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Category: News

Our Rugby partners in the middle east

Kukri Sports is proud to showcase the continued success of its longstanding partnerships with rugby teams and education institutions in the Middle East.

We provide our partners with high-quality sportswear, designed to help players perform at their best. Our rugby kits are made with innovative materials and cutting-edge technology that provides players of all levels with comfort and durability that they need in order to focus on the pitch.

Over recent years, we have established enduring partnerships with numerous influential rugby institutions, including prestigious clubs Ulster Rugby and Waikato Rugby, as well as national events such as the Hong Kong Sevens, grassroots clubs such as Preston Grasshoppers and multiple universities and schools around the world.

Recently, we have been shining a light on our partnerships with rugby teams from around the world, providing an insight into how we provide support through our unparalleled commitment to innovation. Click here to find out more.

As part of this series, two of our partners in the Middle East that we will be focusing on are Bahrain RFC and Dubai College.

Bahrain Rugby Football Club

Traditionally one of the finest and historical sporting clubs in the region, Bahrain Rugby Football Club (Bahrain RFC) provide a fantastic experience for athletes looking to take part in recreational or competitive sports.

As an official partner of Bahrain RFC since 2013, Kukri supply the official match day kit and training range for all senior teams and entire junior section, covering sports such as rugby, cricket, netball, football and badminton.

After forming over 50 years ago, Bahrain RFC now boasts in excess of 6,000 members, becoming one of the largest and foremost private clubs within the Kingdom.

They started life as a section of ‘the British club’ in 1971, before officially becoming its own separate entity in 1974 and taking up residence at a small ground on the perimeter of the main runway at Bahrain International Airport.

After regular fixtures against local sides, Bahrain RFC moved to a new home in Saar in 1977, before embarking on a golden era during the 1980’s, becoming a powerhouse on the field of play across the annual Arabian Gulf League, Arabian Golf Cup and Dubai Sevens competitions.

Another significant development came in 1991, where the club received formal recognition by an association with the General Organisation of Youth and Sports, which opened more avenues to promote both the club and its adopted country.

Success continued on the pitch in the 1990s, which was also the period in which the club had started to extend its sport programmes, with the introduction of ladies netball and junior and veterans’ rugby.

Bahrain RFC had another significant moment in 1999 when they played Bahrain Defence Force XV in front of King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. King Hamad honoured the club by inviting them to play and by kicking off the match himself.

The club hired its first full-time Director of Rugby and several new players from the UK and Australasia, which played a pivotal part in them reaching the 2016/17 West Asia Cup final, as well as being crowned West Asia Cup champions during the 2017/18, 2018/19 & 2019/20 seasons.

Commenting on the partnership, Lindsey Gibson, Sports Manager and forwards coach at Bahrain RFC, said “At Bahrain RFC we are very unique in the sense we have many various sports and age groups, this poses a challenge of kitting out our full club with sports kits that are comfortable to wear, whilst also showing our identity and representing our club.

“Kukri have been amazing with this, covering all sections from U6 football and Netball right up to our first XV rugby team. The kit has always been of excellent quality with unique designs for every section, each season. The design team is very accommodating of our needs.

“Kukri is also the first company we have used that consistently delivers on delivery timelines, which is essential for our sporting season’s starting.”

We look forward to many more years sporting the Kukri kit at Bahrain Rugby Football Club.”

Click here to find out more about Bahrain RFC.

Dubai College

Established in 1978, Dubai College is one of the most prestigious schools in the United Arab Emirates, with a reputation for combining academic excellence with an outstanding sporting provision.

As a proud partner of Dubai College for over a decade, Kukri provide a full range of bespoke school sportswear for pupils and staff for a wide range of sports, both on and off the field.

Sport plays a central role in the extra-curricular life of Dubai College and provides every student with the opportunity to develop to the very best of their physical ability. 

They offer a vibrant rugby programme, allowing athletes to improve their rugby and individual skills and developing a culture that drives high performance at the individual and team.

Dubai College’s rugby programme consists of Boys & Girls Rugby teams, with girls’ rugby continuing to thrive due to a recent increase in the number of participants. The U18s girls team became the first UAE representatives to compete in the prestigious Rosslyn Park 7s last year, competing and pushing some top schools in the UK by losing out narrowly in the semi-finals.

Last year also marked the first time the Dubai College U19 rugby girls team competed in the Emirates Dubai 7’s tournament, marking their debut in the tournament in style after beating Jumeirah English Speaking School 33-12 in the final to win the Sevens Gulf U19 girls title.

The start of the new term has also been a successful one for some Dubai College rugby teams, with the U19 girls team competing in their first tournament of the term at the Dubai English Speaking College 7s tournament.

Dubai College’s U19 boys team were also invited to play in the St Peters College 100 years centenary celebrations during their pre-season tour of Sri Lanka. The team competed against some top schools and were crowned plate winners, with their focus now shifting onto the British School Al Khubairat 7s and Emirates Dubai 7s tournaments that take place later this year.

Commenting on the successful and ongoing partnership, Andrew Jones, Director of Sport at Dubai College, said “We are delighted to be partnered with Kukri Sports, who have consistently delivered high-quality to Dubai College sport teams for over a decade. The quality of their product has provided our student body with first rate sports apparel, both in curriculum and for our numerous sports teams.”

We are proud to be partnered with both Bahrain RFC and Dubai College, providing them and all our partners in the Middle East with cutting-edge and innovative playing kit and training wear that helps them to unleash their greatness on the pitch.

Click here to find out more about our ruby partners.

For more information on how we can help you and the services we can provide for your rugby team, get in touch.

Bridging the Gap: A ‘Black In Sport’ Intern’s Experience with Kukri Sports

In recent years, the world of sports has seen significant strides towards diversity and inclusion. Organisations are realizing the importance of creating a more inclusive environment, both on and off the field. Kukri Sports recently took a significant step in this direction by hosting Ranée James, a student intern, in association with ‘Black In Sport’, for a two-week placement. From a business point of view the initiative aimed to provide a valuable insight into the world of sports from the perspective of a student.

Kukri’s decision to support a ‘Black In Sport’ intern arises from the growing need for increased diversity in the sports industry. Sports, being a universal language, should reflect the richness of diversity that the world offers. Kukri recognized the need to take active steps towards inclusivity, and this initiative showcases their ongoing commitment to this mission.

During her two-week placement Ranée had a significant impact on Kukri Sports’ approach to freshers’ events. With her unique perspective and insights, she contributed to making these events more engaging and welcoming for students of all backgrounds.

When discussing her thoughts on Kukri after completing her intern she mentioned “At Kukri, there is the intimacy there between the brand and the customer, there is more dedicated support provided that other brands don’t.

“Kukri is the perfect size to help give that attention to details customers need, whilst providing incredible kit, on not just a UK basis, but a global scale.”

Additionally, Ranée had the opportunity to review Kukri Sports’ social media accounts and website from a student’s point of view. In an age where online presence is paramount, it is crucial for companies to maintain a digital space that resonates with their target audience. Her feedback provided valuable insights into making the online experience more appealing and relatable to students.

On discussing her future after her internship Ranée concluded “Working with Kukri has helped me solidify the fact that I do want to work in Sports Marketing, because this is where I feel my roots lie, I feel I can make the strongest impact and meet the most incredible people and make a huge difference from grassroots all the way up to elite level.”

Kukri Sports Group Executive Chairman Andrew Ronnie commented; “Ranée’s contribution during her internship was not just a valuable addition to our team; it was a testament to the significance of the ‘Black In Sport’ initiative. Her unique perspective and insights have not only enriched our approach but have also reminded us that diversity is the cornerstone of progress in the sports industry. We must continue to welcome, learn from, and celebrate talents like Ranee, as they shape the future of our brand and the world of sports.”

About Black In Sport

The Black in Sport Summit is an annual summit founded by a group of Loughborough University students, born out of frustration of the discrimination that black sportspeople face and the underrepresentation of black people in certain roles within sport.

It was formed to celebrate the achievements of black people across the sports Industry and built to change the narrative, celebrating the good, instead of only highlighting the bad. Black in Sport is a platform to amplify the conversation and inspire action – FIND OUT MORE

Kukri Sports: Global Reach, Local Support

In the modern world, it’s more important than ever for businesses to have a global reach. But while it’s important to be able to reach customers all over the world, it’s also important to be able to provide dedicated local support. That’s where Kukri Sports excels.

Kukri is a bespoke sportswear specialist with offices in seven regions the UK, Ireland, Canada, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. This allows the business to support customers from all over the world, whilst ensuring that customers get the personalised support they need.

One of the key benefits of the businesses size is the ability offer such a wide range of bespoke products and services to its customers. Kukri has a team of designers who are constantly working on new products and innovations.

In addition to its global reach, Kukri Sports is also committed to providing personalised local support to its customers, through its offices around the world. These offices are staffed by experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about the sportswear market and can provide customers with a range of services, including order support, product advice, and returns processing.

Kukri’s commitment to global reach and local support has made it one of the leading bespoke sportswear specialists in the world. The company’s products and services are used by athletes and teams of all levels, from grassroots to elite. Kukri Sports is also a trusted partner of many educational institutions, professional teams and national governing bodies around the world, including Dubai College, England Athletics, Hong Kong China Men & Women, Team Canada and Waikato Rugby, plus many more.

Here are some examples of how Kukri’s level of support benefits its customers:

A professional rugby team in England can use Kukri Sports to design and produce a bespoke kit that meets the specific needs of the team and its players. Kukri’s team of designers and developers will work with the team to create a kit that is both stylish and functional. The local office in England will then oversee the production and delivery of the kit, ensuring that it is delivered on time and to budget.

A school in Australia can use Kukri Sports to order bespoke sportswear and leisurewear for its students. The businesses local office in Australia will work with the school to select the right products and to ensure that the sportswear is delivered on time and to budget.

A national governing body in Canada can use Kukri Sports to produce a custom kit for its national team. Kukri’s team of designers and developers will work with the national governing body to create a kit that is both stylish and functional. Kukri Sports’ local office in Canada will then oversee the production and delivery of the kit, ensuring that it is delivered on time and to budget.

Kukri Sports’ global reach and local support make it a unique and valuable partner for athletes, teams, educational institutions, and national governing bodies all over the world.

Rugby in Focus: Our Historic Partnership With Ulster Rugby

As part of our ongoing campaign on highlighting our global presence in rugby, we are proud to highlight our long-standing partnership with Ulster Rugby, one of the most historical and successful provincial rugby union teams in Ireland.

Kukri has been Ulster’s official kit, training and leisurewear supplier for 15 years. We also provide the kit for the club’s Academy, age-grade and representative teams, as well as coaches, referees and staff across the province of Ulster.

Ulster’s new home and alternate kits are now available ahead of the new season, click here to view more and browse their training & leisurewear range.

Ulster became the first Irish team and the first team outside of England & France to win the European Cup in 1999, topping their group with four wins from six games, before defeating Toulouse, Stade Francais and later Colomiers in the final to lift the prestigious trophy.

Prior to becoming a professional team, Ulster were a representative amateur team taking part in the IRFU Interprovincial Championship. They won the tournament 26 times in total, with their greatest period of success being between 1980-1990s where they won ten titles in a row, before being declared as a professional team in 1995 after the rugby union was declared to open professionalism.

Ulster’s success has continued over recent years under the guidance of coach Dan McFarland, who was appointed at the beginning of the 2018-19 season. They reached the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship in the 2021-22 season, however narrowly missed out on the final after losing to Stormers in Cape Town.

The Ulstermen also reached the quarter-final of the URC last season, becoming the first team in the competition to win all four league games against South African opposition in the process.

Click here to find out more about Ulster Rugby.

Commenting on the long-standing and successful partnership, Jonny Petrie, Chief Executive Officer at Ulster Rugby, said “”Kukri Sports are one of our longest serving partners at Ulster Rugby, since first becoming the club’s official kit supplier back in 2008. Over that period, they have supplied not just the playing kit and leisure wear for our men’s and women’s senior teams, but also the Ulster Academy, age-grade and representative teams, as well as coaches, referees and staff.

“Kukri have always been a proactive partner, working closely with us to develop bespoke ranges to ensure our teams look and feel their best while playing, training or travelling. With a large portfolio of rugby clubs, Kukri have a great understanding of the market and requirements, as well as the expertise to deliver a wide range of high-quality products.

“We have already launched our new home and alternate playing kits and we look forward to seeing the men’s senior team wear them in action when the new season begins in the coming weeks.”

We are proud to be partnered with Ulster Rugby and wish their teams the best of luck ahead of the new season.

Click here to find out more about our other rugby partners.

RUGBY PARTNERS AROUND THE WORLD

As part of our focus on rugby this month, we are proud to be able to showcase some of our rugby partners from around the world.

At Kukri Sports, we are committed to providing our rugby partners with the highest quality sportswear, designed to help players perform at their best whilst wearing kit that is durable, comfortable and stylish.

Kukri has a long-standing history of providing elite sportswear and merchandise, tailored to meet the unique needs of rugby players. With deep-rooted values centered around performance, passion, and precision, we have cultivated a global presence in the world of rugby and are renowned for our dedication and commitment to innovation.

This is channelled through our rugby partners around the world, from our relationships with partners such as Ulster Rugby and Waikato Rugby.

Over the coming weeks, we will be shining a light on the relationships with our rugby partners from around the world and how we help to provide support at all levels with cutting-edge kit designs and a commitment to innovation at all levels.

As part of this series, the next rugby partner we will be focusing on is Rugby Alberta.

Rugby Alberta

Rugby Alberta is the provincial administrative body for rugby union in Alberta, Canada, hosting rugby competitions in the province since the 60’s.

Since the first provincial club championships in 1962, Rugby Alberta competitions have grown in size and calibre of competition.

Kukri have been partnered with Rugby Alberta for over a decade, servicing both their age grade programmes and their high performance group – ‘The Wolf Pack’. The Wolf Pack is Alberta’s representative 15s rugby team that competes in the Western and National championships, consisting of teams from Senior Men and Women to U16 / U18 Player Pathway.

Over recent years, our kits for Rugby Alberta have developed a unique identity, utilising the Kukri ‘hot pink’ colour, making the teams instantly recognisable on and off the field, as well as competing in sportswear that provides maximum durability and comfort.

Speaking on the long-standing partnership, Peter Houlihan, Director of Rugby Operations at Rugby Alberta, said “Over the duration of our partnership with Kukri, we have consistently experienced an exceptional level of excellence across product quality, service, and the overall relationship. From the outset of our partnership, we have consistently received rugby kits of the highest quality that have not only met but exceeded our expectations.

“The attention to detail in their products is evident, and our athletes across all age groups have benefitted greatly from the comfortable and durable uniforms provided by Kukri. What sets them apart is not only their superior product quality, but also their commitment to outstanding customer service. They have always been responsive, accommodating, and attentive to our specific needs.

“Whether it was customizing designs, meeting tight deadlines, or providing expert advice on kit selection, Kukri has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our complete satisfaction.”

Click here to learn more about Rugby Alberta.

We are proud to be partnered with Rugby Alberta and look forward to continuing our partnership to help their teams excel on and off the pitch for years to come.

Rugby School

Kukri are proud to be partnered with Rugby School, a leading British institution whose heritage and prestige is world-renowned.

This year is a special one for the school, marking the 200th anniversary of the game of rugby football. Rugby School is the birthplace of the game and where it all started, when William Webb Ellis took the ball in his arms and ran with it on The Close at Rugby School 200 years ago. Click here to find out more about the anniversary.

As part of the partnership, we provide a full range of bespoke sportswear for staff and pupils, both on and off the field. Our sportswear is designed to meet the needs of young athletes, with the range as comfortable and practical off the field as it is high performance on it.

For more information on the inspiration behind our kits for Rugby School, click here.

Commenting on the ongoing partnership, Debbie Skene, Director of Sport at Rugby School, said “Rugby School’s sports motto is ‘nobody on the bench‘, and we pride ourselves on providing a sporting opportunity for all with a focus on participation, enjoyment, competition and excellence.

“Using Kukri sportswear allows us to express our motto as they offer high-quality sports clothing that meets the standards required by Rugby School’s athletes and teams. It is known for its customization options, allowing Rugby School teams to create unique and personalized designs that represent our school and team identity.”

Click here to learn more about Rugby School.

We are proud to have designed a Heritage Range in collaboration with Rugby School to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the game. Click here to shop now and explore a range of high-performance products, inspired by the game’s rich history.

UBC Women’s Rugby Team

UBC Women’s Rugby team are part of the UBC Thunderbirds Athletics and Recreation franchise based in Vancouver, Canada.

The team have enjoyed great success over recent years after being crowned Canada West Women’s Rugby Champions in 2019 2020, 2021 and 2023, and winners in last year’s Canada West Rugby 7s competition.

They also continued their fine start to the season in their most recent game against University of Lethbridge with a 60-0 win, picking up their third straight clean sheet to continue their dominance in Canada West Women’s Rugby ahead of their final regular season game on 14 October.

As a proud partner of UBC Women’s Rugby team, we work in collaboration with the team on their playing kit and specific rugby apparel, ensuring it is durable and comfortable for the players when participating.

Speaking on the partnership, Dean Murten, Head Coach of UBC Women’s Rugby team, said “UBC Women’s Rugby is very proud to be partnered with Kukri Sports for on-field apparel. We’re extremely happy with the products, the support we receive with designs, and placing orders.

“We know the staff really care about supporting UBC Women’s Rugby in many ways, and they provide outstanding customer support.”

We are proud to be partnered with UBC Women’s Rugby team and wish them luck for the rest of the season.

Interested in finding out more about UBC Women’s Rugby? Click here for more information.

North Brisbane Rugby Club

Kukri is the proud apparel partner for North Brisbane Rugby Club, otherwise known as Norths Rugby Club, providing them with cutting-edge kit designs for the 2023 season and beyond. This includes all ages, from the teams competing in the Queensland Premier Rugby to the teams competing in the Junior Rugby Competition.

The club fields eight teams in the Senior Men’s competition, one team in the Premier Women’s competition and 25 Junior Boy’s teams and three junior Girl’s teams competing in various formats of the game.

North’s Rugby Club are a Premier Rugby Club that were formed in 1991 following a merger between Redcliffe Rugby Club Teachers Norths. The club have teams from the 1st to 6th grade, as well as Colts 1-3 & a Women’s team.

Following an alliance with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2001, in which QUT eventually moved away from an emphasis on sport, Norths decided to server their alliance in 2008 and stand alone as North Brisbane Rugby Club.

North’s have had many players that have represented the Wallabies (Australian national rugby union team), including Dick Marks, John Cornes, Geoff Richardson and Chris Roche. The latter, a star player for North’s during the 1970s and 1980s, was appointed as the club’s Coaching Director in 2005, fostering a strong relationship with players from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and recruited many players of PNG heritage to the club.

The 2016 season saw North’s take significant steps forward under the guidance of new President Kieran Prideaux, new committee and coaches. Their Premier grade notched up five wins, and reserve grade and first grade notched up six wins a piece.

North’s have continued to make great strides on and off the field in recent years, notching many memorable wins art home and away, including two victories over staunch rivals Brothers during the 2018-19 season.

Looking forward to the partnership ahead, Nigel Statham, General Manager at Norths Rugby Club, said “Norths Rugby Club has just concluded the first of a multi-year partnership with Kukri; the way the kit has held up to the rigours of a playing season has impressed all round. We look forward to continuing our partnership into 2024 and beyond.”

To find out more about Norths Rugby Club, click here.

Grasshoppers Club Zürich Rugby

Grasshopper Club Zürich Rugby (GCZ) was founded in 1968 and is the second oldest rugby club in Switzerland.

Kukri’s relationship with GCZ dates back almost two decades. Kukri are proud to be the kit suppliers of Grasshoppers Club Zürich Rugby’s on and off-field sportswear and merchandise.

They have four teams, which consist of three men’s teams and one women’s team, with both the Men’s first team and Women’s first team playing in the highest Swiss league.

The Men’s team have enjoyed recent successes, with the first team winning two of the last three Swiss Championships, and the second team winning this year’s league title. Their Women’s team are also one of the most successful rugby sides in Switzerland, winning the league consecutively between 1998 and 2011.

Click here to find out more about their history.

Speaking on the relationship, Tim Voegtli, men’s first team player at Zürich Rugby Club, said “The relationship goes back almost 20 years where Kukri have been supplying apparel and merchandise for the club since 2009. At the time rugby was a sport in Switzerland that relied solely on expatriates and Zürich being an international city benefitted from of it. The designs from old, classic jerseys still pop up at club home games proudly donned by the now no longer active players of the club.

“The flexibility in design for on and off-field merchandise helped expand the merchandise selection we could offer to our players and fans and have our logo more visible around Zürich.”

To learn more about our global rugby partnerships, click here.

Interested in starting your journey and creating your own team identity? Choose from over 200 exclusive bespoke designs and personalise your kit today. Click here to design your rugby kit.

Stay tuned for more exclusive rugby content coming soon.

Rugby in Focus: A month of exclusive content

In the upcoming weeks, as we celebrate this year’s Rugby World Cup, Kukri Sports is set to unveil a collection of exclusive content dedicated to the sport.

This content will not only provide access to behind the scenes insights into our rugby partners, but also a deeper insight into how we support individual players and help them perform at maximum levels on the pitch. We will also delve into the innovative design components of our professional club kits, which are incorporated into the kits of grassroots clubs around the world.

Our journey in the sport of rugby has been shaped by our strong global partnerships, which include Ulster Rugby and Waikato Rugby, as well as being the long-standing sponsor and official merchandise supplier for the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens.

Kukri is also the proud kit supplier for many teams at grassroots level, including Dungannon RFC, Rugby School, North’s Rugby and Dubai College. Click here to find out more about our rugby partners.

Our kit designs are the result of tireless and cutting-edge innovation and a deep understanding of the needs of rugby players at all levels. With advanced technology and materials, our kits offer superior performance, durability and comfort.

Speaking about the campaign, Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, said, “This campaign is a testament to our dedication to providing athletes with elite level sportswear. Through our innovative rugby offerings and valued collaborations, we’re proud to be the kit supplier and partner of many rugby teams all over the world and remain committed to providing solutions for teams at all levels.” 

From behind the scenes content with rugby stars to glimpses into our designs for partners all over the world, join us on this exciting journey as we honour the game, our partners, and the global rugby community.

For the latest updates and exclusive content throughout this campaign, visit the news section on our website and follow us on social media.

Click here to design your rugby kit and find out more about our rugby partners.

#UnleashGreatness

YTP AMBASSADOR REFLECTS ON ‘SPECIAL’ EXPERIENCE OF REPRESENTING TEAM ENGLAND AT COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

Kukri Sports proudly congratulates Jess Bailey, one of its Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors, on her exceptional performances representing Team England at this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

Team England’s squad of 57 athletes competed in four of the sports and 65 medal events over the six days of the competition. They won 49 medals – 16 gold, 23 silver and 10 bronze – placing the team second in the overall medal table.

Reflecting on the experience, Jess admitted her journey to represent Team England at the Commonwealth Youth Games has been a dream come true. “Having the opportunity to represent Team England has been one of the best experiences of my life,” shared Jess. “It’s a crazy feeling to pull on the England vest and represent your country, especially at a competition as prestigious as the Commonwealth Youth Games, and this feeling is one I am very grateful to have experienced.”

Competing in the 3000m event and finishing 4th in a time of 9:38.08, Jess faced a unique set of challenges. “One of the biggest challenges in my event was the heat and humidity. I tried to prepare for this beforehand by going in the sauna several times in the final weeks before we left for the Games, but the run was still unbelievably hard in difficult conditions.”

“Fortunately, the 3000m was on the last day, and by that time we had adapted to the heat. The heat barely even crossed my mind during the race.”

The Commonwealth Youth Games is not only a platform for showcasing athletic prowess, but also a celebration of unity and camaraderie amongst the athletes. Jess shared her experience, saying, “The games definitely felt like it was set up in a way to encourage different nations to make friends.

“All the athletes had been given their nations badge to trade with other nations, which got all the different countries talking and encouraged all of us to make friends and talk to people we wouldn’t have met otherwise. I thought that was brilliant and I made many international friends because of it.”

Drawing on from her journey, Jess offered insightful advice to young athletes aspiring to reach international levels of competition and represent Team England in the future. “My advice would be to just stick with it,” she encouraged. “It’s easy to get hyper focused on just one race / championships, getting disappointed and, if it doesn’t work out, forgetting the bigger picture.

“Disappointment is part of the sport and can be used as motivation as long as it’s managed well.”

Jess also expressed her gratitude for the pivotal figures who have supported her athletics journey. “My dad is definitely the person who, without a doubt, I would never have made it as far in athletics,” she acknowledged. “Both my dad and Mum know me so well and I’m so grateful to have them both by my side.”

Looking forward, Jess’s aspirations extend beyond personal achievements. “I want to make a career out of athletics,” she revealed. “I love training and getting to spend every day dedicated to this sport [athletics] would be a dream come true!”

Kukri would like to congratulate Jess and all of the Team England athletes on their fantastic achievements at this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

We were proud to provide the kit that helped athletes to thrive in their sport and be honoured to represent their country.

Click here to relieve this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

#UnleashGreatness

KUKRI’S SUPPORT FOR PARA-ATHLETES IN SPORT

Over the last month, we are proud to have run a campaign honouring the achievements and commitment of para-athletes across a variety of sports.

The campaign sought to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the talent and perseverance of para-athletes, as well as highlighting our dedication to promoting inclusivity in sports, and creating a level playing field for all athletes, regardless of their physical abilities.

Among the remarkable stories during the campaign was the interview with Egyptian Badminton star, Yasmina Eissa, and Loughborough’s Head of Para Sport, Alasdair Donaldson.

Eissa, formerly the Vice Chair of the Para Sports Exec at Loughborough University, spoke of her excitement about the future of para sports, whilst Donaldson explained more on Loughborough University’s efforts and commitment in creating an inclusive sporting landscape for their students.

Click here to read the full interview.

We also collaborated with Special Olympics Great Britain, speaking with talented athletes, Matthew Brough, who competes in tennis, and Ethan Orton, who competes in badminton. Both athletes reflected on their triumphs at this year’s World Games in Berlin, and how they aim to use their experience of the Special Olympics to encourage more disabled athletes to participate in sport.

Click here to read the full interview.

YTP Ambassador Amy Thompson’s recent victory in the Women’s Ambulant shot put at the Senior & Para Open Championships is another step towards her long-term goals. Thompson, who also equalled her personal best in the Women’s Under-18 shot put at Loughborough Pathway Internationals, touched on the barriers she has overcome and her aim to make sport more inclusive in the future.

Click here to watch the full interview.

Speaking about the campaign, Andrew Ronnie, Group Executive Chairman at Kukri Sports, said, “We are very proud to have launched this campaign dedicated to shining a light on para-athletes. The accomplishments of these athletes are a testament to them and their relentless dedication, and we are proud to continue to provide elite sportswear that will help them perform at their best and feel comfortable whilst competing.”

Kukri remains dedicated to advancing inclusivity in sports and creating a more accessible and supportive environment for all athletes.

We are proud to be partnered with British Wheelchair Basketball and Special Olympics, as well as a host of Universities, schools and clubs in supporting their para-athletes across a wide range of sports.

Supporting para-sports: Exclusive interview with Egyptian Badminton star and Loughborough’s Head of para sport

As part of Kukri Sports’ ongoing commitment to celebrating the accomplishments and perseverance of para-athletes, we are proud to present an exclusive interview featuring Alasdair Donaldson, Head of Para Sport at Loughborough, and Egyptian badminton star, Yasmina Eissa.

Yasmina Eissa, an Egyptian badminton player and current Loughborough university student, shared her inspiring journey into the world of para sports. “I’ve always been passionate about badminton and was very active when I was younger, competing in a variety of sports.

“When my coach discovered para sports and encouraged me to participate in the World Championships in Korea, it opened up a whole new world for me. I realised the potential of para-badminton and how it allows athletes like me to excel. From there, I knew that was the sport I wanted to continue competing in moving forwards.”

Eissa, who was also the Vice Chair of the Para Sports Exec at Loughborough University this year, continues to play her part in striving towards inclusivity. “Throughout the year we have enjoyed a lot of events, whether that be the ‘Para Sports takeover week’, where we get a lot of people to learn more about para sports and try out para sports such as Wheelchair Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball.

“It allows students with disabilities to come out and play their sport, which they wouldn’t have been able to do in the past because it wasn’t as inclusive.”

Expressing her excitement about the future of para sports, Eissa said, “I believe that para sports can achieve even greater recognition and exposure, just like women’s sports. London 2012 was a turning point for the Olympics, and I hope to see more coverage and opportunities for para-athletes on a global stage.

“I think there’s a lot of misconceptions when you think of the Paralympics, so for me it’s about debunking any myths or stereotypes, and really showing people what it actually is and the talent within it.”

Alasdair Donaldson, who was appointed Loughborough University’s new Head of Para Sport last year following almost ten years at British Triathlon, has played a pivotal role in promoting para sports at Loughborough University.

Donaldson, who graduated from Loughborough University in 1998, shared his thoughts on the university’s long-standing history of supporting para-athletes. “Para sports is not a new thing at Loughborough University, but the focus on it is.

“We have witnessed some exceptional athletes over recent years like Tanni Grey-Thompson, one of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, Clare Griffiths, and Dan Greaves, who have all graduated from Loughborough and achieved incredible success in their respective para sports careers.

“The university has been a nurturing ground for para-athletes, fostering an inclusive environment where they train alongside their non-disabled peers.”

Highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting para-athletes in balancing their athletic pursuits and studies, Donaldson said, “The focus goes on the person first; they are here to be students, and we work with them to find a balance between their athletic commitments and academic studies.

“Our cooperative and integrated coaching and support teams ensure that all student-athletes, regardless of their abilities, receive the necessary assistance to thrive and flourish in their sport.”

Donaldson emphasised Loughborough university’s commitment to creating an inclusive sporting landscape and their ambitious plans for the future. “We want to ensure para athletes get the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

“We are establishing a Universities/Higher Education working group, where para sports will take the front seat. Our aim is to make every one of our 62 Athletics clubs inclusive and welcoming to everyone who wants to participate.”

Donaldson also touched on Loughborough university’s dedication to increasing the provision for disabled students to engage in sports. “We want to make sure that those who were told at school that sports wasn’t for them have the opportunity to participate. We aim to expand para-coaching provisions with various sports and encourage disabled participants to become confident leaders in sports.

“We go into the community and bring the community into us as effectively as we can. The work done by our students, like Abbie Breakwell, who runs participatory events for wheelchair tennis every week, is a testament to the positive impact of community engagement in developing sports for everyone.”

Kukri remains committed to championing para sports and promoting the stories of exceptional athletes like Yasmina Eissa.

Kukri are proud partners of Loughborough University – providing brand-new match apparel, training and leisurewear across the whole of Loughborough’s varied sporting offer. Click here to find out more about them.

Keep an eye out for more para sports content coming soon.