Ireland Asia Middle East North America New Zealand Australia

Category: News

A Partnership Built to Last with University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Since 2023, Kukri Sports has been the official sportswear partner for the University of Exeter, delivering bespoke kit and merchandise for one of the largest and most competitive university sport programmes in the UK.

In 2026, that partnership was further extended, a testament to what’s been built together and what more is to come.

READ MORE

52 Clubs. One Standard. No compromises.

Supporting a programme of this scale demands more than a traditional kit supplier. Exeter needed a long-term partner who could:

– Deliver a consistent identity across their 52 sports clubs

– Provide bespoke playing kit and leisurewear that reflects their heritage and pride

– Manage ordering and fulfilment efficiently for a large and active student population

– Meet the sustainability expectations of a forward-thinking institution

More than a kit supplier

Kukri’s university partnership model and 25+ years of experience in the sector was built for exactly this kind of challenge.

Working closely with Exeter, Kukri delivered a complete solution across all 52 clubs, reflecting the identity and pride of each team, tailored to each sport and designed to a consistent standard of quality that helps student-athletes feel and perform at their best.

Simplifying Kit Management at Scale

Central to Kukri’s offering is a dedicated online stock shop – built specifically for the University of Exeter and designed to make kit management simple for staff and students alike.

The shop includes:

– A dedicated microsite featuring Exeter’s full product range

– Individual ordering for club members

– Bespoke garments that can be personalised across different sports

– Fast, reliable fulfilment – with a 72-hour delivery window for bespoke garments and three weeks for branded stock items

The results

Three years of partnership delivered at scale.

The partnership in numbers:

– 52 sports clubs kitted out across playing and leisurewear

– 4th in the UK BUCS rankings 2024/25 out of 160 institutions

– 110+ teams competing weekly

– Over 4,700 garments delivered in the last three years

What Exeter Say

“The Kukri team have consistently demonstrated a genuine understanding of our needs and a proactive approach to collaboration, supporting us through design, production and delivery with professionalism and care.

“Their commitment to quality, reliability and service has been outstanding, ensuring our students and staff are provided with high-performance, professional-looking kit that reflects the pride and identity of our university.”

Paul Kirby, Senior Operations Manager at the University of Exeter.

See the Partnership in Action

Ready to build the same for your university?

BOOK A PARTNERSHIP CONSULTATION

Kukri Sports Celebrates Role as Official Kit and Merchandise Partner at Belfast City Marathon

Ireland

The 44th Belfast City Marathon returned on Sunday 3 May, and once again delivered everything that makes it such a special occasion.

Thousands of participants, spectators and an electric atmosphere made it a weekend to remember.

Marking the first year of the partnership, Kukri was proud to be at the heart of the event as official kit and merchandise partner, supplying official kit for participants and staff across the marathon and team relay, as well as the 10k and half marathon taking place later in the year.

Official Event Merchandise

Kukri’s official merchandise range for the event included a women’s running vest, a unisex polo shirt, a 1/4 zip lightweight tech top and a full zip hoodie – each bringing together technical performance fabrics and sharp styling.

The range was designed for participants of all levels and available to staff and runners alike.

The merchandise was also available to purchase across the weekend at the event expo, where it was met with a hugely positive reaction from participants and spectators.

In Their Own Words

Commenting on the event, Neil Patterson, Country Manager for Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland, said “To be part of such a fantastic occasion at the Belfast City Marathon is something we’re immensely proud of.

“Seeing participants cross that finish line was great to see, and we are honoured to have played our part in making their experience one to remember.”

Claire O’Neill, Chief Executive at Belfast City Marathon, added “Our partnership with Kukri Sports continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted to introduce the new clothing range.

“The new collection reflects a modern, high-quality design that combines performance, comfort, and style, ensuring participants, volunteers, and supporters are represented in a professional and unified way throughout the event.”

Kukri continues to build on its reputation as a trusted partner for all sports across Ireland, delivering kit and solutions that combine quality, performance and 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.

GET IN TOUCH

Mental Health Awareness Week: Our Athletes Speak out

World News

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Kukri has given its athletes a platform to speak openly about their experiences with mental health in sport.

From a Paris Olympic champion to international rugby players, their stories are honest and personal.

Lola Anderson – Paris Olympic Champion & Great Britain Rowing Team Athlete

Olympic gold, world champion and honest about the moment she told herself she needed to improve. Lola’s story is not one to be missed.

READ HER STORY

Ellie Stevens – British Masters Champion & Kukri Sports Ambassador

From chronic illness to becoming world champion. Ellie opens up on identity, self-worth and what it really took to come back stronger.

READ HER STORY

Robbie Wingrove & Cam Wood – Oshawa Vikings RFC

Two captains & two very personal stories. One message about what it means to speak up.

READ THEIR STORIES

James Sawyer & Tanya Dhar – Societe Generale Valley RFC

Two Hong Kong national team internationals and captains of one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious clubs open up on why no player should ever feel alone.

READ MORE HERE

Darren Hicks – Paralympic Champion, AusCycling

His story starts with tragedy and ends with Paralympic gold. What happened in between is something Darren has never shied away from talking about.

READ HIS STORY

 At Kukri Sports, we believe that supporting athletes means supporting the whole person – not just their performance. We are proud to stand alongside our partners this Mental Health Awareness Week and create space for the conversations that matter.

If you need mental health support, reach out to your primary healthcare provider for guidance. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123.

YOUR SPORT. YOUR DESIGN.

Mental Health Awareness Week Spotlight: British Rowing’s Lola Anderson

United Kingdom

Paris Olympic champion Lola Anderson shares how mindset, balance and support helped shape her journey to the top of world rowing.

From writing down her Olympic dream at just 14 years old to becoming Paris 2024 Olympic champion in the women’s quadruple sculls, Lola Anderson has experienced both the pressure and rewards that come with elite sport.

After writing her name into Olympic history following Great Britain’s dramatic final push past the Netherlands in Paris, Anderson understands the importance of mental wellbeing both on and off the water.

Finding freedom on the water

For Lola, rowing has always provided an escape from pressure and outside stress.

“Any challenges I’ve faced tend to fade away when I’m on the water.

“When you’re passionate about maximising your potential in the boat, it’s really important not to place too much pressure on the outcome or your performance.”

Managing pressure at the highest level

Staying present has become central to how she manages the demands of elite rowing.

“Overthinking what lies ahead can make the training load feel more overwhelming. Take each session and day as it comes.

“An open and relaxed mindset is always easier than being anxious about what’s to come.”

Despite competing on the biggest stage in sport, Lola believes mental challenges are something every athlete experiences.

“Recognising a mental hurdle doesn’t indicate weakness.

“As we headed into Paris, it would have been easy for us to let the pressure and expectations suffocate us before we even began racing.”

The importance of team culture

For Lola, team culture plays a major role in both performance and wellbeing.

“Rowing is one of the best team sports, requiring us to rely on each other both on and off the water.

“When the dynamic is strong, athletes communicate clearly, are more open to collaboration and take greater ownership of the team culture.”

Switching off away from sport

Away from training and racing, creating balance is equally important.

“I’ve always found that spending time with friends, even in simple ways serves as a good reset.

“My teammates and I often enjoy stress-free activities, such as pottery painting or cooking dinners for one another.

“Any activity that helps us genuinely switch off after training is beneficial.”

Speaking up and enjoying the journey

Lola helps younger athletes understand the importance of speaking openly and prioritising mental health.

“It can be easy to bottle up emotions and keep everything inside,” she said.

“Talking and sharing anxieties with teammates not only lightens your load, but may also encourage another teammate you didn’t know was struggling to do the same.”

Her own journey taught her that happiness and performance are closely connected.

“Transitioning into a university programme proved challenging.

“I internalised that I needed to work harder and viewed myself as ‘weak’ mentally.

“Once I shifted my focus to enjoy the day-to-day aspects of rowing, I was having fun again.

“Choosing my mental health over a desperation to perform took a weight off my shoulders and allowed me to train and race unburdened.”

Kukri is proud to support the British Rowing team and athletes like Lola as they continue to foster that sense of community on and off the water.

Kukri Sports Extends Successful Partnership with the University of Exeter

Kukri Sports is proud to announce the extension of its successful partnership with the University of Exeter, reinforcing a shared commitment to performance, innovation, and student experience.

Following an initial four-year agreement, the renewed partnership will see Kukri continue as the official sportswear provider for the University’s students, staff, and Athletic Union. The extension builds on a strong foundation of collaboration, with both organisations working closely to deliver high-quality, bespoke sportswear that reflects Exeter’s heritage and supports athletes across all levels.

Since the partnership began, Kukri has supplied tailored kit solutions designed to enhance performance while strengthening team identity across a wide range of sports. The extension will enable further development of these ranges, incorporating ongoing feedback from students and staff to ensure the offering remains innovative, inclusive, and fit for purpose.

Chris Marshall, COO at Kukri Sports, commented:
“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with the University of Exeter. Over the past few years, we’ve built a fantastic relationship with the university, its students, and its sports teams. This extension is a testament to the success of that collaboration. We look forward to continuing to evolve our bespoke ranges, supporting performance and participation, and delivering products that students are proud to wear.”

Paul Kirby, Senior Operations Manager at the University of Exeter:

“I am delighted to highlight the excellent partnership we have developed with Kukri Sports as our official team kit supplier. Their commitment to quality, reliability, and service has been outstanding, ensuring our students and staff are provided with high-performance, professional-looking kit that reflects the pride and identity of our university.

The Kukri team have consistently demonstrated a genuine understanding of our needs and a proactive approach to collaboration, supporting us through design, production, and delivery with professionalism and care. Our partnership is built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to excellence — and we look forward to continuing to build on this strong relationship in the years ahead.”

The renewed agreement will also see continued alignment with the University’s branding and ongoing support for BUCS competitions, ensuring Exeter’s teams remain equipped to perform at the highest level.

About the University of Exeter
Established in 1851, the University of Exeter is a leading UK institution with a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Its sporting programme is one of the most successful in the UK, supporting a wide range of competitive and recreational opportunities.

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.

Get in touch

Kukri Sports and Somerset County Cricket Club Ready to Make History

United Kingdom

Captain Lewis Gregory eyes back-to-back Vitality Blast glory as domestic season gets underway.

Somerset County Cricket Club and long-standing kit supplier Kukri are gearing up for what could be a landmark season, with the men’s side targeting an unprecedented back-to-back Vitality Blast title and the women’s team entering their second competitive campaign.

With the County Championship already underway and the Blast on the horizon, the mood at the Cooper Associates County Ground is one of quiet confidence.

A season already in motion

Somerset’s 2026 season began in the longest format, with a two-wicket victory over Hampshire maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

The women’s team also marked their return in style with a one-wicket win over Yorkshire in the One Day Cup.

The focus then turns to a home test on 1 May against Yorkshire, before the return of the T20 Vitality Blast on 22 May against Hampshire Hawks.

Gregory targeting glory again

At the heart of Somerset’s ambition is captain Lewis Gregory, who has guided the side to two Blast titles in the last three years.

Now, he has his sights set on something no team in the competition’s history has ever achieved.

“The consistency we’ve shown over the last five to six years has been incredible. Two wins and a final in the last three years is impressive, and the goal now is to show that consistency again.”

The skipper is entering the season with a clear sense of purpose and a squad that has put the work in over the winter.

“The mood is good. Everyone has had a really productive winter – the guys have put in a lot of work and coming into pre-season we’ve seen a lot where our skills are at, and things are in a good place,” he said.

Leading from the front

Gregory leads not just through tactics and guidance but by example – with a personal commitment to stepping up in the moments that matter most.

“I want to be out on the field as much as possible and just put in the performances that can affect our games and help us get over the line.

I want to stand up and provide when the team need me most.”

Quality that shows

This season’s kit range has made an immediate impression, with the new Blast strips drawing a particular praise from the captain.

The design, chosen by the fans, reflects a different side of the club’s identity – from bold, modern interpretations to styles inspired by their heritage.

The men’s shirt also has the addition of another star under the badge to indicate the three occasions the team has lifted the T20 title (2005, 2023 and 2025).

“The kit this year looks really nice. The two shirts for the Blast with the contrast in black and pink look really smart.

“Kukri have been our kit supplier now for a long time and we have a good partnership with them. That high-quality kit makes you feel comfortable in what you are wearing and not worry about external factors, which is really important.

“It’s nice to go out there looking and feeling good.”

The consistency off the field is just as important as performances on it. Last season alone, Kukri delivered over 5,200 units across Somerset’s senior squads and academy pathway teams, as well as retail offering.

A year to build on for Somerset Women

Somerset women are entering their second competitive season as a group, and the team’s momentum is very much a collective story.

The women’s side play Surrey in the One Day Cup this weekend, and return to T20 action with a double-header fixture against Hampshire Hawks on Friday 22 May.

With growing experience in the squad and the lessons of that first season behind them, the team are ready to push on again.

Why do partners stay with Kukri?

– Trusted education partner – experienced in supporting school’s sporting and operational needs

– Proven long-term partnerships – built on dedication and delivery

– 98% on-time delivery – giving schools confidence and consistency

– Dedicated account management – one point of contact to guide your project from design to delivery

– Fully bespoke sportswear – tailored to each school’s identity and requirements

– Flexible ordering options – including online portals & wholesale solutions

– eCommerce management – with a dedicated online shop built and managed by Kukri

Join the team:

Get in touch to find out how we can help you.

YOUR SPORT. YOUR DESIGN.

Kukri Sports Announces New Five-Year Partnership with Uppingham School

Kukri will supply playing kit, PE kit, and staff apparel while supporting school sports tours

Kukri Sports is proud to announce a new five-year partnership with Uppingham School, one of the UK’s leading independent schools, reinforcing Kukri’s commitment to supporting sport at all levels of development and performance.

Through the partnership, Kukri will become the official sportswear partner to Uppingham School, providing bespoke playing kit and PE kit for pupils across the school’s extensive sporting programme. Kukri will also supply staff kit and support the school’s domestic and international sports tours, ensuring athletes and staff are equipped with high-performance apparel that reflects the school’s heritage and ambition.

Chris Marshall – COO – Kukri Sports
“We are delighted to partner with Uppingham School, an institution with such a rich sporting heritage and commitment to developing young athletes. This five-year partnership reflects our shared values of excellence, performance, and pride. We look forward to supporting Uppingham’s pupils and staff with high-quality sportswear and contributing to their continued success on and off the field.”

Nick Gandy – Director of Sport, Uppingham School
“We are really pleased to be working with Kukri. The quality of the kit and the pupils’ reaction to it have been extremely encouraging. As the relationship develops, we look forward to working with Kukri more and will value the support they will give to sport at Uppingham and to the experiences of everyone involved.”

The partnership will also see Kukri supporting Uppingham School’s sports tours, ensuring teams are fully equipped with tailored travel and competition apparel, reinforcing team unity and school pride wherever they compete.

Uppingham School has a long-standing tradition of sporting excellence, offering pupils opportunities across a wide range of sports, with participation and performance forming a central part of school life. Kukri’s expertise in designing and delivering premium-quality, customised sportswear will enhance the experience for pupils and staff alike, supporting performance, comfort, and team identity.

This collaboration further strengthens Kukri Sports’ growing portfolio within the education sector, working with leading schools, universities, and sports organisations across the UK and globally.

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.

Get in Touch

Kukri Sports and Loughborough Lightning Lead the Charge in Player-Driven Netball Innovation

Kukri Sports has strengthened its reputation as a collaborative, athlete-first performance partner with the launch of its latest co-developed netball kit for Loughborough Lightning. Shaped through close consultation and player feedback, the project reflects a shared ambition to widen choice and improve inclusivity in elite women’s sport.

The new range comes from a partnership built on trust and innovation, with Kukri working closely with Lightning athletes and staff to fine-tune fit, function and flexibility. More than a routine seasonal update, the collection shows how genuine collaboration can lead to meaningful product development.

Designed through partnership, built for performance

Central to the launch is a newly engineered Elite racerback dress, developed in response to athlete insight around shape, fit and freedom of movement. The updated silhouette delivers an improved contour and feel, while retaining Kukri’s proven ‘S-Spire’ polyester fabric for durability and performance consistency.

For the new season, Kukri introduced stretch side panels to the dress — a technical upgrade requested through collaborative testing — allowing greater ease of movement, stretch and recovery during high-intensity play.

Alongside the enhanced dress, the partnership has produced a brand-new vest and skort combination, expanding player choice and reinforcing Kukri’s commitment to inclusivity.

This alternative option keeps the look of the Elite dress but gives athletes a two-piece choice if they want more flexibility in their kit. Both pieces are made from the same ‘S-Spire’ polyester with stretch side panels, so performance stays consistent across the range. The skort also features a built-in stretch undershort for extra comfort, confidence and coverage.

A partnership model that puts athletes first

Chris Marshall, COO at Kukri Sports said “Our partnership with Loughborough Lightning shows how we like to work with partners — openly, collaboratively and always with the athlete at the centre of decisions. This wasn’t about changing the kit just for the sake of it. It came from listening to players and giving them options that support comfort, performance and confidence. That’s what a strong partnership should deliver.”

By putting dialogue, testing and shared innovation first, Kukri continues to show why elite teams trust it as a performance partner. The new range highlights a joint commitment to raising standards in women’s sport, while giving athletes more say in what they wear on court.

Loughborough Lightning will wear the kit throughout this season, underlining a partnership that goes beyond branding and focuses on real performance benefits shaped by the players themselves.

Kukri Sports Unveils Team England Glasgow 2026 Kit With 100 Days To Go

Kukri Sports has today unveiled the official Team England kit for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking 100 days until the world’s athletes take to the stage in Scotland.

Designed, developed and delivered in partnership with Team England, the new kit represents a bold fusion of performance innovation, cultural storytelling and modern design. The launch offers the first look at what England’s athletes will wear as they compete on one of the biggest stages in global sport.

A Design Inspired by Glasgow’s Creative Identity

The Glasgow 2026 kit draws heavily on the city’s rich creative landscape, with Kukri’s design team taking inspiration from Glasgow’s iconic street art scene.

Dynamic graphic elements reflect the movement and intensity of sport, while capturing the raw energy and individuality of the city’s murals and urban expression.

A standout element within the collection also pays tribute to renowned Glaswegian designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, incorporating his signature geometric style to connect heritage with contemporary performance design.

Built for Performance. Designed for Impact.

Every piece in the collection has been engineered by Kukri Sports with elite performance in mind. Developed through extensive athlete insight and testing, the kit is built to support Team England across every moment of competition—from the Opening Ceremony through to medal-winning performances.

At the same time, Kukri continues to drive forward its commitment to more responsible manufacturing. The Glasgow 2026 kit includes:

  • Increased use of recycled materials across key garments
  • Enhanced durability to extend product lifespan
  • Reduced waste throughout the production process
  • Minimised packaging
  • A streamlined kit pack to limit excess

Purpose Beyond the Podium

Team England will once again work alongside Kit Us Out, ensuring that any unused kit from the Games is redistributed to athletes, young people and communities who need it most—helping to remove barriers to participation in sport.

Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO of Kukri Sports, said: “This collection represents the very best of Kukri—where performance, innovation and storytelling come together. Working closely with Team England, we’ve created a kit that not only performs at the highest level but also celebrates the culture and creativity of Glasgow.

With 100 days to go, we’re incredibly proud to see this kit revealed and can’t wait to see it worn on the world stage.”

Mark Osikoya, CEO of Commonwealth Games England, said: “With 100 days to go, unveiling this kit feels like the moment everything becomes real. Kukri have created something that captures the energy of Glasgow, the heritage of Scottish design and the pride of representing England. We can’t wait to see our athletes wearing it this summer.”

The Final Countdown Begins

With just 100 days remaining until Glasgow 2026, the unveiling of the kit signals the start of the final phase of preparation.

Kukri Sports is proud to stand alongside Team England as athletes prepare to compete—equipped with a kit designed to perform, inspire and represent with pride.

The countdown starts now.