Author: Karl

14/09/202314/09/2023

On the outskirts of Dublin, there is a school that has woven its legacy into the fabric of the nation’s rugby pride – Blackrock College.

Kukri Sports have been a proud partner of the school for many years, providing bespoke, quality sportswear for staff and students. Through working with their elite partners, including Ulster Rugby and Waikato Rugby, Kukri have developed state of the art product innovations and designs, which have been seamlessly incorporated into their range of school sportswear offerings. This ensures that future sporting talent can develop their abilities armed with garments that match the quality of current sporting icons.

This elite education institution has emerged as a factory of international rugby talent, producing a remarkable number of players who have donned the green jersey and represented Ireland on the global stage. Beyond its academic excellence, this school stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between sport and education, demonstrating how a well-rounded approach can mould sporting legends.

Arguably its most decorated Rugby alumni is a sportsman widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time, Brian O-Driscoll. Born a stone’s throw from Blackrock College, O-Driscoll went on to make an indelible impact on the sport through his remarkable skills, leadership, and longevity on the field.

Winning 133 international caps, was also named captain of the British & Irish Lions, for the 2005 tour of South Africa. He currently holds the record for the most Six Nations tries (26) and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016.

Other Irish international rugby players who graduated from Blackrock College include; Fergus Slattery, who earned 61 caps for his country, including captaining the most successful Irish touring side of all time in 1979, which won 7 of 8 matches in Australia.

Other significant Irish rugby alumni include;

Victor Costello, who earned 39 Irish caps and was a member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup team. Hugo McNeill, who earned 37 caps and played at the 197 Rugby World Cup, scoring 4 tries in 4 matches.
Luke Fitzgerald, who earned 34 caps and won the 2009 Six Nations championships.
Leo Cullen, who earned 32 caps for his country.

Nurturing young talents into international stars requires more than just raw talent; it demands a nurturing environment that fosters growth on multiple fronts. This school’s approach goes beyond honing athletic prowess; it embraces holistic development, recognizing that character, discipline, and determination are the cornerstones of success in both sports and life.

One might assume that such a rugby-centric focus could overshadow academic pursuits. However, the school’s commitment to academic excellence remains unswerving. Striking a balance between rigorous classroom education and intensive rugby training is a hallmark of their approach. This not only nurtures bright minds but also underscores the importance of time management, a skill that proves invaluable when juggling the demands of studies and sports at higher levels.

The impact of this school resonates far beyond its campus. It serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country, a reminder that dreams of international glory are attainable with dedication and hard work. The success stories that emerge from these hallowed grounds reinforce the belief that Ireland’s rugby heritage is alive and well, being skilfully passed down through generations.

As the rugby world evolves, this school remains a constant – an institution that continues to shape the trajectory of Irish rugby. It stands as a living tribute to the interplay between passion and purpose, where young talents are nurtured into stars not just for their skill but for their character and resilience. In a world where sports icons are often revered as heroes, this school reminds us that true legends are not just made on the pitch; they are cultivated through education, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

Other significant alumni of the school away from Rugby Include:

• Alan Lee – Irish international football player
• Cian O-Sullivan – Title winning Gaelic football player
• Michael Darragh McAuley – Another ward winning Gaelic football star
• Bob Geldof – Singer/ songwriter and the driving force behind Band Aid/ Live Aid
• Bian O’Nolan – Novelist, playwright and satirist
• Paul Costelloe – Fashion designer and artist
• Michael McGlynn – Composer, producer and director

Find out more about Blackrock College

06/07/202306/07/2023

Kukri Sports are delighted to announce a four-year partnership extension with Scottish Gymnastics, the national governing body for gymnastics in Scotland. As part of the deal Kukri will continue to provide bespoke leisure and podium wear for all performance programmes and national teams.

This support will assist Scottish Gymnastics in delivering their athlete-centred, coach-led, performance-driven programmes which offer athlete development pathways across gymnastics disciplines.
The extension of the partnership is testament to the shared commitment to create a positive culture and experience centred around wellbeing and protection, allowing gymnasts and coaches to thrive and aspire to world-class performance.

Scottish Gymnastics chief executive officer Doc McKelvey said:
“Our vision is an uplifting gymnastics experience for all and providing appropriate, quality clothing for our national and region teams is an important part of that, ensuring they look and feel comfortable when they step out to represent Scotland. Kukri Sports is an integral part of that experience, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with them. This allows us to have a range of leisure kit which is suitable for gymnasts of all ages, coaches and support staff. We look forward to working together over the next four years.”

Kukri Sports sales director Josh Beal added:
“We are really proud to extend our partnership with Scottish Gymnastics. Having worked together since 2018 we have formed a fantastic relationship which we will grow further until at least 2026. Kukri are working on new ranges and designs, alongside Scottish Gymnastics, and we can’t wait to showcase this to all gymnasts in Scotland.”

Kukri Sports are a global sportswear supplier offering superior quality bespoke garments, across multiple sports, from grassroots to elite level. To find out how we can support your sportswear needs Contact Us

About Scottish Gymnastics:
Scottish Gymnastics is the national governing body of gymnastics in Scotland. Their vision is an uplifting gymnastics experience for all, with shared values of inclusive, supportive, and aspirational to ensure gymnastics is enjoyable, safe, and open to everyone. The organisation has a membership of around 160 clubs and 30,000 gymnasts, coaches and officials. They are responsible for the governance and development of gymnastics across Scotland, supported by principal funding partner sportscotland and their other partners.

04/07/202327/06/2023

Kukri Sports has been experiencing unprecedented success in recent years and 2022 saw regional sales hit record levels in several global territories. Our growth in Ireland has been particularly impressive across both Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland.

We have recently partnered with five new schools in Northern Ireland, as well as hosting collaborations with prominent sports clubs, including Omagh HC, Ballyclare HC, and Boyne HC and we have extended our netball market share with partnerships including Queen’s University and Belfast Ladies NC.

We are delighted to announce that the business has also recently extended its partnership with Blackrock College, a prominent education institution with an enviable reputation, based in Dublin. As part of the deal, Kukri will continue to be the exclusive supplier of sportswear for both students and staff at the college. Find out more about Blackrock College.

“We have been delighted with the service and quality of sportswear provided by Kukri over the years and we look forward to continuing this relationship. Alan MacGinty, Principal, Blackrock College

“We are thrilled to announce the extension of our partnership with Blackrock College. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by everyone at the college serve as a constant inspiration, and we eagerly anticipate being a part of their future successes, providing unwavering support along the way.” Neil Patterson, County Manager for N.I. and R.O.I

Coleraine Grammar School are another prestigious school we are proud to be working with and are looking forward to supporting their requirements for quality bespoke sportswear.

Moreover, many of our established partners, such as Dungannon RFC, have recently reaffirmed their commitment to Kukri Sports by signing new agreements and we are looking forward to providing them with comprehensive kit solutions both now and in the future.

Our versatility in supporting over 100 sports can be demonstrated by our support of N.I. Tug of War, N.I. Shooting team, and Disability Sport NI and our capabilities outside of the sports market are shown by the announcement of the extension of our partnerships with Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, which sees us supply customized indoor and outdoor leisurewear for their staff.

As we continuously expand our expertise and deepen our product knowledge, we are committed to sharing this wealth of information with our valued customers. We strive to constantly enhance our understanding and stay up to date with the latest developments in our field. By doing so we can offer even more comprehensive and insightful assistance to all our customers, ensuring they benefit from our expanding knowledge base as our customers in Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland can testify.

02/06/202301/06/2023

Kukri Sports are proud to announce our new partnership with Special Olympics GB, ahead of this summer’s Special Olympics World Games.

As the new Official Kit Partner of Team Special Olympics GB for the next two years, Kukri will ensure that all 82 athletes (and unified partners), 35 coaches and eight support staff are supplied with its range of sportswear for the Special Olympics World Games.

As the new Official Kit Partner of Team Special Olympics GB for the next two years, Kukri Sports will ensure that all 82 athletes (and unified partners), 35 coaches and eight support staff are supplied with its range of sportswear for the Special Olympics World Games.

As the biggest inclusive sporting event of 2023, Berlin 2023 opens at the Olympiastadion Berlin on 17 June and will see more than 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in 26 sports over nine days of competition.

Colin Dyer, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “Team Special Olympics GB athletes are participating in 17 sports at Berlin 2023, so it’s great to know that they will be kitted out to perform in the best possible way.

Kukri Sports is one of the world’s most respected performance sportswear brands and it works with multiple teams and athletes at elite and grassroots level. We’re very excited to secure this new partnership and to work with the Kukri team on at least three major events in the Special Olympics GB major events calendar.”

Kukri Sports, which has released three items for Team Special Olympics GB supporters in its online store, will also supply for the 2024 National Winter Games and the 2025 World Winter Games through the partnership.

Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as the sportswear partner of Team Special Olympics GB at the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics World Games.

It’s an honour to see our products worn by such talented athletes on a world stage. We believe that our high-performance sportswear will help the team achieve their best results and are delighted to be part of the event. We will be cheering the team on every step of the way.”

Team Special Olympics GB athletes participating at Berlin 2023 are part of the 6,500 athletes who regularly engage in sporting opportunities across England, Scotland and Wales.

Across the United Kingdom, Special Olympics GB is the largest provider of year-round sports training and competition for children and adults of all abilities with intellectual disabilities. Its registered athletes participate at one of the 95 accredited programmes, which are delivered by a devoted team of around 3,500 volunteers.

About Special Olympics GB

• Special Olympics Great Britain (GB), set up in 1978, is a non-profit charity which provides year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

• Special Olympics GB currently has 95 accredited programmes in England, Scotland and Wales and provides coaching and competition opportunities in 27 sports. These programmes are run by over 3,500 volunteers who support more than 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities to take part.

• Special Olympics GB is more than just an opportunity to take part in sport – it transforms lives.  It provides opportunities to increase confidence, realise potential, develop physical fitness and mental well-being, demonstrate courage and experience new friendships.  And above all for both athletes and their families – to have some FUN.

• The work of Special Olympics GB is currently funded by individuals, trust and corporate donations and financial support is crucial to enable us to continue our work.

• Over a quarter of British adults (27%) have had heard of Special Olympics GB and 98% think that it is an inspirational organisation. (Two Circles, National Representative Omnibus Survey for Special Olympics GB) 

About Special Olympics

• Special Olympics is a global, IOC (International Olympic Committee) recognised organization.

• Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics now reaches more than five million athletes in over 190 countries.

• Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics which focuses on elite sport with events every four years, Special Olympics aims to offer opportunities for athletes of ALL abilities to take part in a range of sport every day of the week, every week of the year.

• About Intellectual Disability

• An intellectual disability (ID) is: ‘A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence) with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning) which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development’ Source: Department of Health (2001) Valuing People.

• There are an estimated 1.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in Great Britain (Source: Papworth Trust 2010).

• Two hundred babies are born each week with intellectual disabilities in the UK (Source: Papworth Trust 2010).

• Eight out of ten children with intellectual disabilities are bullied and ALL are socially excluded. (Source: Mencap 2007).

• Changing social activities and a changing environment mean that younger generations* have more of a connection to or are aware of people with ID (*under 45 years old). (Two Circles, National Representative Omnibus Survey for Special Olympics GB)

02/05/202302/05/2023

Over the last month, Kukri have been shining a light on the accomplishments of strong, powerful women on the tracks, fields, courts, pitches and gyms across the world. Plus, we have also highlighted how we continue to support these inspirational women to help them achieve their goals.

The campaign was launched with the goal of highlighting the continued development of womens sportswear and how we strive to provide women athletes with the necessary support to help them excel in their chosen sport.

Over the past month, we have interviewed some of our partners’ female athletes and experienced coaches, whilst sharing their experiences with women’s sportswear and provide an insight into how Kukri is helping to drive womens sports forwards.

This included speaking to former senior England Netball captain and now Loughborough Lightning’s Assistant Head Coach, Olivia Murphy, who praised Kukri’s involvement in helping their Netball kit cater for players of all shapes and sizes.

To read more on Olivia Murphy’s thoughts, click here.

We also heard from Northern Diamonds star Phoebe Turner, who spoke of her delight on how far sportswear has developed in Women’s cricket. The 19-year-old insists that comfortable sportswear helps women cricketers feel ‘confident’ on the pitch, and also spoke of pride when noticing Northern Diamonds fans wearing the kit in the stands.

Click here to read our full interview with Phoebe.

Severn Stars Goal Attack, Grace Namana, then joined us to stress the importance of women having the right sportswear when competing and how women should always be afforded the right access to tailored sportswear, regardless of the sport they are competing in.

To read more on our interview with Grace, click here.

“Through our latest campaign, we aimed to not only show how we support women, but also promote gender equality in sports. We are proud to have made a positive impact and will continue to champion gender equality through our products and initiatives.” – Josh Beal, Sales, Director, Kukri Sports.

The importance of offering appropriate sportswear for women in sports cannot be overstated. Kukri remains committed to collaborating with our elite partners to ensure women athletes at all levels can maximize their training and performance and achieve their full potential in their respective sports.

Keep an eye out for exclusive interviews with our elite partner’s athletes and much more coming soon.

28/04/202302/05/2023

With a mission to empower female athletes and inspire the next generation of women in sport as part of our latest campaign, we recently sat down with Severn Stars’ Grace Namana in an exclusive interview.

Namana, who joined from ANZ Premiership side the Northern Mystics, is currently in her first season with Severn Stars and was one of many new faces that joined as part of a revamped squad ahead of the current season that reflects a new era under Head Coach Jo Trip.

With Stars now hoping to pick up their seventh win of the season ahead of their match against Celtic Dragons this weekend, Namana emphasised the importance of properly fitting and comfortable sportswear.

“In order to train effectively, sportswear plays an important role. We need to be supported in order to maximise training to be able to perform.

“We train hard and sacrifice a lot to be able to compete at such a high level and, regardless of what sport women are competing in, we should be afforded the right access to correct sportswear when competing.“

The 27-year-old also stressed the need for support for women in sports, particularly when it comes to their training wear.

“We need to be supported in order to maximise training to be able to perform on the court.

“Sportswear should fit properly and be able to move with your body. It should be something that you put on and don’t need to alter during a training session.“

Namana, who is also a full-time lawyer, also praised Kukri’s involvement in the development of Severn Stars’ Netball dresses.

“The dresses we have are great. We have had a very productive conversation with Kukri, who have been open to our suggestions to make the kit a better fit for us.“

Severn Stars, who have been partnered with Kukri since October 2020, currently sit 5th in the Vitality Netball SuperLeague with six wins from 13 games, with Namana undoubtedly playing a big part in Goal Attack with 156 goals from 198 total shots.

To find out more information about Severn Stars, click here.

Kukri Sports is committed to providing women with high-quality sportswear to support their training and performance. Our goal is to empower women to achieve their potential in their chosen sport and break down barriers in the world of sports.

25/04/202302/05/2023

As Kukri Sports continue to shine a light on the accomplishments of Women in Sport this month, we recently sat down with Northern Diamonds star Phoebe Turner in an exclusive interview.

Turner, who has been described as a dynamic batter, earned a professional contract ahead of the 2023 season. The 19-year-old featured eight times for Northern Diamonds’ senior side in 2022, including playing at Lord’s in their triumphant Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Final.

With the Diamonds now hoping to kick on after beginning their Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy title defence with an emphatic victory, Turner was pleased to see how far sportswear has come in Women’s Cricket and praised Kukri’s involvement.

“It shows the values that are now in place in Cricket and the bigger focus that there now is on equality. I think it’s great that Kukri have tailored sportswear for men over at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and are now doing the same for Northern Diamonds players too.

“The fitting and feel of the kit is absolutely perfect on us. I go out there during a match and feel proud and honoured to wear it, because I know the value and thought that has gone into sportswear designed specifically for Women’s cricket by Kukri.“

Turner, who is also a graduate student from the Headingley based Yorkshire Cricket College, also shared her thoughts on the importance of sportswear designed for women, and the impact it can have on their performance on the pitch.

“It’s important for us players that we feel comfortable and confident when we are playing and on the pitch, rather than wearing sportswear that doesn’t fit us.

It’s vital that we do get the right clothing in terms of size and breathability of the material, because it helps us perform to our maximum. If we were to wear men’s bottoms on the pitch, it would be difficult for us to even run in them, so it’s pleasing to see how far it has come over recent years and it’s very beneficial to us as players to add comfort and help us perform to our best on the pitch.“

Turner, who is now embarking on her second season with the Northern Diamonds first team, is now excited to see what the future holds for Women’s sportswear in Cricket.

“I think it’s really important that you see girls wearing their own cricket kit. You can spot our fans watching our games with kit on and you can tell they want to and feel proud wearing it.

“There have been lots of positive changes this year with our kit and Kukri have played a massive part in that which has been really great to see, and long may it continue.“

Kukri have been a proud official kit supplier of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Northern Diamonds since March 2022, supplying both teams playing and training wear, as well as kit for the Academy and Pathway teams.

To find out more about Northern Diamonds, click here.

13/04/202318/04/2023

As we continue to shine a light on the accomplishments of Women in sport this month, we recently sat down with ex-England Netball captain and Loughborough Lightning’s Olivia Murphy.

Now Assistant Coach and Head of Performance Support at Loughborough Lighting, Olivia Murphy enjoyed a stellar playing career with 95 caps across 15 years playing internationally for England and six years spent as senior captain.

As part of the wider elite sport franchises based at Loughborough University, Kukri continues to provide support for five time Grand finalists, Loughborough Lightning Netball, who were crowned Netball Super League champions in 2021 and continue to inspire and develop talent through their pathway.

“It’s a special partnership. Kukri have been working with Lightning Netball over multiple seasons now. The beauty of the kit is that the Kukri team are always listening to feedback or ideas from our athletes and staff. We both want to be at the top of our game!”

Murphy has also stressed the importance on the Kukri kit being accommodating for Netball players of all shapes and sizes to help facilitate their performance on the court.

“Kukri have worked with us around fit and feel of the dresses and sizing in particular. The great thing about Netball is that it’s played by females of all shapes and sizes, and Kukri have fully embraced this challenge so all the athletes can feel amazing in their kit.

“Kukri kit is long enough for our taller athletes, so they don’t have to worry about how it looks when they move and the fabric ensures that it’s breathable. Playing in packed arenas and on Sky Sports means look, feel and performance kit are hugely important.

“I would recommend Kukri to anyone working with female athletes as the staff will listen and react, as well as research what’s important for their partners.”

Kukri Sports have been a proud partner and Official Kit supplier of Loughborough University for over ten years, providing brand-new match apparel, training and leisurewear across the whole of Loughborough’s sporting provision.

To find out more about Loughborough Lightning, click here.

As part of supporting Women in sport campaign, we are giving you 20% off all Women’s sportswear for this month only. Don’t miss out, click here to find out more and grab yourself a bargain.

05/04/202318/04/2023

This month we are proud to launch our Women in Sport campaign to shine a light on the accomplishments of strong, powerful women on the track, in the fields and on the courts, pitches and gyms across the globe. Plus, we will be highlighting the support we offer to these inspirational women to help them achieve their goals.

Through collaborations with our partners, we will be highlighting the hard work and dedication of these inspiring women and the progress they continue to make across a variety of sports. We will be sharing their inspirational stories to motivate and encourage a new generation of female athletes who can now truly believe that anything is possible.

Activities will include interviews with key partners, including a live Instagram takeover with Northern Diamonds star, and leading wicket taker in Women’s County Championship Cricket, Katie Levick plus we are offering a 20% discount off all our Women’s Training & Leisurewear products throughout April.

At Kukri Sports, we are dedicated to breaking down gender barriers in the sporting world and providing contemporary and stylish designs which empower women to feel proud to engage in sporting activities at every level.

We are also committed to ensuring all women have access to sportswear that suits their individual needs, whatever the sport, whilst providing them with the opportunity to participate in sports safely and comfortably.

We offer a wide range of sizes and designs in our Women’s sportswear to promote inclusivity, comfort, and performance for a diverse customer base.

We work with many elite female athletes in their respective sports, including those at England Athletics, British Gymnastics and Severn Stars. We are also championing next generation talent by supporting England Athletics’ Youth Talent Programme with our Kukri Ambassadors scheme, which includes athletes such as Amy Thompson, Annabel Amadin, Grace Wall and Jess Bailey.

“At Kukri we understand how important it is that women feel comfortable in what they are wearing when taking part in sporting activities. This is a key focus for the business when we are developing new products, and at the forefront of our minds when we are developing new products.

“The features we incorporate into our designs ensure women are provided with the right comfort and support, whether it is the optimum fit or bespoke material properties, to perform at all levels of sport.” – Sarah Clark, Senior Product Developer at Kukri Sports.

“Our close relationships with our partner’s make it particularly enjoyable to design and develop sportswear specifically for women as we understand just how important it is to the athletes.

It fills everyone within the business with great pride when we see our designs showcased in high profile global sporting competitions, such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games or the Netball Super League.” – Hayley Yates, Design Manager at Kukri Sports.

Kukri Sports is proud to be at the forefront of designing bespoke sportswear for women, whilst promoting inclusivity in the industry.

For more information on our 20% discount off all Women’s Training & Leisurewear products, please click here.