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.
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.
A match made in Barbados
Whilst Kukri Sports are renowned for providing sportswear for professional and international competitors, a recent partnership with the Barbados Olympic Association has seen an exciting new chapter, with designs created to reflect the flamboyant colours of the nation.
Barbados’ distinctive national colours of Blue and Gold represent the sea, sky and sands of the island and it was important that these featured heavily in the designs.
On receiving the designs Gail Craig Archer from the Barbados Olympic Association explains, “The pieces this year were an exceptional hit. The colours were vibrant especially when we paraded we stood out with the blend of blue and gold. The podium jackets were a statement piece and looked really good on the Parade even under lights.
2023 saw Barbados competing in the recently concluded CAC Games El Salvador and Dominican Republic and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago. In the CAC Games we came home with 9 medals overall.
2 Gold – Chelsea Tuach and Shane Brathwaite, 2 Silver medals Michelle Elliot and Mens 4 x 400m Hurdle team, Bronze, Jabali Breedy, Amber Joseph Cycling, Matthew Wright Triathlon, Roberta Foster Dressage and the Women’s Hockey Team.”
On the partnership as a whole Jamie Williams, Vice President – North America at Kukri Sports said “Kukri have partnered with Team Barbados in a variety of capacities since 2018, providing apparel for games such as Commonwealth, CAC, ANOC and Pan Am. The relationship has gown during this time and seen other National bodies in Barbados use Kukri as their apparel provider, something we are very proud of. In 2023 Kukri presented a brand new look and feel to Team Barbados which was an instant hit with their own athletes and even athletes from other countries, determined to get their hands on the Barbados Kit! We look forward to helping Team Barbados showcase their iconic colours and identity at future multi-sport games.”
Earlier this summer the nation competed at the Central American & Caribbean Games, where the team recorded their best medal result since 2010, which included 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 5 Bronze Medals.
The team will also be competing at the upcoming Parapan American Games in November, everyone at Kukri Sports wishes the team the greatest success!
Team Canada & Kukri Sports – A Partnership Built on Success
As the organization responsible for overseeing the Commonwealth sports activities in Canada, Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) has collaborated with Kukri Sports since the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Brisbane. For both the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games Kukri has supplied clothing for not only the Opening and Closing Ceremonies but also podium attire and delegation apparel
During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham Team Canada recorded some fantastic successes, in total the team amassed a total of 149 medals including 40 gold.
CEO of CGAC Brian MacPherson recalls “For everyone associated to Team Canada we took great pride in the successes of all our sport teams taking part, but a particular highlight of the games was when all four Canada Teams won medals in the 3×3 Basketball tournaments – there was a terrific atmosphere at the venue, and it was a privilege to be there.”
Successes for Team Canada continued in 2023 as they took part in the Trinbago Commonwealth Youth Games, which took place on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Team Canada won a total of 17 medals, including 4 golds.
MacPherson also recalls the successes of the Youth Games, “The Trinbago Games was another fantastic event for everyone associated with Team Canada, whilst everyone taking part made the country proud the highlight for me was when both the Men’s and Women’s teams won gold in the Beach Volleyball events. However, a special mention should also be given to out Women’s Rugby and Netball teams for doing so well despite having very little preparation time together before the games.”
What has Team Canada’s partnership with Kukri Sports been like over the last 2 cycles?
“For Team Canada athletes the clothing is the ‘wrapping’ on the whole Games experience. As such it’s important that the clothing be comfortable, stylish and proudly Canadian!
Kukri understands this and by listening to our athlete’s opinions, combined with their attention to detail, the team have delivered for every one of our teams at the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games!
Commonwealth Sport Canada is proud and privileged to have Kukri as its official apparel partner.”Brian MacPherson – CEO, Commonwealth Games Association of Canada.
Kukri Sports’ Vice President – North America, Jamie Williams, commented; “2022/23 was our 2nd games cycle partnering with Team Canada for both the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and then the Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
Just like in 2018 the relationship has been fantastic. We were on site in Birmingham during the games, which gave us a unique perspective and an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback from both staff and athletes, all of which was very positive. Being part of the opening ceremony was a real highlight and a fitting way to see 3 years’ worth of planning come to fruition.”
Commonwealth Sport Canada is the franchise holder for the Commonwealth sport movement in Canada. CSC supports Canada’s athletes to achieve excellence at Olympic and Paralympic Games and world championships, enriches the lives of youth across the Commonwealth and hosts the Commonwealth Games. Visit www.commonwealthsport.ca for information.
From grassroots through to international competitors Kukri Sports offer a wide range bespoke teamwear for over 100 different sports. To find out how we could help you – Get In Touch
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.”
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.”
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.
NorthBrisbane 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.
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 Nova Scotial Partnership Extension
Kukri Sports are proud to announce a multi-year partnership extension with Rugby Nova Scotia, who have partnered with the business since 2013.
As part of the deal Kukri will continue to provide elite custom sportswear to athletes, coaches and supporters of this fantastic club.
Rugby Nova Scotia are the governing body for the sport of rugby within Nova Scotia, in Canada.
“Kukri Sports has been a exclusive apparel supplier to Rugby Nova Scotia over the last 10 years. Kukri Sports is proud to have our brand associated with an outstanding provincial association like Rugby Nova Scotia who continue to show tremendous development and growth at all age group levels. Kukri looks forward to supporting RNS by providing their athletes, coaches and supporters high quality clothing in 2023 and beyond”Jamie Williams, Vice President – Kukri Sports North America
“Rugby Nova Scotia has had a great long-standing relationship with Kukri over the last 10 years and have continually been pleased with the service and support that we received. The items we receive are always of high-quality, and the team works with us to ensure we get exactly what we are looking for every time.”Vanessa MacKinnon, Executive Director – Rugby Nova Scotia
If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports, or want to know how we can help – Get in touch.
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.
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
Bowls Canada Contract Extension
Kukri Sports are proud to announce an extension of our ten-year partnership with Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB).
Our long-standing relationship with BCB has provided an extensive understanding of the needs of high performing bowls athletes and we look forward to offering more high-quality, creative designs for future competitions.
Anna Mees, CEO – Bowls Canada Boulingrin
“We couldn’t be more delighted to have Kukri Sports back on board as our Preferred Kit Supplier,”
“After a thorough request-for-proposal process, it was clear that Kukri Sports offers our athletes excellent product and service at a competitive price. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Kukri.”
Jamie Williams, Vice President – Kukri Sports North America
“‘We are delighted to extend our partnership with Bowls Canada who we have now partnered with for 10 years,”
“Throughout our partnership we have developed new products that National Team Athletes can wear with pride, whilst competing at various events around the world including the upcoming World Bowls tournament in Brisbane. We look forward to supporting the team over the course of the next three years and wish them all well on their upcoming travels.”
Bowls Canada Boulingrin
BCB are the national lawn bowling governing body in Canada, with an aim to connect, inform and grow the bowls community across the country – Find out more
If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports, or want to know how we can help – Get in touch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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