Category: News

02/02/202402/02/2024

Kukri Sports are delighted to announce our new 3-year partnership with Pickleball Ireland, solidifying our commitment to the rapidly growing sport. As part of this collaboration Kukri will be providing all on and off court sportswear for the Pickleball Ireland teams, across various levels.

“We are very pleased to announce that our Title sponsor for the Pickleball Ireland Irish National Championships is Kukri Sports who are a global sportswear provider and multi-sports specialists across many elite sports. We thank Kukri very much for the partnership and look forward very much to working with them.

 This is a very important relationship to us as we continue to develop and promote pickleball throughout the whole of Ireland.” John Fitzpatrick, Board Chair, Pickleball Ireland.

“Kukri are delighted to be partnering with Pickleball Ireland for the next 3 years. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and Ireland and a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. We look forward to supporting Pickleball Ireland events and the grassroot pickleball clubs across Ireland over the next 3 years.” Neil Patterson, Kukri Sports Country Manager Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball, a dynamic sport combining elements from badminton, tennis, and table tennis, can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors on a court akin to badminton with a modified tennis net. Two to four players, armed with robust paddles made from wood or composite materials, aim to strike a perforated polymer ball over the net.

Who are Pickleball Ireland?

Pickleball was introduced to Ireland back in 2016 and in 2022 Pickleball Ireland was set up as a not for profit legal entity which now serves as the national governing body for the sport, dedicated to promoting it locally and globally. Associated teams actively participate and compete at regional, national, and international levels – Find out more

Kukri Pickleball Ireland National Championships

Kukri Sports is proud to be a key supporter of the inaugural Kukri Pickleball Ireland National Championships, scheduled for April 6-7, 2024, at Lagan Valley Leisureplex in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. The event will witness teams at all skill levels vying for the esteemed title of official national champions – Find out more about the event

If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports or want to know how we can help – Get in touch.

24/01/202423/01/2024

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.

08/01/202408/01/2024

In a significant strategic move, Kukri Sports has been acquired by the businesses Group Executive Chairman Andrew Ronnie, marking a new era for the renowned sportswear brand. This management buyout sees Andrew Ronnie taking the reins from the previous majority shareholders.

With a commitment to encouraging growth and innovation, this transition is poised to usher in a bright and promising future for Kukri Sports. The buyout ensures a seamless continuity for the brand’s esteemed partners, while also paving the way for new opportunities and pioneering initiatives in the bespoke sportswear market.

Kuits Solicitors, played an instrumental role in overseeing the legal aspects of the sale, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition of ownership.

NatWest bank have provided financial assistance, aiding the transition and are committed to support the business with its future endeavors.

Commenting on the acquisition, Andrew Ronnie stated, “Acquiring Kukri Sports is a significant milestone in my journey. Having been with the business for many years I am deeply committed to building on the brand’s legacy and steering it towards a future filled with growth, innovation, and unparalleled quality. With the support of our partners and the dedication of our team, I am confident that Kukri Sports will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks in the industry.”

The management buyout underscores a strategic vision aimed at harnessing the brand’s potential, capitalizing on emerging market trends, and reinforcing Kukri Sports’ position as a leader in the Global bespoke sportswear market.

22/12/202319/12/2023

With the curtain closing on another year, Kukri Sports is proud to celebrate some remarkable achievements and collaborative victories in 2023.

As the industry leading choice for athletes and teams around the world, Kukri has not only strengthened its position in the market, but has also continued to forge meaningful partnerships that underscores its commitment to excellence.

A year of innovation and growth

Kukri continued to innovate and enhance its product offerings in 2023, introducing cutting-edge fabrics, advanced performance features and stylish designs that fuel athletes’ performances at all levels.

Groundbreaking partnerships

Kukri’s commitment to supporting athletes across a wide range of sports resulted in exciting partnerships throughout the year.

The collaboration with Special Olympics saw the creation of individual kit for 82 athletes, 35 coaches and eight support staff for this year’s World Games. The partnership continues to promote inclusivity and diversity in sport, whilst helping to provide innovative and cutting-edge sportswear to help athletes break participation boundaries. Read more here.

Furthering its commitment to the education market, Kukri also joined forces with a variety of universities and schools, including Plymouth Marjon, University of Exeter and Dean Close School.

Kukri also extended its global reach with partnerships with international sports federations and organisations. A recent partnership with Barbados Olympic Association has seen an exciting new chapter, in which we played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and image of their teams competing in this year’s CAC Games El Salvador Dominican Republic and this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

Financial growth around the world

Kukri’s subsidiaries have also had a very successful year. Robust growth has not only contributed substantially to the overall revenue but has also diversified Kukri’s market presence.

Memorable moments for partners

2023 also saw some memorable moments for Kukri’s partners. Somerset County Cricket Club triumphed to win this year’s Vitality Blast, whilst Loughborough Lightning Netball team claimed their second Netball Super League title with a 57-48 win over London Pulse.

Amongst other achievements, England Lacrosse Senior Womens and Men’s were crowned Home International Champions, British Wheelchair Basketball’s Men’s team reached the IWBF World Championships final, Hong Kong China men won the Hangzhou Asian Games Rugby Sevens and Rugby School won their U18 rugby double header against Barbarian FC, bringing their bicentenary celebrations to an end in style.

Ambassadors continue to shine

Kukri is also pleased to have announced its new selection of Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors, in conjunction with England Athletics. Find out more.

One of the ambassadors, Amy Thompson, continues to raise awareness in her role about the misconceptions and importance of showcasing disabled athletes in sport. Amy was also crowned Ambulant shot-put champion at this year’s England Athletic Open and Senior Para Championships.

Our International Beach Volleyball Ambassadors, the Bello Brothers, have also had a successful year. Javier & Joaquin Bello were crowned UK Beach Tour champions for the fourth consecutive time this year, whilst also achieving bronze at the Beach Pro Tour in Goa, India, in October.

Find out more about our Ambassadors.

Reflecting on this year, Andrew Ronnie, Group Executive Chairman at Kukri Sports, said “I am thrilled to celebrate another successful year for Kukri Sports. Our commitment to innovation, partnerships, and sustainability has propelled us to new heights. We are very grateful to our partners, athletes and customers for their support, and we look forward to continuing to shape the future of sports next year.”

Are you looking for a sportswear provider?

Kukri is a leading global sportswear provider, renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation across a wide range of sports.

We offer a diverse range of products, designed for athletes at every level. Contact us here and start your journey today.

14/12/202314/12/2023

Kukri Sports is proud to highlight the outstanding achievements of its partners teams at this year’s Dubai Sevens Tournament.

The Tournament, held at the iconic Sevens Stadium from 1-3 December, showcased thrilling matches and fierce competition, with eleven of Kukri’s partners in the Middle East competing.

Kukri played a pivotal role in supporting its partners with swift deliverability and dynamic designs, collaborating closely with partners to create 24 innovative and cutting-edge kit designs for the tournament. This remarkable feat was achieved within demanding time constrains of only two weeks, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and dedication to helping our partners to achieve their goals.

Read more about Kukri’s support.

In an all Kukri final, Dubai College U19 boys were crowned winners of the 2023 U19 Gulf Cup after beating Dubai English Speaking College in a thrilling encounter. This came a year after Dubai College’s U19 girls were crowned U19 Gulf Cup winners in their debut at the tournament last year.

Amongst other notable achievements for our partners, Thursday Night Lights reached the semi-final in the Gulf Men’s Social, while Bahrain RFC’s Men’s 1^st XV secured a commendable fourth-place finish in the Gulf Men’s League.

Making their debut in the tournament and first time playing as a team, The Club Abu Dhabi reached the quarter-final of the plate and British School Al Khubairat’s boys rugby team reached the cup semi-final.

Kukri would also like to congratulate its other partners’ teams on their performances throughout the tournament.

Reflecting on the tournament and partners’ achievements, Chris Marshall, Global Brand Director at Kukri Sports, said “We are very proud of the outstanding performances of our partner teams at this year’s Dubai Sevens Tournament. Their achievements underline the commitment to excellence shared by both our brand and these athletes.

“We’ve really enjoyed collaborating with them closely to create new designs that not only captured the teams’ identity, but made the players feel at their best when participating. We look forward to continued success together and providing support for a variety of teams for next year’s tournament.”

Kukri is committed to providing high-quality, innovative sportswear that empowers athletes to perform at their best. The success of our partner teams at the Dubai Sevens Tournament serves as a testament to our dedication to supporting athletes in achieving their goals at all levels across a wide range of sports.

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.

With a relentless commitment to excellence and expertise in creating personalised designs, we are the ideal partner to help you achieve your sporting goals.

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

08/12/202308/12/2023

As the Welsh Trampoline/DMT Championships edge closer, Kukri Sports recently sat down with accomplished trampoline gymnast, India Marshall, as she shared an insight into her gymnastics journey and aspirations in an exclusive interview.

Reflecting on her journey in gymnastics, India said, “I saw it on TV and just decided to take it on and have loved it ever since.” This love for the sport has driven her to impressive heights, including a standout moment in 2016 when she triumphed to claim Individual and Team Gold at the Junior Commonwealth Championships in Namibia.

“I was shocked because I was against other women who were incredible and didn’t think I stood a chance, but winning the team medal for Wales was an amazing feeling with a great group of girls.”

The upcoming Welsh Trampoline/DMT Championships, which will take place at Sport Wales on Sunday 10 December, hold special importance for India, who shared her preparation strategy ahead of the event. “Leading up to the Championships, I have been really focusing on developing confidence and competence linking multiple doubles and increasing my height.

“My main skill-based goals are to increase my confidence and increase my time of flight. I have been working a lot this year on my competition mindset and figuring out what works for me in terms of focus and preparation.”

India also emphasised the importance of mental aspects of competition preparation, stating, “Finding enjoyment outside of training and making time for myself has also been imperative in maintaining focus throughout the last 5 weeks of competition prep.

“In trampolining, you have to be so patient and trust the process, things don’t happen at the click of a finger. You have to be disciplined, keep going and turning up to training and if things aren’t going right, take a step back and go again.”

As she approaches the Championships, India remains focused on her goals, both in terms of skills and mindset. “I just want to keep enjoying and loving it. I want to keep going and pushing myself, hopefully compete in more Internationals in the future, and the Olympics would be awesome too.

“I love the sport and love competing, so reminding myself I have the choice to turn up to training every day helps me maintain my focus and discipline.

“Learning isn’t linear, and knowing I train and compete because I want to is a massive factor in my motivation.

“As long as I’m enjoying it and my body allows me to do it, I’ll keep going.”

Kukri have been a proud partner of Welsh Gymnastics for a number of years, providing bespoke leisure and podium wear for all performance programmes, national teams and squads.

Kukri, who extended its deal with Welsh Gymnastics in 2022, continue to work on advancing the style, fit and performance of the kit range to ensure gymnasts can unleash their greatness in training and respective competitions.

Find out more about Welsh Gymnastics.

As an elite multi-sports sportswear supplier, we are committed to providing athletes and teams at all levels with high-quality and cutting edge performance wear.

We support all athletes in their pursuit of greatness at all levels, and wish our partner’s gymnasts the best of luck competing in the Welsh Trampoline/DMT Championships this weekend.

Are you looking for a sportswear provider? Get in touch here.

28/11/202328/11/2023

This year, eleven of Kukri Sports’ partners, based in the Middle East, will be competing in the Dubai Sevens Tournament. As their official Kit supplier, Kukri has played a crucial role in facilitating the participation of their partner’s teams.

Starting on 1 December, the Dubai Sevens is annual sporting event held at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, UAE. Find out more about the Dubai Sevens

A number of Kukri partners are competing in the tournament, such as Bahrain RFC, Dubai College & Victoria International School.

A proud achievement from last year’s tournament was the success of our partner Dubai College, when their U19 Girls Team were crowned Gulf U19 Girls winners in their first year competing in the tournament.

In the lead up to this year’s prestigious event, Kukri faced various challenges:

Design Challenges

Kukri are renowned for an ability to create truly bespoke designs across multiple sports. This year posed a special challenge as the team was tasked with developing distinct kit on and off-field designs for each of the partner’s teams, spanning rugby, netball, and cricket, whilst catering for various age groups.

Collaborating closely with the partners, the design team meticulously crafted concepts that precisely aligned with the specific needs of each participating team, combining innovation with cutting-edge designs. In total, the projects resulted in the creation of 24 individual kit designs for the tournament.

Production Challenges

The team also faced the task of producing limited production runs exclusively for the participating teams, all within demanding time constraints of only two weeks.

To meet this challenge, they collaborated diligently with print factories in the UK, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products within flexible timelines.

“We are incredibly excited to support our partners at this years’ Dubai Sevens tournament,” said Chris Marshall, Global Brand Director at Kukri Sports. “We have been working closely with them to understand the performance requirements of the garments and at the same time capture the unique identity of each individual team.

Our sportswear is designed to help athletes reach their full potential, and we are proud to provide our partners with cutting-edge training and match wear they need to thrive throughout the tournament.”

We wish our partners competing the best of luck and are proud to fuel their journey towards greatness in Dubai’s most prestigious competition.

Find out more about our partners

Are you looking for a 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.

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

15/11/202315/11/2023

Kukri Sports are pleased to announce that Ayesha Jones, who was recently crowned Sporting Equals Young Sportsperson of the Year whilst representing England, has been selected as a new Youth Talent Programme Ambassador for the 2023/24 Athletics season.

Ayesha, a rising star in athletics, has enjoyed great success over recent seasons in her discipline, javelin, after becoming a Commonwealth Youth Games Champion and record holder at this year’s games in Trinidad & Tobago, throwing an impressive 52.49m.

Ayesha, a Commonwealth Youth Games champion, is thrilled about her new role and the opportunity to inspire younger athletes. “When I was contacted and asked if I wanted to become a Kukri Sports YTP Ambassador, I felt honoured. To be able to have Kukri’s trust and support in becoming an ambassador and being able to represent the brand moving forwards is incredible.”

Ayesha, who will be joined by five other ambassadors selected by Kukri Sports for the 2023/24 Athletics season, continues to break records after enjoying successful 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Speaking on her recent achievements, Ayesha admitted she’s ‘living a dream’ and paid testament to her family. “Being in environments with other top athletes from around the world is something I will always cherish, as well as becoming a Commonwealth Youth Games champion.

“Winning the title for my discipline was something I wanted since I heard about the selection, and to be able to achieve it as well as setting a new games record was surreal.

“I’ve missed family events or left events early to go training, but I know they understand and are all proud of me for what I have achieved up to this point. Succeeding the way I have is showing me what I do is something to be proud of.”

Moving forwards, the recently crowned Sporting Equals Young Sportsperson of the Year award is hungry for more success. “Hopefully I can become an England Senior athlete. Representing my country and myself at the World Championships as well as the Olympic Games.

“My ultimate goal is to continue to perform to the best of my ability and being recognised, not only as a progressing athlete but also reaching Senior Level.”

Commenting on the news, Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, said “We are delighted to welcome Ayesha as a new Youth Talent Programme Ambassador. We’re looking forward to supporting her in future competitions and believe she will be a great role model for younger athletes.”

The Youth Talent Programme, in conjunction with Kukri’s partner, England Athletics, is the first key step on the Talent Pathway designed to identify, develop and support athletes and para-athletes from aged 16+ who have the potential to represent England and Great Britain at domestic and international competitions in the future.

Click here to find out more about the Youth Talent pathway.

The partnership between Kukri Sports and England Athletics with the Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors promises exciting developments. Stay tuned for upcoming events, collaborative content and more coming soon.

Kukri Sports are proud to be partnered with England Athletics and are committed to providing athletes with the products and support they need to perform at their best. We’re also proud to support the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme and to help young athletes reach their full potential.

Click here to find out more about England Athletics.

14/11/202313/11/2023

Kukri Sports are delighted to announce our new 5 year partnership with Dean Close School, a leading education provider, based in Cheltenham.

As part of the partnership, Kukri will provide a full range of bespoke sportswear for staff and pupils, both on and off field.

Dean Close was established in 1886 and offers all-through education for day and boarding pupils ages 2-18. The school has 100 percent participation in sport and physical activity, with over 800 pupils from year 3 to 13 already taking part in school sport and physical activity in nearly 1500 fixtures played over the year. Click here to find out more about Dean Close.

“We are delighted to have forged a partnership with Kukri sports after an extensive process where we research the market to see who we felt would work best with Dean Close.  Kukri’s work with Team England at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year convinced us that the range and quality of their kit could meet our own standards and expectations. It has already proved to be a real partnership, where Kukri have listened and responded to our needs and feedback to finally arrive at a range of kit that will allow us to progress and adapt to the future of school sport.” – Greg Barber-Williams, Director of Sport, Dean Close.

“Kukri Sports are proud to be working with Dean Close and become the official sportswear provider to the school. We will provide multiple ranges, to cover school PE and games, first team kit, staff wear and wider merchandise. We are excited to deliver the new ranges and showcase the quality of what Kukri has to offer.

Kukri will also aim to support wider projects at Dean Close, with a key one being sustainability. Kukri has found real synergy with Dean Close, with both organisations looking at making huge strides on the environmental impact they have within their two industries.

We are looking forward to seeing how far the partnership can grow over the coming years!” – Josh Beal, Sales Director, Kukri Sports.

To find out how we can support your sportswear needs, contact us.