Category: News

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)

01/06/202301/06/2023

Over the last month, Kukri Sports has been proud to have shed light on the challenges faced by male athletes and promote their accomplishments and dedication to their respective sports.

The campaign included exclusive interviews with players from Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Somerset Cricket Club, as well as a captivating look into the daily life of Ireland’s rising boxing sensation, Kieran Molloy.

Kukri, known for its commitment to supporting athletes at all levels, sought to highlight the personal journeys, sacrifices, and triumphs of these remarkable sportsmen.

We also sat down with International Beach Volleyball stars, the ‘Bello Brothers’, who spoke about the importance of having the correct sportswear in Beach Volleyball.

Click here to read more of our exclusive interview with the Bello Brothers.

The campaign also featured a day in the life Instagram takeover with Ireland’s rising boxing star Kieran Molloy. The takeover provided boxing fans with a rare glimpse into the intense training regimen, sacrifices, and determination required to excel in the demanding world of professional boxing. Click here to watch the full takeover.

We also spoke to Somerset CCC star Will Smeed , who shared his aims for the new Vitality Blast season and why he made the decision to walk away from red-ball cricket.

Click here to read the full interview with Will Smeed.

“We are thrilled to have created a platform for male athletes to share their stories and inspire others. Through our exclusive interviews and the ‘day in the life’ feature with Kieran Molloy, we aimed to showcase the dedication, hard work, and resilience of these remarkable individuals. We are proud to have played a part in promoting a positive narrative around men in sport.” Josh Beal, Sales Director, Kukri Sports.

Our campaign also initiated a crucial conversation about the challenges athletes face in their respective sports. By sharing their stories, this campaign has hopefully inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles, reinforcing the notion that success is achieved through determination, hard work, and a supportive community.

Click here to read more.

As this campaign comes to a close, we remain committed to demonstrating our unwavering commitment to athletes of all genders, promoting inclusivity, and fostering an environment where every athlete can thrive.

Keep an eye out for our next campaign on ‘Supporting Youth in Sport’ coming soon.

26/05/202326/05/2023

As part of our ongoing campaign on supporting men in sport, Kukri Sports recently sat down with rising boxing star, Kieran Molloy, in an exclusive interview.

Kieran Molloy, who teamed up with Kukri as a sporting ambassador in March last year, has a bright future in boxing with his achievements including 11x National Champion, 3x Irish Elite Champion and EU Bronze Medallist, all by the age of 23.

The now 24-year-old welterweight prospect enjoyed a triumphant return to his hometown Galway in his last bout, winning convincingly after an eight-round contest with Colombian Fernando Mosquera, dazzling the sell-out crowd and showing off his impressive arsenal of skills in the process.

Molloy (5-0, 3KOs) looks back on the fight fondly and insists he’s raring to go ahead of his next bout, scheduled against Kurt Walker in Belfast on Saturday 27 May.

“It was fantastic to headline in my own city. I was very proud to bring big time boxing back to my home town. A lot of the people that were in the crowd have supported me since I was a kid, so it was nice to put on a show for them.

“I’m feeling good ahead of my next fight,” Molloy said. “I’m training well here at Loughborough University and we’ve got some great facilities here, so you can’t really ask for much more than that.”

Molloy, who trains under the watchful eye of world-class coach, Angel Fernandez, is excited for the future under the Spaniard and also lavished praise on his fellow boxing training partners.

“I’m doing some great work with my coach, Angel Fernandez, and I also have the privilege of training with some other talented boxers in Richard Riakpohre, Frazer Clarke and Sergio Garcia, so we’re all pushing each other on every single day in order to achieve our goals and reach the very top.

“It’s nice to be able to train with them all. Richard is a lot more advanced in his career at the moment, but that level is what we want to aspire to and we know we can get there with the plan that Angel has in place for us. We always keep pushing each other on every day and we’re all working our way towards the top.”

Molloy’s commitment and knowledge of the sport in which he operates is compelling, and ahead of his next bout, he is not underestimating the challenge that lies ahead.

“In training you’ve got to have every box ticked before the fight. You could be training for a specific style, but your opponent might come out and do the exact opposite of what you are prepared for.

“You have got to adjust as the fight comes,” Molloy continued. “In our training camps we cover everything, whether our opponent is an aggressive fighter, counter puncher, if he’s on the run, if he’s slick or if he’s got a tight guard. It’s important we cover all aspects in training and that is what our coach, Angel, is very good at doing.”

Combining his exciting talent with his dedication to the sport, Molloy undoubtedly has a bright future in boxing and will do whatever it takes to reach his goal. Next up, Belfast.

Don’t miss out on 20% OFF all our men’s training & leisurewear products this month. Click here to find out more.

19/05/202319/05/2023

As part of Mental Health Awareness week, we spoke with some of our partner’s athletes from various sporting backgrounds on their personal experiences with mental health challenges, the importance of exercise and their advice for young athletes experiencing mental health challenges.

Kukri Sports understands the importance of Mental Health Awareness Week, an initiative launched by the Mental Health Foundation, which happens every year and aims to tackle the stigma around mental health.

Launched in 2001, the initiative is vital in increasing public understanding of mental health and how problems can be prevented. It also aims to help people understand and prioritise their and others’ mental health and well-being.

As part of our efforts to tackle the stigma around mental health and provide support, we spoke to athletes from various partners across different sports, who bravely share their personal experiences, their coping mechanisms and how their sport has positively impacted their mental health throughout their respective careers.

Adam Lyth, a Yorkshire County Cricket Club legend who has amassed over 200 first-class appearances and is the club’s leading run-scorer in the Vitality Blast, opened up about the challenges he has faced in his career. The left-handed opening batsmen insisted that a close support network has helped him through difficult periods.

“I was going through a difficult period of time when I was playing for England with the media, expectations and a loss of form from an individual perspective. That was probably the most difficult time in my career.

“I just tried to take everything out of it and concentrate on my job at the time, which I’m there to enjoy and love. Speaking openly and getting that support from your closest friends and family is really important, and it’s helped my greatly in my career up to this point.”

Lyth, who has sailed beyond 12,000 career runs in all first-class cricket, stressed the importance of young athletes speaking openly about their mental health challenges.

“I think it’s important that young athletes speak out, whether that be to friends, family, teammates or coaches. They are there to help you, and it’s never nice to see anyone going through difficult periods of time and them not wanting to speak out as a result of that.

“The most important thing for me is your family and the teammates you have around you, and if people speak out to them, they can hopefully help in getting athletes through a difficult period of time that will make them stronger for when they face other obstacles throughout their career.”

Kukri also spoke with international Beach Volleyball stars, the Bello Brothers, who already boast four World Tour medals, on the strategies they have found to be effective when competing at a high level.

“We also have long periods of time when we’re training without competitions during the off season or pre-season, so we find it very beneficial to have a good plan in place to ensure we stay focused and engaged at all times.

“We have a really good plan in place and team around us too, which helps to create the framework and routine that we follow, which allows us to have an element of consistency and helps keep our mental health in check.”

Javier Bello, who spoke on behalf of the Bello Brothers, also encouraged young athletes to speak out about the challenges they are facing.

“I think for any young athlete it’s important that you speak to people around you. Even if it’s just having a small conversation and not feeling like you are alone and fighting your own battle.

“It’s really important to get support from those around you such as friends, players and coaches that can help you overcome challenges.”

Kieran Molloy, Ireland’s rising boxing star who aspires to become a world champion, also gave an insight into the challenges he has faced in his career.

“I’ve had to step away from a lot of things, there’s no social life or going our partying as an athlete, but my dream of becoming a world champion outweighs all of that.

“But these are the sacrifices that athletes have got to make to reach the top and push for their dreams. You’ve got to be selfish, look after yourself and once those rewards eventually come, it’s all worth it.”

“Boxing is a very lonely sport, you spend a lot of time alone. It’s been difficult for me moving away from home at a young age and living alone, so you’ve got to surround yourself with people who you know are going to be there for you.

“I’ve got some great people around me here like my coach, Angel Fernandez, and the other boxers I train with such as Sergio Garcia, Frazer Clarke and Richard Riakporhe. We’re all in the same boat here and will be there for each other through thick and thin.

The 24-year-old, who made a triumphant return to his native Galway this month after beating Fernando Mosquera, also shared his advice for young aspiring boxers who are facing mental health challenges.

“Reach out to people. They can always give me or any of the other guys a message and we’d be more than happy to help and listen to what they have to say.

“Boxing is a very tough sport and if there is any way we can help people we will. Never be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling. There is a lot of good people in the world and a lot more good than bad out there, and I just think a simple message can go a long way to helping young boxers overcome challenges they are facing.”

Will Smeed, who became the first player to score a century in the Hundred in 2022. also spoke with Kukri on his coping strategies that help him mentally.

“A big thing for me is having a routine. I think having that in place helps me to cope with the pressures that come with cricket. I just try to enjoy it which helps to take that pressure off and go in with the mindset that I’m going out there to have fun and win, which for me is a good way to look at it.

“I think I’ve always been good at staying level and keeping things in perspective. Obviously, some people struggle with that a bit more, but I think it’s important that they have a routine to go back to, and if you are low, just keep persevering with that routine and then from there the performances will come good and that will help people to start feeling better about themselves.”

The 21-year-old, who starred on his England Lions debut in July 2022, is encouraged by the support out there for people struggling with their mental health.

“There are a lot of avenues out there now that athletes can pursue to get the help they need and get on top of their mental health. The main thing for me is to find your support network and reach out to people.

“I think the main thing is if you are struggling is not to be afraid to speak out and seek help.

“Especially with a sport like Cricket, I think it’s very important to stay level-headed. If players can find their own way of coping with the different challenges that cricket throws at you, then I think that will only help them in the long-term.”

As all the above athletes attest, exercise can be a powerful tool in the fight against mental health challenges. Although, with that can come pressure and increased expectation, which is where it is important to speak out and be open about your struggles.

We hope that their experiences will help others to seek help and support when needed, and to see the benefits of exercise in improving young athletes’ and other individuals’ mental health.

For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week and how you can access support, click here.

12/05/202312/05/2023

As part of our campaign on supporting men in sport, we recently sat down with our Beach Volleyball ambassadors, the Bello Brothers, in an exclusive interview.

The Bello Brothers, also known as Javier and Joaquin Bello, teamed up with Kukri Sports back in November 2022, in a partnership which has seen us provide them with sportswear for training and competitions.

The Madrid-born stars, who produced some breathtaking displays to earn bronze at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, have developed in the UK under the guidance of their father, Luis Bello, who continues to coach the team.

The twins, now aged just 22, have been making history since their international debut in 2016, and already boast four World Tour medals, Commonwealth Bronze and three-straight British Championships.

As they aim to push for Olympic qualification and lead the growth of the sport, Javier Bello, speaking on behalf of the Bello Brothers, stressed the importance of the right sportswear when competing, and praised Kukri’s involvement.

“In Beach Volleyball we are constantly facing difficult conditions, which means we need kit that is not only durable, but can also sustain itself in those situations and provide support for us to help us play with intensity and compete at the highest level, both in training and matches.

“The kit from Kukri has been high-quality. We have worn a wide range of products since we teamed up last year, which has been very beneficial for us.

“We train in different conditions, and Kukri have supplied us with some great jackets which we wear a lot as they help to keep us warm when we are training in colder conditions.”

The Bello Brothers, who are preparing for the their next event in the upcoming Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in Ostrava, Czech Republic, believe that sportswear for Beach Volleyball is heading in the right direction.

“Having the right sportswear helps us feel comfortable and ultimately perform at a higher level. It allows you to focus on your performance, rather than being distracted by the fitting of the kit or how it looks.

“Players don’t want a source of distraction when they are playing, so having the right sportswear helps to enhance performance levels, which is something that has really benefitted us since we partnered with Kukri.

“Hopefully, we can continue to see development of sportswear in Beach Volleyball. We look forward to wearing more Kukri kit in our upcoming competitions that will help us to compete and push for our goal of qualifying for the Olympics.”

To find out more about the Bello Brothers, click here.

Follow the Bello Brothers on social media:

Instagram

@javier_bello1

@joa_bello

Facebook

@teambellovolley

Twitter:

@TeamBelloVolley

Don’t miss out on 20% OFF all our men’s training & leisurewear products this month. Click here to find out more.

03/05/202303/05/2023

Kukri is proud to launch a new campaign dedicated to supporting men in sport. The aim is to highlight the accomplishments of male athletes and how we aim to provide support, whilst also collaborating with key partner to raise awareness around the importance of mental health and well-being in sport.

This follows on from our women in sport campaign, which shone a light on the accomplishments of women and promoted inclusivity in the industry. We also interviewed ex England Netball captain, Olivia Murphy, Northern Diamonds Phoebe Turner, and Severn Stars’ Grace Namana, as well as experiencing a day in the life of Northern Diamonds star Katie Levick.

Click here to recap on our supporting women in sport campaign’s activities.

This month, we will be collaborating with several male athletes to highlight the importance of sportswear in their respective sport, as well as highlighting the importance of positive mental health in sports and how they have tackled their challenges.

Activities will include interviews with several athletes from key partners in different sports, as well as an Instagram takeover with our boxing ambassador, Kieran Molloy. Plus, we will also be launching 20% off all our men’s training & leisurewear products throughout May.

At Kukri Sports, we are dedicated to providing contemporary and stylish designs which empower men to feel proud to engage in sporting activities at every level.

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

We work with many male athletes in their respective sports, including those at England Athletics and British Gymnastics, as well as professional clubs such as Ulster Rugby, Somerset CCC and Yorkshire CCC. We are also championing exciting talent through our ambassadors such as Irish professional boxer, Kieran Molloy and beach volleyball stars, Javier and Joaquin Bello.

“At Kukri, we understand the importance of comfortable sportswear for men when taking part in sporting activities. Our bespoke kits are designed to not only meet the sportswear needs of men, but also to help them feel empowered and confident in their athletic pursuits.

“We are proud to support men in sport and play our part in designing kit that they can feel proud to wear when participating.” – Lauren Brigden, Product Designer at Kukri Sports.

Kukri Sports is proud to be at the forefront of designing bespoke sportswear for men across a variety of sports. Customers can follow this campaign throughout the month on our website, as well as on our social media channels.

For more information on our 20% discount on all our men’s training & leisurewear products, please click here.

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.

13/04/202317/04/2023

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.

05/04/202317/04/2023

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.

27/03/202317/04/2023

Kukri Sports has announced their most sustainable Hong Kong Sevens merchandise range to date, as the world’s premier rugby event, the Hong Kong Sevens returns on 31 March.

Kukri Sports who provide all the Official Merchandise for the event have produced three of the new replica shirts purely from recycled polyester, with all packaging and carrier bags across the full merchandise range also produced from recycled materials.

The fashion forward range of leisure wear and accessories includes T-shirts, hoodies, and polo shirts, as well as a full range of replica home and away shirts for men, women, and kids, enabling everyone to take home a piece of history from the 2023 event and build towards a more sustainable future.

Kukri Sports will operate a name and number printing booth for the first time in the Hong Kong Stadium, where fans can get their products personalised. As well as supplying the official Hong Kong Sevens merchandise range, Kukri Sports are also official suppliers to the Hong Kong Rugby Union teams across men’s, women, and national age grade teams.

The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is one of the most popular sporting events in Asia and attracts some of the world’s top rugby players and thousands of fans from around the globe.

Clare Millington, General Manager – Asia at Kukri Sports said: “The Hong Kong Sevens event has always been special for Kukri Sports and this year is no different. Our global Product Design Team have made huge efforts in developing the sustainable apparel for the event and we can’t wait to see how it is received.

“We have absolutely no doubt it will be another event to remember, and we are proud of our efforts in being able to produce these products for fans and athletes alike.”

The online store is now live with merchandise available to purchase ahead of the tournament, or during the event itself from one of the stadium stalls.

The three-day event takes place from March 31 to April 2, with 16 teams competing on rugby’s greatest stage.

16/03/202317/04/2023

Kukri Sports are proud to announce our partnership with UCI Cycling World Championships, for the upcoming 2023 event in Glasgow.

Kukri are the official provider of workforce and volunteer clothing for the event, which will combine 13 existing UCI World Championships together into one mega event for the first time, making it one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.

For more information on the even visit www.cyclingworldchamps.com

“It is fantastic to welcome Kukri Sports as our official provider of workforce and volunteer clothing for the 4,000 plus staff and volunteers working at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. With an exceptional reputation for supplying high quality sport and leisurewear clothing, we can be confident our staff and volunteers will be looking their best as Scotland welcomes athletes and spectators from around the world to the biggest cycling event in history this summer.” – Trudy Lindblade, CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

“We are extremely excited to be supporting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland this summer. It is such a huge event and the first of its kind in the cycling world. We take great pride in supporting the thousands of staff and volunteers who will be supporting such a monumental event.” – Josh Beal, Sales Director, Kukri Sports

If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports, or want to know how we can help with your kit requirements Get In Touch

06/03/202317/04/2023

The sports brand has announced a record-breaking year, including successes with international sporting events and key partnership extensions.

Kukri Sports has announced significant global growth for their brand, after another hugely successful year in 2022. Sales figures rose significantly by a record 23%, whilst profits rose by 58%.

After adapting to the easing of pandemic restrictions around the world the business has sustained relationships with premium global sporting events, whilst a number of high-profile partnership announcements and extensions have taken place as the brand continues to be a leading provider for National Governing Bodies, education providers and sporting clubs across the world.

In 2022, Kukri continued to provide high-quality bespoke teamwear and leisure wear for the world stage, delivering an unprecedented service to partnered teams and athletes at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, with teams including Team England and Canada. They also continued their 17th year of sponsorship of the Hong Kong Sevens following its return in November.

As a global business Kukri also experienced exponential growth in various regions, including the Middle East, Ireland and North America, with an increase in custom-made teamwear orders from teams in the regions and an increased demand for their apparel online. To further solidify their presence, Kukri signed multiple sponsorship deals, including an extension with one of their longest serving clients, Dubai College, and a 3-year partnership with Cougar Volley as their official kit supplier.

Additionally, the sports brand also signed and extended agreements with a host of other partners such as Loughborough University, Welsh Gymnastics, British Wrestling, England Lacrosse, British Wheelchair Basketball, Rugby School and a number of other well renowned educational institutions.

Last year, the brand’s initiative to reduce their environmental effect while also caring for individuals who create and wear their products throughout the world, continued to excel.

Andrew Ronnie, Group Chief Executive at Kukri Sports, said: “This year has once again seen an exponential rise in sales numbers while we have also continued to ensure we are delivering excellent levels of customer service and satisfaction, despite some of the most challenging trading times.

Another focus for us has been our ambition to continue to improve our products and develop our sustainability ambitions, giving our partners across the world the choice of a more environmentally friendly kit provision – something you will see at our events this year.

The year ahead promises to be no less of a success for us and we have some exciting events to look forward to, including the bi-centential celebrations with our partner Rugby School amongst others. We continue to put a huge focus on supporting athletes across the board – be that youth, female, or male athletes.”

10/01/202315/03/2023

Kukri Sports are excited to announce an extension to our successful partnership with England Lacrosse, until 2027.

England Lacrosse are the National Governing Body for the sport in England. As part of the deal Kukri will continue as the official kit supplier and will provide sponsorship as well as bespoke playing and training wear for all England national squads, academies and staff.

“England Lacrosse (EL) are delighted to re-sign with Kukri as our official kit supplier across all major EL properties. Kukri have proved to be a committed, reliable and dynamic partner since we first signed with them in 2018.

Kukri are continually working to refine and redesign their lacrosse products, delivering sport specific performance sportswear to our athletes. 

Kurki will also partner The Fly, Europe’s first ever national 6s lacrosse league.

We look forward to working with Kukri over the coming years.” – Caroline Royle, Marketing Manager, England Lacrosse.

“Everyone at Kukri is delighted to extend our long-term partnership with England Lacrosse. The partnership, starting in 2018 and with the extension, takes us through to 2027. The long-term nature of the partnership means that we can develop products specifically around England Lacrosse, which in turn can be uniquely designed for optimum performance of the teams. It is exciting to work directly with the England Lacrosse players, producing new lacrosse sportswear.

The partnership extension will also see us develop further merchandise ranges for England Lacrosse supporters, as well as working with The Fly tournament to produce all kit alongside specific fan ranges.

It is an exciting time for both organisations and we can’t wait to grow the lacrosse offering across the country further!” – Josh Beal, Sales Director, Kukri Sports

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

07/12/202211/01/2023

As he approaches his first year as a professional boxer, Kukri Sports sat down with sporting ambassador Kieran Molloy to look back on his career so far, from his incredible amateur career to signing with the sports brand, and his ambitions for the future.

“I only spoke to my girlfriend about it last week,” Kieran Molloy says, astonished, when asked if he realises the enormity of what he has accomplished since going pro earlier this year.

“We were on the way back to the airport to come back to England, and I was just sitting there and thought to myself if you told me this three years ago that I was going to sign as a professional, having Kukri Sports as a kit sponsor and training in England with a world class coach, I would be so happy.”

For Molloy, becoming a professional boxer has been his dream since he was five years old. He followed his two brothers, Connor and Stephen, to the local Boxing club in Galway and, as he puts it, has “never looked back since.”

The Irish boxer rose to prominence in the amateur scene with 202 wins in 221 fights, including 11x National Champion, 3x Irish Elite Champion, EU bronze medallist, as well as a Youth European and World medallist, all by the age of 23.

“I started having my first few fights when I was 9,” said Molloy. “Every guy that I would spar at my own age, I was far too advanced for them.

“Then I started sparring with kids three or four years older and I would hold my own against them. So we travelled around the country for sparring matches and I started winning national titles, so it was all good for my confidence.”

But there is one moment that stands out for him the most: winning his first league title. “To have my grandad there, who sadly passed away last year, and the people who were with me from the start, who supported me, it was just class to have everyone with me on the night.”

After making the decision to turn over to the pro ranks nine months ago, Molloy was signed by one of the best promotional companies in the business. His link up with world-class coach Angel Fernandez has seen him go from strength to strength, with three professional wins under his belt so far. However, his life has changed in more ways than one, in and out of the ring.

“I have to do a lot by myself now. I live by myself which has been a big change. On the weekends I have to stay disciplined and recover properly so I’m fresh for training on Monday. Even if I’m just going out visiting people, it still makes you tired when Monday comes, so I’ve been trying to get as much out of training as possible and my recovery, as well.

“I’m training extremely hard. I think I’ve upped my work ethic again since I’ve turned pro. I’m studying a lot about boxing this year, compared to before when training was done I would just forget about boxing for the rest of the day.

“Most days now, I’m going back and writing down what worked well. I’m studying, always, just to try and improve.”

When the subject turns to Kukri Sports, it is evident how much the support means to Molloy. The sports brand partnered with him ahead of his pro debut and now supply him with sportswear for his bouts, something the young boxer is grateful for, and believes has had a significant impact on his confidence in the squared circle.

“We’re on an exciting journey together,” Molloy gleamed. “I have a three-year goal for myself to become a world champion and to top that with the support from Kukri Sports, it’s amazing.

“They’re great at keeping contact and always have me kitted out properly for training, with not just me but my whole team. It’s good to look slick as a team together, going to weigh-ins or press conferences. They’re great people to work with.”

Molloy’s commitment and knowledge of the sport in which he operates is compelling, and with his fourth pro-bout scheduled for next month in Belfast, he is determined to keep his unbeaten record.

“I fought in Belfast in August in front of 11,000 people in a massive stadium with a great atmosphere. There’s always a good atmosphere in Belfast for fight nights.

“We’re looking to move to 4-0 that night so I’m looking forward to it. We’re in a heavy faze of camp at the moment so by the time fight night comes, we will be well prepared.”

Despite being heavily focused on his next fight, Molloy does have a long term vision. His approach has always been that he is better than his opponents and feels he can reach the pinnacle of the sport, but he remains humble and is determined for his performances to speak for themselves

“I’ve got a lot of dreams in my head, and I don’t want to share all of them, but the ultimate goal is to make sure I become a world champion”. Molloy’s boxing journey is not one to be missed.

05/12/202211/01/2023

Kukri Sports are proud to announce a new 10-year partnership extension with Rugby School, which will run until 2033.

The deal reconfirms Kukri as Rugby School’s official sportswear provider, offering a full range of bespoke sportswear for staff and pupils, both on and off field.

Located in Warwickshire, England, Rugby School are one of the most prestigious education establishments in the world and is one of the oldest independent schools in Britain (founded in 1567). To learn more about Rugby School visit www.rugbyschool.co.uk

“We are pleased to be extending our relationship with Kukri Sports. Rugby School has created a functional and inclusive range of sports kit with the help and support of Kukri – students and staff all look and feel part of our sports teams. We take great pride in our ‘nobody on the bench’ approach and this kit embodies our ‘whole person whole point’ ethos. We are delighted to be associated with Kukri, a leading brand in the sportswear industry as demonstrated by their appointment as this year’s Commonwealth Games kit supplier for Team England.” – Debbie Skene, Rugby School.

“We are very proud to be extending our partnership with Rugby School, a powerhouse in school sports with enormous heritage. The school’s history speaks for itself, being the home of Rugby, but the school’s modern sports offering has unbelievable breadth and depth, this year showcasing 57 teams, playing 8 different sports, with over 550 pupils playing a competitive game on a single day. The partnership extension allows for us to plan for the pupils and parents of tomorrow, developing school sportswear specifically for the school and its pupils. We aim to deliver continuity and consistency but continually adapt to the next school’s sportswear offering.” – Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports.

2023 – Rugby’s 200^th anniversary at the game’s historic birthplace – Rugby School

Celebrations will take place throughout 2023 at Rugby School to celebrate the bicentennial of the game of Rugby itself.

Rugby School is the home of the sport, which was first played on the school pitch back in 1823.

Find out more about the celebrations

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

17/11/202215/12/2022

Kukri Sports has announced a deal with Birmingham 2022 bronze medallists Javier and Joaquin Bello this week, providing them kit ahead of their key competitions this year. As part of the announcement, we sat down with the pair to find out a bit more about who they are, their background and their hunger for more success.

Three months on from their epic performance in the Commonwealth Games that earned them an illustrious bronze medal, Javier and Joaquin Bello are stood in more humbling territory, their local training centre. “We are so proud, but this is just the beginning. We have bigger aspirations,” says Javi with a smile, when asked about the pair’s past achievements. Despite their previous accolades, the brothers are setting their sights on the future, growing the sport of beach volleyball, and building their own legacy.   

The Bello’s guaranteed themselves a shot at a medal after impressively defeating Tuvalu, Cyprus, and Team Gambia in the competition. However, in the biggest match of their careers, in front of a 4,000 crowd, the mammoth task of the more experienced Team Canada was a stride too far for the Madrid-born siblings. They bowed out in the semi-final, before eventually edging Rwanda to secure their bronze. The talent, dynamism, and passion they radiated during the tournament won the hearts of the spectators.  

Despite tight funding, the twins exceeded all expectations of England’s place in the beach volleyball world order and became trailblazers for the sport in Britain. “Part of our identity is knowing we don’t have the perfect conditions to be a professional team, but doing the best with what we’ve got,” admitted Javi. “There are now more people playing and it will benefit the sport in the long run, it might not be us benefitting, but definitely the next generations of players.” A wisdom way above his years, the 22-year-old is clearly delighted to have had an impact on the long-term success of his favourite sport.   

The conversation turns to his brother, Joaquín, who is asked if the siblings had planned to engross the public this much. “They liked our passion,” he responded jovially. “We focused almost exclusively on the Commonwealth Games this year as it was the biggest event in a generation that we were going to host in the UK. It was our once in a lifetime opportunity to broadcast this sport to the world.” Perhaps reflecting the modern world in sport, the brothers identify social media as the catalyst that propels them and their brand. They “love to tell stories and show off the sport” to their followers and confess the engagement they receive on their content has a positive impact on their lives.  

When the topic of Kukri Sports is brought up, both Bello brothers light-up. The brand partnered with the players and supplied them with their kits for the Commonwealth Games, something that the young sportsmen are incredibly thankful for and state that played a colossal role in their great form. “You want clothes that are comfortable and you can move in. We felt loose and good on the court and that was all down to Kukri, that’s why we reached out to them. It’s another little performance gain we had thanks to them,” says Joaquin, who feels supported by the brand, as the brothers aspire to make a serious push for the next Olympic Games.   

Whilst they dream of having professional careers in the sport, they are both still in education, but it is not difficult to see that they are gifted individuals with masses of charisma – Javier recently graduated in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Royal Holloway University, while Joaquin is in his fifth year studying medicine at Imperial College. The twins, who emigrated with their beach volleyball-obsessed family to the UK aged 10, are in perfect hands for success. Their mother Barbara is their team manager, with younger brother Enrique acting as a training partner. Most incredibly of all, their father Luis, described as “one of the best coaches in the world” by Javi, coaches them. An exemplary set-up for a meteoric rise. Javier and Joaquin Bello – remember the names.