Tag: United Kingdom

12/09/202512/09/2025

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.

05/09/202504/09/2025

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

27/08/202522/08/2025

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.

21/08/202519/08/2025

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.

06/08/202506/08/2025

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 – 17^th 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.

31/07/202523/07/2025

Kukri Sports has teamed up with the International School of London in a new multi-year partnership that will see Kukri become the official sportswear supplier to the school.

This new partnership will provide ISL’s students, staff, and sports teams with high-quality, customised sportswear designed to support performance, comfort, and team identity across all levels of sport. Kukri will work closely with the school to develop a bespoke range that reflects the school’s values, international spirit, and commitment to excellence in education and sport.

Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, commented:
“We are delighted to partner with International School of London, a school that shares our values of inclusion, ambition, and community. Our goal is to enhance the sporting experience for students through innovative and durable apparel that promotes pride and performance. We look forward to building a strong relationship with the ISL community over the coming years.”

The International School of London, is renowned for its culturally rich and globally-minded environment, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum to a diverse student body. Sport plays a key role in the school’s holistic approach to education, and this partnership reinforces its dedication to providing students with outstanding resources and opportunities.

Louis Demacque, Head of Primary & Secondary PE at International School of London, said:

“We’re delighted to launch our new sports kit in partnership with Kukri Sports. The high-quality range ensures that all our students – boys and girls – feel confident and comfortable across all activities. We’re equally proud of the staff and bespoke varsity kits, which reflect the strength of our sporting community here at ISL.”

This collaboration marks another milestone in Kukri’s continued growth in the education sector, where the brand continues to be a trusted partner for schools and institutions seeking quality and innovation in teamwear.

To learn more about ISL, visit www.isllondon.org

Visit the ISL shop here.

30/07/202530/07/2025

Kukri Sports proudly celebrates the outstanding performances of six Youth Talent Programme (YTP) Ambassadors who competed at the England Athletics Senior, U20 & Para Championships.

Harriet Court, Euan Murray, Isabelle Stamp, Alice Howie, Qi-Chi Ukpai and Isabella Turner all showed their talent in Birmingham, representing their clubs and Kukri across multiple events from 25-27 July.

The Youth Talent Programme, supported by Kukri, is vital in nurturing promising young athletes, providing them with essential resources and mentorship as they advance in their athletic careers,

Through the ongoing partnership, Kukri play a key role in supporting and developing selected athletes both on and off the track.

National Titles, Personal Bests and Podium Finishes

Harriet Court delivered a standout performance, claiming the U20 Women’s javelin title and securing a second placed finish in the senior women’s event. “It’s always a great opportunity to perform at such a high-level competition.

“Competing in that environment is really motivating, and I’m proud to represent my club and Kukri.”

She added, “I’m proud to have won the competition. Even though none of us threw particularly well because of the rain, I managed to pull it out on my last throw, which was really pleasing.”

Qi-Chi Ukpai added another national title to her impressive record, becoming the U20 Triple Jump champion and earning her ninth national crown.

“It’s been especially great to have that support from Kukri in my first year competing against athletes at the under-20 level!”

Qi-Chi also celebrated a milestone of consistency, sharing, “I had my first competition series where every single jump was above 12 metres.

“I have loads of improvements to make, but overall it was a great learning experience.”

Euan Murray impressed in the para-ambulant sprints, setting personal bests in both the U20 100M (T49) and 200m (T41) events.

“Representing Kukri and Team Bath at this level of competition was a true privilege!

“Seeing all the Kukri sponsorship and branding at the competition made me proud to be representing the brand.”

Euan is now setting his sights on next weekend’s British Championships, stating, “I definitely feel like I achieved my goals this past weekend.

“Now it’s full focus and recovery and looking to rub sub 11.95 in the 100m again.”

Alice Howie threw a personal best of 55.11m in the third round U20 hammer throw, a result that met her long-season target.

“It’s definitely more nerve-wracking to represent Kukri and my club at the higher-level events, but it’s ultimately really exciting.

“It’s a great feeling to have thrown a distance I’ve been aiming for all season. The season is not quite finished yet though and I’m always aiming to throw further.”

Isabelle Stamp rounded out the weekend with a bronze medal in the U20 shot put, ending her personal season on a high.

“Every time I put on my club vest, it feels like a huge honour.

“This season has been up and down, but ending it with a bronze medal was nice to show that the work I’m putting in at training is paying off.”

Isabella Turner narrowly missed a personal best in the U20 pole vault (F23) event, but showed clear signs of technical progress.

“Representing Kukri as well highlighted the importance of the support through the YTP and how that has helped me,” she said.

“My goals were to place first in the Euro U20 trials and to have a good attempt at a PB height, both of which I succeeded.”

Kukri Sports extends its congratulations to its ambassadors for their had work and success at the Championships.

Their achievements are not only a celebration of individual excellence, but also a shining example of the power of structured development and support through the YTP.

For more information about our Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors and their journeys, please visit here.  

30/06/202520/06/2025

Whether it’s chasing a new personal best, returning from injury, or representing their country, sport is about more than talent or physical ability, but also the inner mindset that keeps athletes going through challenges, setbacks and pressure.

As a global sportswear provider, we’re committed to supporting this whole journey by providing innovative, high-performance kit that helps athletes feel confident, focused and empowered to perform at their best.

We spoke with four of our elite ambassadors – nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft CBE, world number ten ranked beach volleyball duo the Bello Brothers and England Lacrosse international Liv Thomas to explore how they stay motivated.

Hannah Cockroft CBE

“Mindset plays a massive role in my training and competition. It’s so hard to get a good session in when your mind is determined not to enjoy it,” she said.

“I truly believe that 50% of winning is believing you can.”

To sharpen that belief, Hannah uses visualisation to prepare mentally for each race, allowing her to focus and eliminate distractions.

When it comes to performance wear, practicality and psychology are equally important.

“I need clothing that works with my race chair and doesn’t distract me mid-session.

“It’s also about looking elite, because when you look the part, you feel the part.”

Javier & Joa Bello

For the Bello Brothers, mental preparation is at the core of their world-class performance, beginning long before the first serve.

“We always begin tournament days with a morning activation — light training, scouting opponents, and setting a game plan. That structure gives us confidence and helps manage pressure.”

As brothers and teammates, their unique connection fuels their performance.

“In beach volleyball it’s just the two of us — no coach, no substitutions. Trust is one of our biggest strengths. It’s taken years to build that bond.”

Liv Thomas

After two major injuries in just 18 months, Liv knows exactly how motivation and resilience intertwine.

“Staying in touch with my teammates and sharing my journey online helped me stay accountable and reminded me of how far I’d come,” Liv reflects.

Returning to the international stage has given her a new appreciation for the sport.

“I’ve become so much more grateful for every time I get to step on the pitch.

“Putting on that England shirt again was such a powerful moment. Wearing it just motivates me to keep working and to never take it for granted.”

What Motivation Means to Them

We asked each athlete to sum up what motivation in sport means to them:

– Hannah Cockroft CBE: “Motivation is waking up every day and wanting to be better than yesterday.”

– Javier & Joa Bello: “It’s the drive to prove to ourselves that we belong with the best.”

– Liv Thomas: “Motivation is knowing how far I’ve come and how far I still want to go.”

Motivation, powered by performance

Motivation looks different for every athlete — but mindset is what drives progress. Kukri is proud to support athletes through every step of their journey, with sportswear that empowers them to perform, focus, and keep moving forward.

Find out more about our ambassadors

Want to know how we can help you? Get in touch with us today

05/06/202504/06/2025

Great Britain’s rowing team delivered a stunning performance at the 2025 European Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (29 May – 1 June), finishing top of the overall medal table to defend their European title.

Of the 39 athletes selected, 28 were crowned champions of Europe, marking one of British Rowing’s most successful European campaigns to date, fuelled by the debut of Kukri’s new high-performance rowing suits.

High-Performance Kukri Rowing Suits Make Championship Debut

Worn for the first time at a major European event, Kukri’s high-performance rowing suits supported all GB crews, delivering comfort, confidence and elite performance on the water.

British Rowing’s crews claimed nine medals, six of which were gold, that underlined the power of preparation and benefits of cutting-edge kit.

Rising Stars & Record Breakers

Reigning Olympic champion, Lauren Henry, delivered one of the performances of the championships in the Women’s single sculls, claiming gold in her first senior international regatta in this boat class.

“To make the podium is really, really special. I wanted to come here and make a name for myself and I feel like I’ve done that.

“I want to be World Champion, I want to be Olympic Champion, I want to break the world best time, I want to be the most successful British single sculler ever. That’s my aim. I’ve still got many years to go — but watch this space!”

Benjamin Pritchard Sets Records & Makes History

Paralympic champion Bejamin Pritchard made his mark with a gold medal in the PR1 Men’s single sculls, setting a world best time of 08:40.38.

“I’m the first ever British PR1 European Champion. Full stop,” Pritchard said.

“Getting a World best time twice in a week is all pretty special to go down in the history books for that. I’m just getting started.”

More Medals & European Best Times

GB Rowing Team’s success continued with a gold, silver and two bronze medals on the first day of the finals.

The women’s quadruple sculls crew of Sarah McKay, Lola Anderson, Cam Nyland and Becky Wilde stormed to gold in a European Championship best time, highlighting the strength in depth across the team, with the women’s eight team also putting on a show to win their race in style.

The GB Men’s eight made history of their own, defeating a powerful Dutch crew by just 0.24 seconds to claim their fifth consecutive European title, setting a new British record in the process and reinforcing their dominance on the continental stage.

Pushing the Limits with Kukri

“We are very proud to have played a part in this golden chapter for British Rowing,” said Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.

“There’s a real sense of pride in seeing our suits contribute to history being made, and supporting these fantastic athletes as they continue to chase greatness.”

Looking Ahead

Next up this season, British Rowing will be competing in the World Rowing Cup Varese from 13 – 15 June, with all six European gold medal winning crews returning to represent Great Britain.

Kukri stands proudly behind British Rowing – delivering elite sportswear that performs at the highest level.

Are you ready to upgrade your kit? Get in touch