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Somerset CCC Set Sights On Another Finals Day Triumph

United Kingdom

Somerset County Cricket Club is all set for its fifth consecutive Vitality Blast Finals Day ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Edgbaston.

With more Finals Day appearances than any other county, Somerset has firmly established themselves as one of the most formidable in T20 Cricket.

The team will be aiming for their third T20 title after previous wins in 2023 and 2005 when they take on Lancashire in the semi-final, followed by a potential final scheduled for 6.45pm.

Somerset reached Finals Day in dramatic fashion, thanks to Sean Dickson’s blistering 71 from just 26 balls, securing a thrilling four-wicket victory over Warwickshire Bears in the Quarter-Final.

Kukri has been proud to support the team throughout their journey this season, supplying high-performance kits across all domestic competitions, as well as tailored training wear to help the squad prepare and perform at their best.

The player perspective: pride, passion and performance

Reflecting on the historic achievement of reaching Finals Day, captain Lewis Gregory said “It’s a massive achievement and something we’re really proud of.

“Getting to five consecutive Finals Days shows the quality and depth we have in the squad, but also the character of the group.

“Every year brings different challenges, but we’ve always found a way to dig in and perform when it matters. It speaks volumes about the culture we’ve built and the drive we all share to bring success to the club.”

Craig Overton reflected on past Finals Days as motivation. “Lifting the trophy in 2023 was incredibly special, but there have also been tough defeats that really hurt.

“Those moments teach you a lot about yourself and the team. Going into this one, we’ll take all those experiences with us and hopefully put ourselves in the best position to go one better again.”

Tom Lammonby added “Everyone’s excited but focused on the job at hand. Finals Day is as much for our supporters as it is for us, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make them proud.”

Pulling on the Somerset shirt is a moment of pride amplified on Finals Day as Jack Leach adds. “There’s a sense of pride every time you wear it. You think about the history of the club and the player who’ve come before you.

“Having top-quality kit makes a big difference too – when you are in a high-pressure environment, you need kit that you can rely on so you can focus on performing for the team.”

Lastly, James Rew, who received his first call-up to the England Men’s test squad in May, reflects on the preparation and what the victory could mean.

“We talk a lot about sticking to our processes and controlling what we can control.

“Finals Day can be hectic, but if we stay grounded and back our preparation, we know we’ve got what it takes.

“To lift the trophy would be massive. It would be a special moment for the players, staff and most importantly, for the supporters who have been with us every step of the way.”

As Somerset heads into this year’s Finals Day, Kukri is proud to continue supporting their journey and wishes them the best of luck at Edgbaston as they aim to write another thrilling chapter in the club’s history.

Boxing Star Extends Unbeaten Record With Third Round TKO

Kukri Sports ambassador Kieran Molloy continued his impressive rise in the professional ranks with a statement victory on 5th September at Dublin’s 3Arena.

Fighting on the ‘Return of the Mick’ undercard, the Galway-born southpaw secured a third-round TKO over Nourdeen Toure, moving his record to 12-0 with seven knockouts.

Reflecting on the performance, Molloy said “It felt great to get back out in front of the Irish supporters.

“The crowd was electric, Ireland always has incredible atmosphere and I love fighting there.”

A key part of his journey has been the support of Kukri, providing him with fight kits and bespoke training wear, helping him shine in and out of the ring.

“It means everything to me to have Kukri support me on my journey to becoming a world champion,” he explained.

“I got a lot of people saying to me how nice the kit was, it was very special for me to have my county’s colours on in the capital and the design was perfect.”

Molloy’s performance in Dublin showcased his patience, intelligence and world-class talent in the ring.

Describing his approach against his opponent, he said “I knew he’d have to come forward at some stage as I was catching him with the jab at distance.

“When he came I could hit him with hard counter punches that I knew he couldn’t deal with.

“Once I had him hurt I just let my hands go and the ref waved it off.”

Looking ahead, the welterweight is already focused on the next steps in his career.

“Being 12-0 now is a great position to be in, there’s big fights on the horizon and I’m more than ready for them.

“I’ve learned that there are many bumps on the road, but once you’re working hard and always believing in yourself things will fall into place.

“A few doors have opened now since my win on Friday night, so hopefully we can get a good fight in the coming months which I’ll be looking forward to.”

With Kukri’s backing and his own relentless determination, Kieran Molloy continues to move steadily toward his dream of becoming a world champion, thrilling his Irish fans along the way.

Find out more about Kieran.

Reflecting on Loughborough Lightning NXT Gen’s Historic Title

United Kingdom

A few months may have passed since Loughborough Lightning NXT Gen etched their name into history, but the echoes of their inaugural title will still resound.

The NXT Gen League, an U23 competition launched by England Netball and Super League 2.0, replaced the Under-21 NPL League to give young players more opportunities to develop in a competitive, high-quality environment.

For Lightning, it’s a pathway to the Super League squad — one this young team validated by winning the inaugural title by just two points.

A Young Squad Rising

Lightning’s NXT Gen side, largely composed of emerging talent, displayed their skill and resilience.

They secured 11 wins from 16 matches and scored an impressive 918 goals, overcoming early challenges when key players Niamh McCall and Hannah Diamond were sidelined with season-ending injuries.

The squad’s round 13 victory over Leeds Rhinos proved pivotal, showing that even a young team can deliver under pressure.

For many players, the league isn’t just about winning – it’s also an opportunity to grow, develop and gain valuable experience in a competitive, professional environment.

Empowered by Kit and Culture

Throughout the season, the team was supported by Kukri Sports, who supplied the high-performance dresses and training wear to help the squad perform at their best.

Captain Millie van Nierop reflected: “The kit from Kukri certainly played a huge role in us being able to be crowned champions.

“The kit we’ve been supplied across the season has been super comfy and allowed us to be ready to compete. I think it sets a culture piece for us to ensure that we all look like a team and united together.

“We feel part of a bigger picture with the vast Kukri kit can provide and across a range of sports, we feel part of the bigger Kukri family.”

Leadership and Growth

Van Nierop, who plays centre and wing defence, highlighted the team’s development throughout the season.

“My personal season highlight was probably beating London Pulse the second time we played them.

“There was so much growth in the team on and off the court, that it felt extra rewarding to complete our goal of being better every time we played the team the second time around.”

She also emphasised that the achievement was collective. “Every single person who trained with us played a part in our win.

“We set really clear goals at the start of the season in terms of culture and we frequently revisited these throughout the season.”

Belief, Legacy and the Pathway

Van Nierop also praised the trust and support that helped the young squad thrive.

“Without our coaches and my teammates I would never be in the position I am today.

“The trust and belief they put into me this year leading this squad on court was awesome.”

While the title is a historic achievement, for Lightning it is also a demonstration of the pathway in action. Young players stepped up, learned from one another and prepared for higher-level netball.

The NXT Gen League provides this experience, ensuring the next generation of players is ready for the step up to the prestigious Super League.

More than Silverware

For Loughborough Lightning NXT Gen, the inaugural title is about more than trophies. It represents culture, resilience, and a future built on youth development — a pathway that will continue to shape the club and inspire young athletes for years to come.

Looking to upgrade your netball teamwear? Get in touch with us today

Guelph Rugby Senior Women Celebrate Historic OWL Cup Streak

North America

For the fifth consecutive season, Guelph Rugby Senior Women’s team has lifted the Ontario Women’s League (OWL) Cup – an achievement that cements their place as one of the most dominant sides in Canadian club rugby.

The team capped off their season with a thrilling 34-30 victory over Brantford Harlequins to earn their fifth consecutive league title and make history as the first side to achieve such a streak in Ontario Women’s rugby.

Kukri Sports is proud to stand alongside the team on this journey, providing high-performance kit designed to empower players and help them perform at their best since 2022.

For the players, the kit is more than just apparel – it’s a symbol of identity, unity and tradition.

“The Kukri kit ties us together as one team. It’s empowering to know we all wear the same colours, representing the same standard and tradition.

“When you feel good in what you are wearing, you play with that extra edge,” said Abby Auger.

Winning five in a row is no small feat. Every season brings new challenges, whether it’s tougher competition, roster changes or the balance of rugby with life outside the game. Yet, the Guelph team continues to find a way to rise above.

“Winning five in a row doesn’t just happen – it’s a real testament to the commitment, resilience and trust we’ve built as a team.

“To be a part of this group, surrounded by incredible teammates, makes this championship really special to me,” added Karenna Ottywill.

For many players, the victory feels like a culmination of years of growth. From starting in the NRU to battling for supremacy in the OWL, Guelph’s journey is one of hard work and collective belief.

“Securing even one title is a monumental effort, so to achieve five in a row speaks volumes about the hard work, dedication and culture of our club.

“This fifth title is a testament to the commitment we’ve maintained year after year,” said Chloe Runge.

Guelph’s culture truly sets them apart, with their veterans leading by example by instilling the ‘Guelph Way’ – accountability, trust and relentless work ethic – while creating a space where rugby is fun and fulfilling.

Commenting on the success of our partner, Jamie Williams, Vice President at Kukri Sports North America, said “We’re incredibly proud to support Guelph Rugby and celebrate their fifth consecutive victory.

“Their success is not only a reflection of their talent but the culture they’ve built, and we’re honoured to be a part of their journey.”

Five straight championships are a reflection not only of Guelph’s talent but of their spirit. A dynasty built on heart, culture, and the drive to keep raising the bar — and they’re not done yet.

Get in touch with us to see how we can support your team’s journey

Fuelled by Inclusivity: British Gymnastics’ Medal Success at the World Games

United Kingdom

At this summer’s World Games in China, the British Gymnastics team won a total of four medals – a triumph that showcased not only their talent, but also their spirit of inclusivity that continues to drive them forward.

For British Gymnastics and Kukri, success isn’t measured only in medals. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong, where barriers are removed, and where opportunity is open to all.

Kukri’s commitment to inclusivity is woven throughout its partnerships, from Team England to British Wheelchair Basketball and Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft CBE. Supporting British Gymnastics on the world stage in China is part of that same mission — and that ethos is even reflected in the design of the team’s training wear. Incorporating the Union Jack across all age groups and disciplines helps every gymnast feel part of something bigger: proudly representing their country while feeling united as one team.

The trampolinists who represented Britain in China have been clear about what inclusivity means to them:

Olympic gold medallist Bryony Page MBE said, “It means to have fair inclusion and opportunities so that everyone can try our amazing sport.”

Teammate Izzy Songhurst added, “To me, it’s about giving everyone equal opportunities so that anyone who wants to try trampolining can.”

Corey Walkes highlighted the power of diversity:

“In gymnastics especially, we have such a wide range of people that are involved and competing. It’s about recognising everybody’s strengths for who they are and accepting them for their unique ways of doing things. I think that’s what makes inclusivity feel so special.”

And for Zak Perzamanos, inclusivity is about individuality:

“It’s about getting everyone involved — everyone is a different person and has different characteristics. Especially in sport, people go about things differently and how they get to their ultimate end goal. It’s interesting to get different perspectives from different people and making sure that everyone feels included.”

These voices show why inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive advantage. It empowers athletes to perform at their best and builds stronger teams and communities. The British trampolinists’ success in China proves that performance and inclusivity go hand in hand.

At Kukri, we’re proud to support that vision. Just as every gymnast brings their unique skills to the mat, we believe every athlete should feel fuelled by the spirit of inclusion.

King’s College Crowned 1st XV Rugby 1A Auckland Champions

New Zealand

Kukri Sports is proud to celebrate long-standing partner King’s College Auckland, who were crowned 1st XV Rugby 1A Champions 2025 following a thrilling 36-27 victory over Saint Kentigern College.

The historic triumph marks a remarkable achievement for the team, showcasing resilience, skill and determination in one of the most fiercely contested school rugby competitions in New Zealand.

The win is a testament to not only the hard work of the players and coaching staff, but also to the culture of excellence that runs throughout the College.

A Partnership of Pride

Kukri has been privileged to be part of their journey for over a decade, supplying bespoke sportswear for both their daywear uniforms and sports kit.

In 2024, Kukri proudly extended its partnership with King’s through to 2028, and most recently deepened its commitment by joining as one of three major partners of the King’s Rugby programme.

Players Reflect on Special Achievement

Reflecting on the win, the achievement was personal and the culmination of years of hard work.

Co-captain of the team, Marco Miln, said “It means everything to us as we have been working towards this for three years.”

Fellow co-captain, Saia Manu, added “Ever since Year 10 or Year 11 we’ve been talking about our last year as a team playing together and the potential trophy we could bring back to the school, plus having our own date in the changing room which made it even more special.”

The victory was also seen as a reward for the team’s relentless preparation and unity.

Johan Schaumkell said, “Winning the title is a privilege and an honour. To me and the team, it means everything, knowing that all the hard work we put in during pre-season has paid off.

“During the second half, we only conceded one try in the last play of the game, which shows that the team is willing to put their bodies on the line for each other.”

Teammate Charlie Burn echoed that sentiment, noting, “When being down on the scoreboard, we never looked like giving up. We kept the grind going, showing our unity and team spirit.”

Support from Kukri Sports

Beyond the pitch, the team also acknowledged the support that helped them along the way.

Schaumkell said, “Kukri has been a big supporter of King’s first XV this year, from helping us out with our rugby gear to helping pay for our expenses.

“They have definitely supported us throughout the season.”

Burn added, “Being able to put on that maroon jersey wouldn’t be possible without Kukri – we’re very grateful for their generous sponsorship.”

For Kukri, King’s College’s success represents the essence of what the brand stands for: empowering athletes and schools with high-quality, tailored kit that unites teams and instils pride.

Kukri has built a strong reputation in the New Zealand school sports sector, working with a growing network of prestigious schools, including Christchurch Boys’ High School, Tahatai Coast School, Southland Boys’ High School, Marlborough Boys’ High School, Karamu High School, Rangitoto College and more.

Looking Ahead Together

Mark McConnell, General Manager at Kukri New Zealand & Australia, said “We are incredibly proud of the boys. Their triumph highlights the dedication, teamwork and spirit that makes school sports so special in New Zealand.

“Kukri is honoured to continue supporting their journey both on and off the field, and we look forward to celebrating many more successes together.”

The 2025 1A Championship win will go down as a historic moment for King’s College Rugby, and Kukri is delighted to have shared in the journey, standing side by side with the players, coaches and community.

The team’s season is still not over – they have one game this weekend for the Greater Auckland Regional Championship, and if they win that, they will qualify for the Top 4 Schools Nationals in Palmerston North from 29–31 August.

Are you looking to upgrade your school sportswear? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help

Kukri Sports Ambassador Reflects on Making History at World Games

United Kingdom

Kukri Sports ambassador Megan Kealy has made history, becoming Britain’s first-ever tumbling World Games champion after winning gold in the women’s tumbling event.

The games, held in Chengdu, China from 7 – 17 August, saw British Gymnastics take home four memorable medals with some standout performances.

For the 25-year-old gymnast, the moment was not just about a medal – it was about resilience, redemption and proving what is possible when you refuse to give up.

“To be honest, it feels so crazy and so surreal – I cannot believe it,” she said.

“I didn’t know I was the first British World Games champion in tumbling at the time, I feel very honoured and proud to have made history.”

A Personal Triumph and Milestone for the Sport

Having missed out on competing at the previous games due to injury, the triumph carries extra meaning for Megan.

She entered this one determined to simply perform at her best, and to come away with gold not only validated her years of perseverance – it also shone a spotlight on her discipline and the support of British Gymnastics.

“As a non-Olympic sport, this is our version of the Olympics,” she explained.

“It doesn’t happen very often, so I hope it helps people recognise our sport more and see how strong Great Britain is in tumbling.”

Building a Lasting Legacy

Megan has long spoken about her desire to build a legacy, something this victory now firmly establishes.

Yet for her, the legacy is not only about medals but about resilience.

“I hope I’ve shown athletes across the world that no matter how hard times can get, you should never quit on a bad day,” she said.

“If you want something badly enough, give it everything you’ve got, because you may not know what you can achieve.”

From Childhood Dream to Global Stage

Looking back, Megan’s journey began simply with a love for gymnastics. Watching British coach Mike Barnes win silver at the 2009 World Games gave her a dream: to one day stand on that stage herself.

“As a little girl, I just loved gymnastics. After seeing that moment, I knew the World Games was the pinnacle of our sport,” she said.

“To just get the spot for Great Britain, I knew little me would have been so proud. The medal just added to it all, really.”

The Team Behind the Champion

Megan was also quick to acknowledge the coaches, physios and family members who helped her through the inevitable setbacks of elite sport.

“My team have been the biggest support to me. The build-up for the past 10 weeks was full of injuries and hard times, but they got me through that.

“There are not enough words to thank them for what they have done.”

Living in the moment

So what comes next for Britain’s first-ever tumbling World Games champion and Kukri ambassador? For now, she is happy to savour the moment.

“I’m still unsure of what happens. No door is closed yet, but for now, I want to just enjoy this moment.”

Kukri congratulates Megan on this historic achievement, and is proud to support her and the British Gymnastics team.

READ MORE ABOUT MEGAN AND HER JOURNEY

Kukri Sports and Oshawa Vikings Champion Inclusivity at IMART World Cup

North America

Kukri Sports proudly celebrates the historic achievements of our partner, Oshawa Vikings Rugby Club, following their inspiring journey at the 2025 IMART World Cup in Spain.

With over 1,190 players, 32 teams and more than 70 matches, the tournament stood out as a global celebration of inclusivity, resilience and the unifying spirit of mixed ability rugby.

Players of all backgrounds, abilities and experiences were able to compete and share the field, break down barriers and celebrate community through the enjoyment of sport.

Oshawa Vikings, our partner based in North America, made history as they fielded both men’s and women’s squads in the tournament, with the women’s team making a groundbreaking semi-final appearance and the men’s team battling through to narrowly miss out on the silver plate semi-finals.

A Kit That Unites & Empowers

As official kit partner, Kukri proudly supported the Vikings with custom-designed kits that embodied their values and identity.

The jerseys were tailored for all body types, with seamless adaptations for visually-impaired players, ensuring everyone felt like a part of the team.

Laura Rouse, a key member of the women’s team who competed in her first international tournament, said, “I truly felt like an athlete wearing very comfortable kit, but the real honour came with the show of the Canadian flags.

“They were easily identified by other teams, and our kit was so highly-sought after the tournament by other players.”

Ingrid Schurr, who played a key part in adapting the designs to be inclusive for all her teammates, said, “The kit united us as a whole team and in my case the vision impaired features helped me track better on the field.

“They were also built in so it just looked like a cool design, as opposed to a vision impaired add on. That made me feel fully included.”

More than a Tournament

For the Oshawa Vikings, the impact of the tournament goes far beyond the scoreboard.

As Heather Bews reflected, “This tournament proved that rugby is a sport for anyone – regardless of labels, ability or experience.

“It gave me a sense of belonging and showed the world that with the support and opportunity, everyone is capable of greatness.”

Highlights from the tournament were as varied as the players themselves. For some, it was the joy of helping a player score their first-every try. For others, it was about family pride – like Will Smith Sr., who scored a try off an offload from his son.

“It was everything. A testament to the unifying nature of mixed ability sport in one moment.”

Women’s team player, Britni Czop, shared her story, “I’ve been playing rugby for over ten years and have to say, the fourth game will forever be my favourite game I have played.

“We were up in points and as a team we helped one of the abilities players on the other team score her first try. We pretended to get hit by her and yet she just kept going with the biggest smile and scored her first try,” she recounted.

“I don’t think there was a dry eye, and it was a perfect example as to why we play mixed ability rugby for those incredible moments.”

Driving Inclusion Forward

Kukri’s involvement with the Oshawa Vikings reflects our broader commitment to championing inclusivity in all sports.

We believe every athlete deserves to feel valued, seen, supported and empowered in their sport and the kit they wear.

“IMART has expanded our global rugby connections. We’re committed to sharing this experience to help grow mixed ability rugby in Canada,” said Head Coach John Watkins.

From grassroots beginnings to global representation, Kukri is honoured to support the teams, players and movements that are shaping the future of sport, for everyone.

Find out more about Oshawa Vikings

TUMBLING SENSATION MEGAN KEALY NAMED NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR KUKRI SPORTS

United Kingdom

Kukri Sports is proud to announce British Gymnast Megan Kealy as their newest brand ambassador.

This exciting collaboration strengthens Kukri’s long-standing presence with the sport and its leading athletes, reflected in their partnership with British Gymnastics.

A World Champion and Rising Star

Megan, crowned World Champion at the 2021 Trampoline, Tumbling and DMT World Championships in Azerbaijan, is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most exciting gymnasts.

Throughout her career, she has amassed an impressive six World Championship team medals and three individual medals, with five of those being gold.

The announcement comes at a key time for Megan as she prepares to represent British Gymnastics at the World Games in China from 7th – 17th August.

A New Chapter with Kukri Sports

Commenting on her role, Megan shared, “it means a great deal. It’s opening the doors for me as an athlete in a non-Olympic discipline.

“It’s partnering with a brand that is getting their name out there worldwide, so it’s a big honour for me.”

She also highlighted the synergy between her values and those of Kukri Sports. “They cater for all athletes across all sports and have good quality sportswear,” she said.

“I really loved our Kukri kit when we first got it. The GB kit and the first item I got was the ones with the strapline ‘wear with pride’ on. It was good quality and really stood out.”

World Games Focus & Tumbling Journey

Looking ahead to the World Games in China, Megan is determined to make her mark.

“I just want to try and enjoy every minute of it and perform the best that I can.

“I’m going to give it everything I have got.”

Her gymnastics journey began early, following in her brother’s footsteps. “I started in gymnastics because my brother did it, and then I got picked for a tumbling group aged seven,” she recalled.

“I just love gymnastics and what I do every day.”

Building a Legacy

Beyond the upcoming World Games, Megan has her sights set on something even greater – building a meaningful legacy with her sport.

“My ultimate goal is the World Games, so hopefully it does go well,” she said.

“I’m just looking to build a legacy for myself, and for people to remember me for the person I am out on the floor.”

This collaboration, developed in close partnership with British Gymnastics, reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting athletes at every level and discipline.

As Megan returns to the spotlight for the World Games, she does so not only as an extraordinary athlete, but as a role model, leader and now, a proud Kukri ambassador — proudly representing a brand that champions athletes at every stage of their journey.