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KUKRI SPORTS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS: A LEGACY OF PARTNERSHIPS, INNOVATION AND GROWTH

This year, Kukri Sports celebrates 25 years of innovation and dedication to the global sporting community.

For 25 years, we have improved athletes’ performance and style across various sports, building strong global partnerships with educational institutions, national governing bodies, and professional clubs. These relationships have established us as a leading supplier of multi-sports sportswear, empowering communities and individuals in their sporting endeavours.

Supporting a wide range of sports

We play a pivotal role in supporting athletes across a wide range of sports, including Rugby, Cricket, Netball, Athletics, Gymnastics, and Hockey.

Over the years, we have been the official partner and merchandise supplier for prestigious events and teams such as the Hong Kong Sevens, Waikato Rugby and Team Canada.

Our expansion into various sports reflects our commitment to meeting athletes’ evolving needs, evidenced by partnerships with England Athletics and England Lacrosse, as well as British Fencing and British Wrestling, who we partnered with in 2022.

Last year, we expanded our support to the Barbados Olympic Association, and this year, we announced a new partnership with Pickleball Ireland, providing support for the inaugural Pickleball Ireland National Championships which saw over 500 pickleball enthusiasts compete.

Innovative Kit Developments

We have continuously pushed boundaries in kit development, producing and sourcing over 13 million garments to partners across the globe.

We develop innovative solutions to help athletes perform their best, from moisture-wicking fabrics to advanced temperature control.

Our commitment to ongoing improvement extends to sustainability, prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials in all our sportswear. Our sustainable range, launched in 2021, integrates eco-friendly production processes, ensuring durability change, making our sportswear suitable for athletes across a variety of sports. Find out more here.

Expanding our global presence

From our origins in the United Kingdom, we have expanded our reach over the past 25 years, establishing a strong presence in key regions worldwide, including most recently Saudi Arabia, China and South Africa.

We also have offices in regions such as Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and Ireland and the Middle East.

Reflecting on a significant milestone for the business, Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “Celebrating 25 years of Kukri Sports fills us with immense pride. From our start producing bespoke teamwear since 1999, our mission to empower athletes remains unchanged. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team, partners, and the athletes who trust Kukri. We look forward to continuing innovating, expanding, and making a positive impact on sports worldwide.”

Celebrating 25 Years of Sporting Excellence

As we commemorate our 25th year anniversary, we look forward to the next chapter of innovation, collaboration, and sporting excellence. With a legacy built on passion and performance, we remain dedicated to empowering athletes to participate in sport and reach new heights, regardless of their ability, age or gender.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK: PARTNER ATHLETES SHARE INSPIRING STORIES

In the pursuit of victory, athletes endure physical challenges, yet often grapple with unseen mental struggles. Recognising this, Kukri Sports collaborates with its diverse partner teams to help destigmatize mental health and empower athletes both on and off the field.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, athletes from our partner teams shared their personal journeys.

Hong Kong China Rugby (Asia)

Kukri Sports proudly supports the Hong Kong China Men’s and Women’s teams, enabling them to excel at the Hong Kong Sevens (HK7s).

Read more about this year’s tournament.

Representing Hong Kong on the international stage comes with a unique set of mental demands.

“Some of the most obvious challenged I faced were during major injuries,” said Chloe Chan, HKC Women’s Sevens player.

“Feeling isolated when the team is training or competing was tough, but I learned to switch off and spend time with loved ones. Journaling my milestones helped me stay positive and overcome obstacles.”

Max Denmark, HKC Sevens Men’s player, added: “My biggest challenge was losing an Olympic qualifier early in my career. I felt a heavy burden and disconnected for a long time. But after seeking help from a therapist, I learned to let go and move on. It was tough, but I came out stronger.

“Every athlete faces challenges, and it’s okay to seek help. We shouldn’t feel like we have to deal with everything alone.”

UBC Women’s Rugby (Canada)

As a proud partner of the UBC Women’s Rugby team, we collaborate with the team on their playing kit and specific rugby apparel, ensuring it is durable and comfortable for the players. The team has enjoyed great success over recen, being crowned Canada West Women’s Rugby Champions in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Speaking on the importance of mental health in sport, Dean Murten, Head Coach of UBC Rugby’s Ladies Team, said “We have an open-door policy so athletes can talk with coaches at any time.

“These athletes are first and foremost people; they are under large amounts of pressure to perform. The more awareness and letting them know it’s good to talk helps them stay in a positive state of mind.”

Dean also praised Kukri’s impact on the wider support they provide to help with athletes’ mental health. “Partners like Kukri are great as they offer scholarships that provide financial support to student athletes, allowing them to dedicate the required time to their education and sport without added pressure.”

Read more about UBC Thunderbirds’ mental health initiative.

Watch the video here.

Kieran Molloy (Ireland)

Kukri Ambassador Kieran Molloy, an exciting Irish professional boxer, shares his journey and underscores the importance of communication and support amidst pressures.

“As an athlete I’ve been through many ups and downs.

“I like to always remember why I am doing this. To see the pride in my parents’ eyes after a victory means everything to me and keeps me motivated.

“It’s important to let people who are close to you know how you are feeling. There’s a lot of pressures & expectations on athletes that can be difficult to deal with, but at the end of the day we are all human beings and have the same feelings as everyone else.”

Mental health is key to unlocking an athlete’s potential. By fostering open conversations and providing necessary resources, we are committed to helping athletes across sports thrive on and off the field.

For more information on how we can help you with your sportswear needs, get in touch.

If you need mental health support, reach out to your primary healthcare provider for guidance. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or click here to view the full list.

GET FIT MONTH: PROMOTING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

Kukri Sports is thrilled to unveil its latest campaign, Get Fit month. Set to unfold throughout April to coincide with lighter nights and better weather, this initiative aims to ignite a passion for exercise and shine a spotlight on the many benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

As a leading provider of sportswear that empowers athletes worldwide, we are excited to bring you an entire month of content dedicated to providing tips, advice, and inspiration directly from our professional partners who embody the spirit of dedication and perseverance, alongside highlighting the products that bring out the best in our athletes, wherever you are on your fitness journey.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and motivation you need to reach new heights in your personal fitness goals. From workout inspiration, nutrition tips, injury prevention and mental resilience, we’ve got you covered.

Kukri continues to champion a healthy and active lifestyle on a daily basis by:

Providing Quality Sportswear

Our high-quality sportswear is meticulously engineered for comfort and durability, empowering athletes to move with confidence and ease during workouts and sporting activities.

Innovative Designs

With a strong focus on innovation, we continually develop cutting-edge designs that blend style with functionality, ensuring that individuals look and feel their best while staying active and participating in their sport.

Supporting further initiatives

We are committed to fuelling athletes’ success beyond providing sportswear, aiming to contribute to their holistic development by providing financial support for a wide range of initiatives.

“We firmly believe that a healthy lifestyle is fundamental to overall well-being, and at Kukri Sports, we are committed to empowering individuals to lead happier, healthier lives.” – Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.

Follow us throughout April as we showcase expert advice from professionals and give an insight into our athletes’ training routines. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, join us on this exciting move towards a healthier, more active tomorrow.

For more information and to stay updated on “Get Fit Month” events and activities, visit the news section of our website and follow us on social media.

RISING BOXING STAR EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH KUKRI SPORTS

Kukri Sports is thrilled to announce the extension of its partnership with rising Irish boxing star, Kieran Molloy.

The new agreement solidifies our commitment to supporting Kieran in his development, and highlights our dedication to supporting talented athletes on their journey to greatness.

Kieran, a professional boxer from Galway, Ireland, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the world of boxing. With an impressive record of victories under his belt, including notable wins in national and international competitions, Molloy continues to capture the attention of boxing fans with his exceptional skill and exciting in-ring performances.

The 25-year-old will be hoping to build on his impressive record after pushing his slate to 7-0 as a professional with a round one technical knockout victory over Daniel Sostre on his U.S. debut in Boston.

“I am delighted to be extending my partnership with Kukri Sports”, said Kieran Molloy.

“They continue to provide me with unparalleled quality Boxing sportswear and embody the values of passion, ambition, professionalism and inclusivity.

These attributes mirror my own version for my future in Boxing, a vision where hard work, attention to detail, dedication and teamwork will lead me to No.1 in the world.”

As part of the extended partnership, Kukri will continue to provide Molloy with high-quality training and fight wear tailored to enhance his performance.

Kukri also recently launched the official Kieran Molloy Range, which includes t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, with each piece designed to embody the tenacity and determination that defines Kieran.

Shop the Kieran Molloy merchandise range.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Kieran Molloy,” said Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports. “He exemplifies the dedication, talent, and passion that we admire in athletes, and we are proud to support him on his journey to becoming a boxing superstar.

The launch of the Kieran Molloy merchandise range further strengthens our commitment to providing his fans with innovative and stylish sportswear, whilst also supporting him throughout his exciting journey.”

Kieran, who recently signed a deal with GBM Sports, will next feature on 20 April at the Magna Centre in Rotherham.

For more information about Kieran, click here.

Follow Kieran on social media:

UNLOCKING ATHLETIC POTENTIAL: THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND OUR SPORTSWEAR

In the dynamic world of sports, psychology plays a pivotal role in shaping athletes’ performance and mindset. Understanding this fundamental connection, Kukri Sports recognises that sportswear isn’t just about style; it’s a strategic tool that empowers athletes to excel in their sport.

Partnering with prestigious institutions such as the Hong Kong Sevens, we provide elite sportswear that elevates performance and fosters team spirit.

Athletes are not just physical entities; their mental state significantly influences their performance. From motivation and application to resilience and determination, psychology underpins every aspect of athletic achievement.

Sportswear is more than just clothing; it’s a symbol of pride, togetherness and identity that each individual represents. The right sportswear provides athletes with comfort, enabling them to perform at their peak in their sport.

At Kukri, we meticulously integrate psychological principles into the design and production of our partner’s kits. Each garment is crafted with precision to enhance performance, boost confidence and enhance team unity, ensuring that athletes feel empowered both mentally and physically when stepping out onto the pitch.

Our latest design for Loughborough Lightning Netball team’s new dress incorporates a sense of pride, championing their 2023 Netball Super League triumph by adding an additional lightning bolt which represents how many titles they have won to date.

This design fills them with pride, celebrating their hard-won achievements. It reminds them of the journey they’ve taken, with its highs and lows, to reach greatness.

“Kukri is a fantastic brand that consistently plays a huge part in our performances each season”, added Victoria Burgess, Head Coach at Loughborough Lightning Netball Team. “The pride the athletes feel when putting on the Lightning dress is inspiring, and their focus on producing the best apparel for our athletes is vital, the design and comfort of the dresses plays a critical part in us allowing to produce consistent performances.

Through our ongoing exploration of sports psychology, Kukri remains committed to empowering athletes to conquer challenges and achieve greatness.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Join the ranks of athletes who trust us to elevate their performance. Contact us today to discover how our sportswear can fuel your success.

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN SPORT: EMPOWERING ATHLETES WORLDWIDE

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Kukri Sports reaffirms its commitment to empowering and supporting women in sports.

With a proud history of supporting female athletes across multiple sports for 25 years, Kukri recognises the vital role women play in driving innovation, leadership and excellence in the sporting world.

International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made towards gender equality. Kukri recognises the importance of creating a level playing field for women in sport, with the hope that creating innovative designs will inspire the next generation of female athletes.

In line with its commitment to women in sport, Kukri has undertaken various initiatives to support and empower female athletes, including:

Sponsorship & Partnership:

As a leading sportswear supplier, Kukri continues to extend its reach across multiple sports, from England Lacrosse to UBC Women’s Rugby team based in Vancouver, Canada.

Kukri is also extending its offer beyond supply elite sportswear, helping to provide support for athletes in their wider development. This is shown through our long-standing partnership with Pegasus Hockey Club, one of the most successful clubs in the history of Irish Hockey.

In our partnership with the all-Women’s club, over 5,000 kits have been meticulously crafted for peak performance and have inspired countless players, some of which have gone on to triumph at international level.

Read more about the partnership.

Customised Sportswear:

From elite athletes to grassroots, Kukri ensures that women have access to sportswear that enhances their performance and confidence on and off the field.

Every kit has a story, from Rugby School’s interconnected jigsaw pieces forming a complete individual wearing the kit, to featuring all affiliated clubs with the Yorkshire Cricket Board that have a women’s and/or girls’ section on Northern Diamonds’ T20 Vitality Blast shirt design.

Scholarship Fund Contributions:

Kukri has also invested in scholarship funds for several of its partner universities, helping students to pursue and achieve their performance related goals in their selected sports.

At Worcester University, over 61 students are benefitting from the scholarship, including second year Sport and Exercise Student, Niamh Williams, who has gone on to represent England U20’s rugby team.

Supporting Athletes’ Performance:

Kukri is also involved in various initiatives with partners to support athletes’ performance, such as providing philanthropic funding for Loughborough University to support their joint study with West Ham United women’s team.

This three-year study aims to make a tangible contribution to women’s sport by investigating the performance characteristics of female footballers from youth age to first-team level.

Read more about the groundbreaking study here.

“We’re all incredibly proud of the unique sporting ecosystem at Loughborough University that undoubtedly contributes to women’s sport“, said Richard Wheater, Director of Sport at Loughborough University.

“Our partnership with Kurki Sports plays a key role in this vision and we’re thrilled to be working collaboratively as women’s sport continues to flourish.”

“At Kukri, we firmly believe that every athlete, regardless of gender, deserves equal opportunities to succeed. We are fully committed to not just supplying elite kit across multiple sports, but also offering support through other empowering initiatives that will enable women to thrive and showcase their talents.” – Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.

Kukri reaffirms its commitment to empowering women in sport and driving positive change within the sporting landscape. By consistently advocating and offering our support, our commitment persists in shaping a future where women enjoy equal opportunities to excel in their chosen sport.

 For more information on how we can help you, get in touch.

KUKRI SPORTS & PEGASUS HOCKEY CLUB: A 20 YEAR PARTNERSHIP

Kukri Sports have been the official kit and merchandise supplier for Pegasus Hockey Club for 20 years, providing custom-designed uniforms, training wear and other essentials tailored to the specific needs of the clubs’ players, coaches and management.

For two-decades, over 5,000 kits have been meticulously crafted for peak performance and have inspired countless players on the pitch, some of which have gone on to triumph at international level. These kits have witnessed over 500 matches across various age levels, facilitating the performance of several teams from the first senior team to the juniors’ team.

As a proud partner, Kukri works closely with Pegasus Hockey Club to ensure that their sportswear meet the highest standards of quality and durability, enabling the players to excel on the pitch.

Developing international stars

Pegasus Hockey Club boasts a rich history as one of Northern Ireland’s most successful hockey clubs, consistently achieving success both domestically and internationally. With an impressive track record including multiple Irish Senior Cup and Irish Senior League victories, as well as triumphs in the EuroHockey Club Trophy, Pegasus Hockey Club stands as a symbol of excellence in the sport.

The club’s success extends beyond the field, with numerous players earning accolades at both national and international levels.

Among these players is Shirley McCay, Ireland’s most capped former international hockey player who represented her country at the Tokyo Olympics.

McCay, who recently received her MBE for her contributions to the sport, emphasised the pivotal role Kukri has played in the club’s journey.

“Our kit has been a massive part of our journey, the club itself is steeped in success and has had so much glory over the last two decades, and part of that has been down to how our kit looks and the comfort we get from it when playing which comes in tandem.

“The 20-year partnership with Kukri has been pretty special and long may it continue.”

Also commenting on the partnership, Michelle Rainey, Chair Person at Pegasus Hockey Club, said “It’s created a brand for the club. The kit identifies everybody and allows us all to feel aligned and connected, from the juniors all the way up to the 1s. The distinctive red kit is what we use in our narrative for team talks on game days, so it helps to bring that inclusion into things which is really important.

Commenting on the partnership, Colin Roden, Northern Ireland Sales Manager at Kukri Sports said “We are very proud to celebrate two decades of partnership with Pegasus Hockey Club. This milestone is a testament to our shared values of excellence, innovation and commitment to the sport of hockey.

“It’s crucial for us to nurture the strong connections we’ve cultivated over the last two decades. Our commitment lies in maintaining a local presence, enabling us to swiftly attend meetings and readily offer samples, further solidifying our bond with partners and clients alike.”

More than a sportswear provider

Kukri remains dedicated to providing the highest quality sportswear for Pegasus Hockey Club, ensuring designs enhance the team’s unique identity and traditions.

The two organisations will continue to strive in driving innovation, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring the next generation of hockey players.

Find out more about our partners.

About Pegasus Hockey Club

Established in 1961, Pegasus Hockey Club has remained a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s hockey community, offering players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Find out more about Pegasus Hockey Club.

NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS HOPING LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN AHEAD OF NEW SEASON

As the upcoming Netball Super League season approaches, Kukri Sports recently caught up with Loughborough Lightning’s star goal shooter Mary Cholhok Nuba and Head Coach Victoria Burgess to discuss their goals for the new season and reflections on their victorious season in 2023.

Loughborough Lightning begin their campaign against Surrey Storm on 17 February, with their new dresses featuring an additional lightning bolt above the logo, representing the number of Netball Super League titles they have won to date.

Take a look at the reveal of their new home dress.

Head Coach Victoria Burgess admitted she is raring to go ahead of the new season. “We are looking forward to defending our title, making history winning the title back-to-back.”

After a pulsating season, Loughborough Lightning were crowned 2023 Netball Super League champions for the second time after their 57-48 win over London Pulse.

Reflecting on the historic win, Mary Cholhok, who finished as the Netball Super League’s top goal scorer, shared her elation, stating, “Winning the championship twice shows a lot of character in each individual on the team.

“We back each other 100% and are relentless in every aspect. I’m excited for the 2024 season and good vibes to come.”

Cholhok’s sentiment echoes through the team, with Head Coach Victoria Burgess attributing their success to unwavering dedication. “Winning the title in 2023 felt like an unbelievable achievement.

“I am proud of the squad and the bravery they displayed across the whole season, consistently performing on the court and supporting each other through adversity off the court.

“I could not be more complementary of the commitment, work rate, and focus of the whole squad.”

Burgess also praised Kukri’s involvement, expressing, “Kukri is a fantastic brand that consistently plays a huge part in our performances each season. “The pride the athletes feel putting on the Lightning dress is inspiring.”

This title-winning season adds another illustrious chapter to Loughborough Lightning’s history, and we take pride in being part of their journey.

We wish the Loughborough Lightning netball team the best of luck ahead of the new season.

Find out more about Loughborough Lightning.

Kukri are also proud partners of Severn Stars, who compete in the Netball Super League, providing all competition and leisurewear for the squad, as well as the franchise’s Under 21’s, Under 19s and Under 17s squads in the National Performance League and Stars’ 10 Nova Academy squads, which helps progress younger talent in the region.

Stars will also be hoping to build from last season, after finishing 6th under the guidance of Head Coach Jo Trip.

Find out more about Severn Stars.

Are you looking for a new bespoke sportswear provider?

As a leading global bespoke sportswear provider, Kukri can support all teams from grassroots to elite level across a wide variety of team sports.

Contact us here to find out how we can empower your team.

KUKRI SPORTS: EXPANDING SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITIES  

As a leading sportswear supplier for universities for over 25 years, Kukri Sports is committed to providing high-quality performance sportswear across a diverse range of sports, helping student athletes reach their full potential.

Over recent years, Kukri has elevated its role beyond supplying elite sportswear, aiming to contribute to the holistic development of athletes, students, and the broader university communities.

Kukri is also investing in scholarships, internship opportunities and hardship funds to empower and nurture student athletes’ development.

More than just a sportswear supplier:

Kukri’s role goes beyond being a standard sportswear supplier, by meticulously curating a range of kits that are tailored to meet the needs of multiple sports, students, staff and members of the Student Union within each university.

Kukri’s commitment is showing in its substantial investment in resources, time and experience dedicated to our partners and the experiences of their students. This is best highlighted over the past year, during which we have actively engaged in the following initiatives:

Scholarship Fund contributions:

A great example of this is with Kukri’s new partner – the University of Worcester.

As part of the deal, Kukri will not only be providing official match apparel and training wear for staff and students, but we’re also supporting the university and its scholarship students with necessary funding for the programme.

Our recent financial contribution to the University of Worcester’s scholarship fund has provided additional support for students, helping them to pursue and achieve their performance-related goals in their selected sports.

Over 61 students are on the scholarship with many benefitting, including second year Sport and Exercise Student, Niamh Williams, who has gone on to represent England U20’s rugby team.

Find out more about the University of Worcester.  

Hardship fund contributions:

Kukri also provide financial support for the hardship funds in place at some other partner universities including Plymouth Marjon University, University of Derby and Team Surrey.

The Hardship funds help to break down financial barriers to participation, encouraging students to participate in sport and physical activity.

Work experience opportunities:

As part of their continued commitment to nurturing talent, Kukri also continues to offer work experience opportunities for students across several partner universities.

The initiative aims to provide students with valuable insights into the sportswear industry, offering hands-on experience and mentorship from different departments.

Kukri is currently hosting Loughborough University BSc Sports and Exercise Science student, Lachlan Anson on a one-year work placement, as well as offering a Graphic Design placement at Nottingham Trent University and Product & Design placement at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Kukri also worked with three Leeds Beckett students in 2021 on marketing internships, providing them with exposure to website development and the fundamentals of digital marketing.

Brand ambassador experience:

In a move to recognise and further support student athletes across multiple sports, Kukri also offers student brand ambassador opportunities, including most recently at Nottingham Trent University.

This opportunity not only provides students with additional kit, but also social media exposure and the experience of collaborating with a sportswear brand to build knowledge on brand development and community engagement.

“Kukri Sports are not just a sportswear supplier to universities, but we’re also striving to build a community where dedication meets opportunity, and every athlete has the support they need to participate in sport,” said Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports.

“We’re excited to continue developing our partnerships and contribute to shaping the next generation of sporting champions across the country.”

Kukri Sports has evolved to become a trusted partner for universities, schools, clubs and teams around the world. We are committed to providing elite sportswear that enhances the performance and identity of athletes across various sports, as well as providing additional support for university students beyond the field.

For more information on how we can help you, get in touch.