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Author: Karl

Jo Simpson appointed to Kukri Sports Global Board

Kukri Sports has today announced the appointment of Jo Simpson FCCA to their Global Board.

Jo is the current Commercial Director at the University of Nottingham, a Russell Group university and one of the top 100 universities in the world.  She brings a wealth of experience across the private and public sectors to Kukri.

Through her illustrious career Jo has led outstanding commercial growth within all organisations she has worked for.  A Fellow of the Chartered  Certified Accountants she has held multiple Finance Director roles across a range of public and private sector organisations including Next and Vickers plc.

Across the sporting world she has had huge impact, using her commercial acumen and financial skillset to create a legacy of success. In key roles as Finance Director at Youth Sport Trust and Finance Chair and Vice Chair of the Board at British Wheelchair Basketball she brought new levels of financial growth and stability. As Commercial Director at Youth Sport Direct, British Triathlon and Loughborough University she led unprecedented levels of innovation, development and success.

She continues to have a global impact on sport as a member of the Board of Directors at SIS Pitches, one of the world’s leading sports surface suppliers, and as a Board member with Sport England’s Sport Council Trading Company. 

Kukri Group CEO Andrew Ronnie said “Jo combines commercial success across complex global organisations both in the public and private sector with a passion for developing the very best from the teams she works with. Her value led approach, commercial and financial aptitude and far-reaching impact across the sporting world means we are extremely proud to have Jo join the board.

“We have ambitious plans for growth and this appointment is a fundamental part of our long-term strategy to be a world leader in team sport apparel and build a global brand”. 

Jo Simpson said “I am thrilled to be joining the Kukri Sports Global Board. Their values and the quality of products they produce means that Kukri is ideally placed to further their growth and impact globally. I am excited to be part of the next steps of the journey of this historic brand as they continue on their mission to empower athletes worldwide”.

Kukri Sports announces 3 prestigious school partnership extensions

United Kingdom

As a dedicated provider of sportswear for leading educational institutions globally, Kukri is delighted to announce its continuation of three more key partnerships. Following over a decade of collaboration with each of Bishop Stortford College, Reigate Grammar School and Kings College School Wimbledon, Kukri is set to renew these valued associations through long-term contracts.

The extensions include a 10-year partnership extension with Bishop Stortford College, a 5-year commitment with Reigate Grammar School, and an additional 5-year collaboration with Kings College School Wimbledon.

With a history of over a decade of partnership, Kukri Sports has become an integral part of the fabric of these institutions, reflecting their commitment to excellence and shared values. Through these renewals, Kukri reaffirms its dedication to supporting the sporting endeavours of schools and nurturing the next generation of athletes.

Russell McCluskey – Director of Sport, Kings College School Wimbledon

“It has been a pleasure working with everyone at Kukri as our sports supplier here at King’s. Whether it be the ease of communication, the quality of the kit for both pupils and staff, or the efficiency of the turnaround at those crucial times of the school year, we have neem delighted with the service.”

Evan Stewart – Director of Sport at Bishop Stortford College

“One of our key ambitions at the College, is that all pupils are happy to be engaged in meaningful physical activity, and enjoy all aspects of sport, health, and fitness. Our partnership with Kukri supports us in delivering this ambition, by providing bespoke kit for pupils, so they look and feel comfortable when training and representing the College in matches.”

George Browning – Director of Sport at Reigate Grammar School

“RGS and Kukri have a long-standing relationship which we are delighted to have recently extended.  Our students will continue to benefit from high quality sports kit for years to come from a provider that is supportive of what we are trying to achieve as a school”. 

The partnerships are another example of Kukri’s standing and commitment to providing market leading products and services to education providers who prioritize excellence in academics and sport.

“We are delighted to continue our partnerships with these three elite education providers. All three share our commitment to excellence, and we are proud to support their sporting activities by providing high-quality, bespoke-designed teamwear,” said Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports. “The extensions are a testament to the strong relationships we have built over the years and our dedication to meeting the unique needs of each school’s sporting community.”

The partnership announcements come at an exciting time for the business as we look forward to another exciting year, which will include some fantastic sporting events featuring our partners, including the commencement of the 2024 cricket season, featuring both Somerset CCC and Yorkshire CCC, the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens competition and the Netball Super League, featuring reigning champions Loughborough Lightning and Severn Stars, plus much more.

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

Learn more about the schools:

https://www.kcs.org.uk/
https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/
https://www.reigategrammar.org/

Kukri Sports and Northern Ireland Volleyball Extend Partnership

Ireland

Kukri Sports are thrilled to announce an extension to its successful partnership with Northern Ireland Volleyball, the National Governing Body for the sport. The renewed collaboration reinforces Kukri’s unwavering commitment to the development and growth of the sport across the region.

Northern Ireland Volleyball plays a pivotal role in nurturing the sport, from grassroots level to elite competition. Through the extended partnership Kukri will continue to provide playing kit and leisurewear for the Northern Ireland squads, to look the part both on and off the court.

“At Kukri Sports we are deeply passionate about supporting athletes and sports communities,” said Neil Patterson, Country Manager for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at Kukri Sports. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Northern Ireland Volleyball, an institution that shares our commitment to fostering talent, promoting inclusivity and driving excellence in the sport. Together, we will continue to elevate the sport and empower athletes across Northern Ireland.”

The partnership extension will see Kukri Sports working closely with Northern Ireland Volleyball to provide customized teamwear, training gear, and equipment solutions tailored to the specific needs of volleyball players and clubs throughout the region. By leveraging Kukri Sports’ expertise in sports apparel and equipment, Northern Ireland Volleyball aims to enhance the quality of resources available to its members and further advance the sport’s development.

Johnny McClenaghan, Treasurer NI Volleyball commented, “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Kukri Sports. As we continue to develop our offering to our players, coaches and referees, the support and professionalism from Kukri has been second to none. The quality of the apparel and the timeliness deliveries has made a huge difference to how our squads operate and the online store has taken away a major headache from our team managers. We hope to continue to grow this partnership long into the future as we continue to grow the sport here in Northern Ireland.”

This partnership signifies a fusion of innovation and tradition on the volleyball court, aiming to enhance the overall sporting experience for Northern Ireland Volleyball players and fans alike. For more information on Northern Ireland Volleyball, please visit www.nivolleyball.com.  

If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports or have inquiries regarding your kit requirements, feel free to Get In Touch.

Kukri Sports: Expanding into New Territories, Empowering Athletes Worldwide

World News

As a leading bespoke sportswear provider for the last 25 years, Kukri Sports is embarking on an exciting journey of expansion into new territories, including Saudi Arabia, China and South Africa. With a strong presence already established in Canada, Ireland, the UK, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Kukri is well-equipped to extend its global reach and offer unparalleled support to athletes, clubs, and educational providers in these dynamic regions.


In regions like Saudi Arabia, where sports participation is experiencing significant growth and diversification, Kukri’ expansion promises to meet the rising demand for high-quality sportswear. By offering personalized design consultations, efficient logistics, and distribution channels, Kukri ensures that athletes in Saudi Arabia have access to apparel that not only meets their performance needs but also reflects their unique identity and aspirations.


Similarly, in South Africa, a country renowned for its passionate sports culture and rich sporting heritage, Kukri’s entry into the market opens doors for local clubs and schools to access world-class sportswear solutions. By understanding the specific challenges and aspirations of the South African sporting community, Kukri Sports is well-positioned to provide tailored support that facilitates growth and success at all levels of the sports ecosystem.


“I am thrilled by Kukri Sports’ expansion into Saudi Arabia, China and South Africa. Our commitment to excellence and passion for empowering athletes transcend borders, and we are excited to bring our top-quality sportswear and unwavering support to these dynamic regions, fostering growth and success at every level of the sporting community.” – Andrew Ronnie, CEO of Kukri Sports


As Kukri Sports continues to push boundaries and expand its reach into new frontiers, one thing remains constant: their unwavering dedication to excellence and their belief in the transformative power of sport. In Saudi Arabia, China, South Africa, and beyond, Kukri Sports is not just outfitting athletes; they’re shaping the future of sports and inspiring a new generation of champions across continents.

The Exciting Partnership of British Wrestling and Kukri Sports

United Kingdom

Since the relationship began in 2022 the collaboration between Kukri Sports and British Wrestling has become more than just a partnership; it’s a shared commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and a passion for the sport.

As part of the deal Kukri Sports provide bespoke competition, leisure and podium wear for all performance programmes and national teams.

Supporting kit development

At Kukri Sports we support partners by providing sportswear, developed specifically for their needs and British Wrestling is no different.

Product Developments – By collaborating closely with British Wrestling, the Product Development team at Kukri crafted gender-specific attire featuring enhanced fabrication for increased opacity, alongside improved fit and finish to boost performance and durability, crucial elements for the sport. Additionally, the range of sizes available was expanded to accommodate smaller athletes.

Design Customisation – During the design phase, the design team collaborated closely with British Wrestling to present a concept incorporating not only the primary colors and pattern of the Union Jack but also achieving a modern patriotic aesthetic whilst respecting needs for both male and female wrestlers.

British Wrestling is the UK’s governing body for wrestling overseeing various styles including Olympic and Commonwealth variations. With members from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, British Wrestling ensures accessibility across Britain through its extensive network of clubs and coaches.

Internationally, it represents Great Britain in global sportsmanship as a member of United World Wrestling, the British Olympic Association, and the Commonwealth Games Council. The British Wrestling Academy in Salford epitomizes its dedication to nurturing wrestling talent, serving as a performance hub for the sport. British Wrestling prioritizes equality and diversity, actively addressing disparities in sports pathways and the workforce.

“As Kukri Sports solidifies its partnership with British Wrestling, we are excited to be part of a revolutionary movement reshaping the landscape of wrestling in the United Kingdom. Together, our shared commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and passion for the sport transcends sportswear.

This partnership is a catalyst for empowering athletes, fostering community, and inspiring a new era of wrestling enthusiasts. Get ready to witness the revolution as British Wrestling and Kukri Sports unite to redefine the narrative of wrestling in the United Kingdom.” Josh Beal, Sales Director, Kukri Sports

As Kukri Sports aligns with British Wrestling, the partnership extends beyond sportswear. It’s about empowering athletes, building community, and inspiring a new era of wrestling enthusiasts. Get ready for an exciting journey as British Wrestling and Kukri Sports unite to redefine the narrative of wrestling in the United Kingdom. It’s more than a partnership; it’s a revolution in the making.

Partnership Extension with Somerset County Cricket Club: A Commitment to Excellence and Shared Triumphs

United Kingdom

Kukri Sports is delighted to announce the extension of our long-term partnership with Somerset County Cricket Club (CCC), the proud winners of the 2023 Vitality Blast. This partnership solidifies Kukri’s position as the official kit supplier for the Club, ensuring our continued support until at least 2025.

Kukri will continue to be the exclusive supplier of all playing kit and training wear. Kukri will also continue to provide kit for the Academy and Pathway for the Club, as well as provide a specific range for Somerset Women team.

Caroline Herbert, Commercial Director of Somerset CCC, expressed her joy at the extended collaboration, highlighting Kukri’s relentless pursuit of excellence and memorable designs. “We are delighted to have extended our relationship with Kukri Sports. Throughout our long-term partnership, Lloyd Alley and his team have been relentless in their pursuit of excellence on the Club’s behalf. Their designs have always been memorable, and it was a pleasure to be able to share last season’s Vitality Blast triumph with them.

“One of the key elements of the partnership is Kukri’s dedication to supporting the Club as a whole, not just the First Team. Their continued backing of Somerset Women plus the Academy and Pathway is extremely important to us, and we look forward to working hand in hand across all elements of the Club for the foreseeable future.”

Jason Kerr, Head Coach of Somerset CCC, commended the outstanding relationship forged with Kukri over the years. He praised Kukri for being receptive to ideas and feedback, creating kit that is both stylish and comfortable. Kerr expressed optimism, stating, “We have been working with Kukri for a number of years and during that time we have created an outstanding relationship. They are incredibly receptive to ideas and feedback from players and staff, and they go out of their way to produce kit that looks good and is comfortable to play and train in. They genuinely take into account the needs of the players and involve us in the process from start to finish. Hopefully, we can enjoy success together again in 2024.” –

Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, conveyed his excitement in announcing the extended partnership, saying, “I am thrilled to announce the extension of our partnership with Somerset (County Cricket Club). Lloyd and the whole team at Kukri strive to deliver excellence within both product and service for the club. Our long-term partnership has seen multiple developments of product and design and it has been great to work so closely with the club on this, we can’t wait to collaborate further with this extension”. Josh highlighted their shared values of quality, teamwork, and passion for the game, expressing confidence in another season of shared triumphs and milestones.

This partnership signifies a fusion of innovation and tradition on the cricket field, aiming to enhance the overall sporting experience for Somerset’s players and fans alike. For more information on Somerset CCC, please visit www.somersetcountycc.co.uk.

If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports or have inquiries regarding your kit requirements, feel free to Get In Touch.

Introducing the Official Merchandise Range for the Highly Anticipated Hong Kong Sevens Tournament

Asia

As the excitement builds for the much-awaited Hong Kong Sevens Tournament, which takes place 5-7 April 2024, we can now introduce the official merchandise range, offering a captivating array of Replica Shirts, T-Shirts, Hoodies, Jackets as well as a range of Accessories to commemorate this prestigious event.

Celebrating the spirit of rugby and the vibrant culture of Hong Kong, the official merchandise range captures the essence of this iconic tournament, blending tradition with modern flair, there is something for every rugby enthusiast and fan alike.

This year’s collection features an exciting mix of fresh designs, reflecting the dynamic energy and passion that define the Hong Kong Sevens. With bold graphics, sleek patterns, and high-quality materials, the range promises to elevate fan experience to new heights.

EXPLORE THE RANGE

About Hong Kong Sevens

The Hong Kong Sevens is one of the most prestigious events in the world of rugby sevens, attracting top teams and passionate fans from around the globe. Renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and thrilling matches, the tournament has become a m

Celebrating the Flourishing Partnership Between Oakville Crusaders RFC and Kukri Sports

Canada

In a testament to the enduring collaboration between Kukri Sports and the Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club, Kukri continues to provide all Crusaders teams, coaches, and supporters with custom-designed apparel, enhancing the team’s presence both on and off the pitch. This ongoing commitment underscores Kukri’s dedication to supporting grassroots rugby and fostering the growth of clubs.

A Seamless Fusion of Performance and Style

Expressing his delight about the continued partnership, Dan Gordon, Eastern Canada Sales Manager for Kukri Sports, states, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club. The Crusaders’ rich history and passion for the game align perfectly with Kukri’s values. We are excited to contribute to their success both on and off the field.”

Chris Tudor Price, President of the Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club, echoes this enthusiasm. “ Kukri have been great to work with and we look forward to our continued partnership. The Kukri team is really centered on understanding our needs and makes it easy for us to work with them, from design through ordering, production and delivery.” he affirms “The Kukri line of garments are always fantastic quality and very durable which is important to us as much of our kit is club-owned and we expect it to last for multiple years.

They are an excellent team with equally excellent products and we’re proud that Kukri is our official kit supplier.”

More Than a Sportswear Provider

Going beyond the role of a kit supplier, Kukri remains dedicated to being a true partner to the Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club. The company will collaborate closely with the club to develop custom designs that reflect the team’s unique identity and traditions. Kukri will also continue to offer support for the club’s marketing and promotional initiatives.

About Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club

As a registered non-profit organization with a history spanning over 50 years, the Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club has been nurturing a love for rugby in Oakville and surrounding communities. From U6 boys and girls to the senior level, the club provides players of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to learn, grow, and compete – Find Out More

We are confident in the ongoing success of this partnership, and we anticipate continued mutual benefits for both Kukri Sports and the Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club. We eagerly await the sight of Crusaders players and supporters proudly donning their cherished Kukri kit!

Pickleball Ireland Partnership Announcement

Ireland

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.