feedback about period anxieties and follows similar moves in other sports.
Manchester City’s women’s team changing to burgundy shorts, while female players will be able to wear coloured undershorts at Wimbledon this summer.
The players have chosen to make a permanent switch to navy and the new shorts will be worn for the first time by Ireland captain Nichola Fryday at the TikTok Women’s Six Nations launch tomorrow and by the team for the duration of the tournament, which kicks off on Saturday 25th March.
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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.
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 emailing teamwear@canterbury.com.
Ireland International Enya Breen commented: "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.
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