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Kukri Sports is proud to announce a new long-term partnership with Botany Downs Secondary College, becoming the official apparel partner. The partnership will see Kukri Sports provide a complete range of garments across the college community, including sports uniforms, PE uniforms, school jackets, Whānau shirts, sports tour apparel, staff garments, and the introduction of Year 13 Leavers apparel from 2027. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality, performance, and school pride, ensuring students and staff have access to premium apparel designed to meet the demands of both everyday school life and competitive sport.
“We are delighted to partner with Botany Downs Secondary College and support the school’s strong culture of participation, achievement, and community,” said Mark McConnell at Kukri Sports. “Our goal is to provide high-quality, durable, and contemporary garments that students, staff, and whānau can wear with pride.”
The new uniform range has been developed in consultation with the college to ensure it reflects the school’s identity while delivering comfort, functionality, and a consistent look across all programmes and activities. Botany Downs Secondary College is recognised for its commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and sporting achievement. The partnership with Kukri Sports will help further strengthen the college’s ability to provide a professional and unified experience for students both on and off the field.
“We are excited to be working with Kukri Sports as our official apparel partner,” said Karen Brinsden Principal at Botany Downs Secondary College. “This partnership provides our students and staff with access to quality garments that represent our school values and enhance our sense of belonging and pride.”
The new apparel will be progressively introduced across the college towards the end of 2026 and beyond. Kukri Sports looks forward to the years ahead alongside Botany Downs Secondary College.
Category: News
The BA Graphic Design student shares how her internship has helped shape her skills, creativity and future career ambitions.
Imogen, a second-year BA (Hons) Graphic Design student, joined Kukri in August 2025 after securing a placement opportunity offered through the ongoing partnership between Kukri and Nottingham Trent University.
The partnership extends beyond sportswear, creating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, develop their skills and thrive off the pitch as they prepare for their future careers.
Over the past year, Imogen has contributed to a variety of creative projects across graphic design, product design and marketing, producing outstanding work while gaining a deeper understanding of the industry.
Reflecting on her experience, she said “I think I’ve grown significantly as a designer and person during my time at Kukri.
“As a designer, my knowledge has broadened enormously. I’ve learnt so much from my co-workers across different departments.
“As a person, my confidence has grown a lot too, and I’m no longer worried about challenging my ideas or others when it comes to design work.”
During her internship, Imogen also gained a greater appreciation of the collaborative nature of design, learning how ideas develop through teamwork, feedback and refinement.
“I was used to following my own process, but quickly learnt that design in a professional environment is rarely linear,” she added.
“I had to learn to adapt, take on feedback and apply it to my work.”
The experience has given Imogen valuable insight into the creative industry and helped shape her ambitions for the future.
“Kukri has given me so many opportunities to develop my skills,” said Imogen.
“It’s really allowed me to open my eyes about what I want to do next. I want to stay in the creative industry, but now I have many skills that I can use to my advantage moving forward.”
Imogen’s journey highlights the impact of the partnership between Kukri and Nottingham Trent University, with both organisations committed to helping students develop alongside their studies.
Emmeline Stansbie, Imogen’s placement tutor at Nottingham Trent University, said “Industry experience is invaluable for students, and the personal and professional development that Imi has gained on her placement will be gold dust for when she returns for her final year.
“Imi has embraced every opportunity, developed her confidence and shown the value of combining academic learning with real-world experience.”
Kukri Sports Group COO Chris Marshall said “It’s been fantastic to see Imogen grow and develop throughout her time at Kukri.
“We’ve loved having her as part of the team, and from the outset, she has brought creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, quickly becoming a valued member and making a strong contribution across a number of projects.”
Everyone at Kukri Sports would like to thank Imogen for her dedication, creativity and contribution to the team throughout her internship, and wish her the very best of luck with the next stage of her studies and future career.
Glasgow played host to ten action-packed days of competition (23 July – 2 August), as approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competed across 10 sports and six para sports at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Kit built for the big stage
Kukri proudly supported five partner nations throughout the games – Team England, Team Canada, Team Barbados, Team Guernsey and Team Anguilla, creating official kit and delegate wear for hundreds of athletes to compete on the biggest stage. Kukri also supported Netball Northern Ireland, with the team securing their first-ever Commonwealth Games victory against Trinidad and Tobago.
Ahead of the games, Kukri unveiled the official Team England competition kit, designed in collaboration with Team England and inspired by Glasgow’s creative identity – drawing on the city’s street art and design heritage.
The collection was also built with sustainability in mind, featuring increased recycled materials and reduced packaging across production.
A games to remember
Across the five nations, Kukri-kitted athletes won a combined 174 medals – including 48 gold, 67 silver and 59 bronze.
Team England finished second overall in the medal rankings, with Team Canada third, while Team Barbados and Team Guernsey each celebrated silver medal success.
Standout performances
Team England:
– Nathan Maguire retained his title in the T54 1500m event
– 3×3 basketball team successfully defended their gold medal against Australia
– Mark Swan won England’s first-ever gold in the men’s lightweight powerlifting event
– Thomas Young celebrated his birthday in style, winning gold in the T38 100m event, having narrowly missed selection for Birmingham 2022
Team Canada:
– Won medals in eight of the nine events they competed in
– Kylie Masse became the most decorated Canadian female athlete in the pool, with 11 total Commonwealth Games medals
– Set new Commonwealth records in seven separate events across the games
Team Barbados:
– Sada Williams claimed Barbados’ sole medal – winning silver in the women’s 400m final
Team Guernsey:
– Alison Merrien secured Guernsey’s medal – winning silver in the women’s bowls singles
Looking back at the Games
Reflecting on the games, Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports said, “We couldn’t be prouder to see our partner nations compete at a fantastic Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
“The feedback on the kit has been fantastic, and to see the athletes performing at their best while wearing it means everything to us. We were honoured to play a part in these nations creating new legacies and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Kukri would like to congratulate every athlete, coach, support staff member and nation who contributed to a magnificent ten days of sport in Glasgow.
We are proud to have stood alongside our teams every step of the way and celebrate the incredible achievements that made the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games one to remember.
Kukri Sports is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership with the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA), continuing a relationship that has supported Team Barbados on the world stage since 2018.
Over the past seven years, Kukri has supplied bespoke apparel for Barbados’ athletes, coaches and officials competing at major events including the Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games, and the Olympic Games. Each collection has been designed to combine technical performance with designs that reflect the pride and identity of Barbados.
This includes new kit designed for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Santo Domingo CAC Games, which features Barbados’ new logo and a bold new look to celebrate a new era on two big international stages.
The renewed agreement will see Kukri remain the BOA’s Official Apparel Partner, providing competition, training, travel and presentation wear as Team Barbados prepares for the next cycle of international competition.
Jamie Williams, Vice President at North America, said:
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the Barbados Olympic Association. Over the years we’ve built a strong relationship, and it’s been a privilege to play a small part in the journey of Team Barbados. We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality apparel that athletes can wear with pride whenever they represent their country, especially at the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Santo Domingo CAC Games.”
Gail Craig, Barbados Olympic Association Inc. Chair of the Uniform Committee, said “Over the years, Kukri has outfitted our athletes for numerous prestigious competitions, including the CAC, PanAm, Junior PanAm, Commonwealth, and Commonwealth Youth Games. They also supported our weightlifting team and, most recently, our rugby team at the Santo Domingo 2026 CAC Games.
“Our athletes are always proud to represent us in Kukri apparel. To us, Kukri feels like family. We deeply appreciate their dedication, particularly their focus on providing sustainable and recyclable fabrics, which reflects our own commitment to environmental responsibility.”
The extension reflects Kukri’s continued commitment to supporting athletes and sporting organisations around the world with bespoke teamwear designed for performance, comfort and national pride.
Why choose Kukri Sports
Quality
Performance garments built for heavy use and repeated washing.
Reliability
Guaranteed lead times and consistent fulfilment.
Long-Term Partnership
Stable supply and dedicated account management.
Professional Image
Sportswear that reflects school pride and heritage.
Ease of Management
Online systems that reduce workload.
Sustainability
Responsible materials and ethical production.
Five nations, one stage, a commonwealth of ambition. Discover the teams, athletes and stories to watch as Kukri’s partners prepare for Glasgow 2026.
Team England: Chasing Commonwealth success
Team England arrive in Glasgow as one of the leading sporting nations in the Commonwealth after an impressive Birmingham 2022 campaign, finishing second on the medal table with 57 golds.
With world-class athletes across a range of sports, expectations will once again be high as they target more standout performances.
They will do so wearing a kit that reflects performance and place. Unveiled by Kukri, the design draws inspiration from Glasgow’s iconic art and architecture, combining bold visuals with high-performance materials developed alongside athletes.
Team Canada: A nation built for big moments
Canada enjoyed a hugely successful Birmingham Games, finishing third overall with 92 medals, including 26 golds.
Among the standouts was Summer McIntosh, who at just 15 claimed gold in the 400m individual medley, while also breaking a record and adding five more medals.
Known for producing elite talent across sports, Canada will arrive in Glasgow with a combination of experienced performers and emerging athletes eager to make their mark.
Kukri will once again provide official ceremony wear and athlete apparel, continuing a successful partnership from the past two Games.
Team Barbados: Pride, passion and opportunity
For Barbados, the Commonwealth Games represent more than competition – they are a chance to shine on one of sport’s biggest stages.
After securing three medals at Birmingham 2022, including a gold medal from Sada Williams in the women’s 400m, the nation will look to build on that success and inspire the next generation.
Kukri’s long-standing partnership with Barbados continues into Glasgow, with designs that proudly showcase the nation’s identity and colours.
Team Anguilla: Inspiring a nation
Commonwealth Sport Anguilla will head to Glasgow determined to showcase the talent, dedication and passion that exists across the Eastern Caribbean nation.
The Games provides a unique opportunity to compete alongside the world’s best, create lasting memories and inspire future generations.
Kukri will once again support the team with performance apparel designed to reflect the pride and identity of the nation on the international stage.
Team Guernsey: Small island, big ambition
Team Guernsey return to the Commonwealth Games looking to build on a proud tradition of punching above their weight on the international stage.
At Birmingham 2022, a 28-strong team secured two historic medals which was their first in 28 years, underlining the island’s ability to deliver on the big stage.
In Glasgow, they will be represented by 20 athletes across four sports, all aiming to make their mark in their competition kit designed by Kukri, combining high-performance design with the island’s identity on the global stage.
Looking ahead to the games, which begin on 23 July, Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “We are incredibly proud to support our partners at the Commonwealth Games.
“It’s an honour to help athletes feel confident when they represent their nations and empower them on the biggest stages. Glasgow 2026 will be a fantastic celebration and we can’t wait to see our partners compete.”
From established medal contenders to athletes chasing their first Commonwealth moment, each team will bring its own story to Glasgow 2026. Kukri is proud to play a part in supporting these journeys, and wish all partner athletes and teams the best of luck in Glasgow.
For Shanice Beckford-Norton, the Commonwealth Games represent unfinished business.
After helping Team England secure a medal at her first Games, the basketball star is now focused on going one step further next time around.
“We medalled, but we fell short of gold,” she says. “So having that opportunity to go and get gold is huge.”
Basketball has been part of Beckford-Norton’s life from an early age. Inspired by her older brother, she followed him into an academy environment where the ambition to play professionally and represent England felt normal.
“Being surrounded by people who played for England and GB, it just felt like all the stars were aligned for me,” she explains.
From there, her journey took her to the United States at just 15 years old, chasing opportunities through basketball. But while the sport opened doors, the reality of life away from home eventually caught up with her.
“It wasn’t really until college that I realised how hard it actually was,” she says. “There were players just as athletic as me, stronger than me, faster than me.”
The pressure of constantly competing eventually took its toll. Beckford-Norton admits there were moments where she questioned whether she wanted to continue with the sport at all.
“I’ve tried to quit three times,” she says honestly.
A period during COVID, away from the structure of basketball, gave her time to reset and reconnect with herself outside of sport. Returning home to London after years abroad helped her rediscover both balance and enjoyment.
“Being around family again gave me new life,” she says. “It reminded me there’s more to life than just being an athlete.”
Now, with another Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Beckford-Norton approaches preparation differently. Music has become an important part of her routine, helping her stay calm and focused before games and training sessions.
“When I’m stressed or anxious, I even listen to classical music sometimes,” she says. “It helps me get out of my head.”
Asked what separates good athletes from great ones, Beckford-Norton believes it often comes down to the small things people do behind the scenes.
“Doing that little bit extra makes a difference,” she says. “Whether it’s for yourself or the team.”
It’s also the advice she gives to young athletes hoping to follow a similar path.
“Find value in yourself, surround yourself with good people and just go and do it,” she says. “Do the little things and don’t stop.”
With the Commonwealth Games edging closer, Beckford-Norton’s focus is firmly on helping Team England take the next step — and turning a medal-winning experience into a golden one.
For Nathan Maguire, Team England wheelchair racer, the Commonwealth Games are about much more than medals.
They represent family, resilience and the journey that began when sport helped him rebuild his life after acquiring a disability at the age of eight.
“I started sport five days after I came out of hospital,” Maguire explains. “My parents were really proactive. They just wanted me to get back to being a normal eight-year-old again.”
At the time, he had never even heard of the Paralympics. That quickly changed after meeting his first basketball coach, a Paralympic champion who introduced him to what was possible through Para-sport.
“On the 5th of January 2006, I said to my dad, ‘I’m going to be a Paralympian one day.’”
That ambition eventually led him from wheelchair basketball into wheelchair racing, where he has gone on to compete at the highest level. Now, with another Commonwealth Games approaching, Maguire is preparing for what will be his third appearance for Team England — and his first as defending champion.
“Putting this England kit on is always really exciting,” he says. “But this is the first time I’m going into a championships trying to defend a medal, so that adds a little bit of pressure.”
The build-up to the Games has not been straightforward. Maguire is currently recovering from the first major injury of his career — a broken rib — forcing him away from regular training and competition.
“The hardest part has probably been the loss of identity,” he admits. “Not going to the track every day, not seeing everybody.”
Even through setbacks, the support around him continues to drive him forward. His wife Hannah, also a wheelchair racer and Official Kukri Sports Ambassador, along with family, coaches and teammates all play a huge role in keeping him motivated during the long road back to fitness.
“I thrive on that environment of being surrounded by a team,” he says. “My family come everywhere with me to watch. I’m never just doing it for me.”
That sense of purpose also shapes how Maguire views Para-sport more broadly. Alongside competing, he believes athletes have a responsibility to help improve opportunities and visibility for disabled people.
“If you look at a Para-athlete, we’ve almost got to be advocates for disabled people as well,” he explains. “You want to leave the sport better than you found it.”
It is also why he encourages young athletes to say yes to opportunities, even if they are unsure where they might lead.
“You just need to find your way in,” he says. “Once you start, so many opportunities can come from it.”
With the Commonwealth Games edging closer, Maguire’s focus is now firmly on recovery, preparation and the chance to once again represent Team England on one of sport’s biggest stages — this time with the added challenge of defending the title he worked so hard to win.
As part of this Pride Month feature, British Trampoline gymnasts Ryan Brown and Izzy Songhurst share their experiences on inclusion, representation and allyship within the sport.
Through their long-standing partnership, Kukri Sports continues to support British Gymnastics in promoting equal opportunities across all disciplines.
Ryan Brown on belonging and representation
For Ryan Brown, a multiple-time British Championships medallist and former World Age Group Champion, inclusion starts with authenticity.
“An inclusive sporting environment is one where everyone feels welcomed and accepted for who they are,” he said.
“I’ve always felt accepted in gymnastics. I’ve met friends from different countries and backgrounds who share the same passion.”
He believes representation is key to breaking stereotypes.
“Visibility and representation are important, as they show that there isn’t just one type of athlete.
“When young people see athletes being themselves and succeeding, it reinforces that they don’t have to change who they are to belong in sport.”
Izzy Songhurst on inclusion and allyship
Olympic trampoline and two-time European gymnast Izzy Songhurst shared that inclusion is key to both wellbeing and performance.
“An inclusive environment is where everyone should feel welcome, respected and supported, regardless of where they are or where they come from,” she said.
On allyship, she stressed action over words.
“It’s about listening, learning and speaking up to create an environment where people feel supported.
“Knowing that people around you genuinely care and are willing to stand alongside you can make a huge difference.”
Pride Month and ongoing inclusion in sport
Both gymnasts see Pride Month as a moment to celebrate progress while continuing important conversations.
“Pride Month is a chance to celebrate inclusion and individuality,” Ryan said.
“It’s not just about one month, it’s about helping create an environment where people feel accepted every day of the year.”
Izzy added, “It celebrates diversity, recognises progress and raises awareness, showing support for LGBTQ+ people in sport and beyond.”
A message to young gymnasts
They both agreed gymnastics should feel open to everyone.
Ryan said, “Never let the fear of not fitting in stop you from trying a sport you love. Be yourself, work hard and enjoy the journey.”
Izzy echoed, “Don’t be afraid to give it a try. Sport builds friendships and provide memorable opportunities. You deserve to take up space and be yourself.”
Their message is simple — sport is strongest when people can be themselves. Inclusion, representation and allyship are building a culture where everyone belongs.
One month after welcoming daughter Rosie, Hannah Cockroft CBE reflects on stepping away from elite sport, embracing motherhood and why this new chapter has only added to her strength.
For the nine-time Paralympic champion, the past year has been unlike any other in her remarkable career.
Pregnancy meant spending the longest time away from her racing chair in 18 years.
But rather than focusing on what she couldn’t do, the experience gave her a new appreciation for what her body could achieve.
“I’m so proud of my body and how it has adapted to pregnancy,” she said. “What has surprised me the most is just how much I can still do.”
The Kukri Sports ambassador continued training in the gym until 32 weeks pregnant and says the experience reinforced her belief that years of elite sport have equipped her for challenges beyond competition.
“It makes me proud that the training I do doesn’t just make me strong on the track, but in everyday life too.”
While pregnancy revealed a different kind of strength, stepping away from athletics brought its own challenges.
“The biggest adjustment for me has been being out of the chair and the lack of routine,” she admits.
“Seeing my husband Nathan continue our training routine without me took a lot of getting used to.
“I went along with him to one training session and spent it sat in the car crying because I couldn’t join in.”
Now, with daughter Rosie, Hannah is already looking ahead.
“I’m hopeful that once I’m back in training and preparing for the LA Paralympic Games, I can share more of my experiences of pregnancy and motherhood, and show that para-athletes can come back to the top of the podium after childbirth with the right support.”
With her sights already set on a return to competition, Cockroft hopes her experience can inspire others to believe that motherhood doesn’t mean the end of ambition.
“I just hope people realise that motherhood isn’t the end for me. It’s just the start of a new chapter and a new challenge.
“I’m more motivated than ever to come back, and I hope to be that inspiration to others that anything is possible!”
