Tag: United Kingdom

03/10/202403/10/2024

Somerset County Cricket Club (CCC) has enjoyed an exceptional season in partnership with Kukri Sports, reaching the finals of both the One Day Cup and the Vitality Blast T20, as well as securing an impressive third-place finish in the County Championship.

Despite falling just short of silverware, the team’s consistent performances throughout the season have been impressive, positioning Somerset as a force to be reckoned with in English cricket.

The team flourished on the way to this year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup final, winning seven out of nine games in the competition. Somerset also finished third in the Vitality Blast south group and third in the County Championship, showing their talent across all formats.

As the official kit supplier, Kukri Sports takes great pride in fuelling Somerset’s success, providing high-performance sportswear that ensures players not only perform to their optimal levels, but also feel confident and comfortable when representing the club.

Reflecting on the season, star batter Tom Kohler-Cadmore highlighted the team’s progress.

“It’s been a great season for the boys. Obviously, it’s frustrating to lose in two finals, but to put ourselves, in September, with three trophies to win is something to be really proud of as a group.

“Reaching the finals of two major competitions is a huge achievement, and it shows that we’re on the right track.”

The 30-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Somerset’s 2023 Vitality Blast triumph, highlighted the team’s youth talent and growing experience, which he believes will serve them well in future seasons.

“We’ve got a young group that’s gaining more and more experience, which is great when it comes to trying to win trophies. We’ve learned a lot this year when it comes to those crunch moments, those big games.

“Hopefully, this year proves what we’ve got as a group that can continue pushing forward in the seasons to come.”

With emerging stars like Archie Vaughan and James Rew alongside seasoned players, Somerset’s future is incredibly bright.

Kohler-Cadmore expressed confidence in the team’s potential to continue competing at the highest level.

“I’m really confident that we’ll bounce back and put ourselves in a similar position in all three competitions again.

“The goal is to keep reaching finals and giving ourselves a chance to win the County Championship. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, our hard work will pay off.”

As the players look ahead to next season, Kukri remains committed to delivering high-quality, innovative sportswear that helps the club perform at their best.

Kohler-Cadmore highlighted the importance of feeling comfortable in their gear, especially in high-pressure moments.

“You want to be comfortable while playing, and the kit has to serve its purpose. Good gear makes you feel confident in training, and looking good in it helps too.

“The kit Kukri provides makes us feel proud to represent Somerset, especially when we see the badge and other details that mean so much.”

As Somerset reflects on a season filled with promise, determination and resilience, Kukri celebrates the club’s achievements and look forward to supporting them in future campaigns.

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Kukri is a global sportswear provider that delivers high-quality, durable and stylish teamwear to professional teams, schools and athletes around the world.

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02/09/202402/09/2024

As an official partner of Welsh Gymnastics, Kukri is thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievement of Ruby Evans, who as the first Welsh female artistic gymnast since 1996 to represent Team GB.

As the youngest Welsh athlete in Team GB across all sports, Ruby marked her Olympics debut in Paris with a standout floor routine performance in rotation one, playing a key role in helping the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics team secure an impressive fourth-place finish.

At just 17 years old, Ruby’s consistent performances, including an impressive score of 13.966 on the vault, showcased her exceptional talent on the world’s biggest stage.

Ruby began her gymnastics journey at the age of 5 and has continuously pushed the boundaries of the sport.

From winning her first international medals at the Cottbus World Cup 2023 to securing floor silver at the Doha 2024 World Cup and contributing to the silver-winning European Championships team in Italy, her achievements are nothing short of extraordinary.

Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Ruby shared, “It was an incredible feeling being a part of the team.

“Everyone was so supportive, having my friends and family watching and being all together was a special feeling.

The five-week camp before the Games was really beneficial; it allowed everyone to get to know each other better, so by the time we arrived in Paris, we were already comfortable as a team.”

“We were a great team and all got together to support each other, especially in the team final. It was great to be a part of.”

Speaking about opening the final with her floor routine, Ruby said “I was quite nervous at the start, but I just reminded myself to do what I usually do, and I knew I’d be fine.”

Ruby also reflected on the moments she was most proud of in her performances. “Finishing my floor routines and taking in the moment was memorable.

“Another highlight was staying on beam after a really tough bars routine. That was a great moment for me because I wanted to get out there and prove myself, and I think I did.”

Looking ahead, Ruby expressed her future goals. “Being fit and healthy is my main priority. I’d also love to compete for Wales at the next Commonwealth Games.

“As for the next Olympics in Los Angeles, if the opportunity is there, I would love to go.”

Ruby’s journey to the Olympics is not only a testament to her dedication and talent, but also a reflection of the unwavering support from Welsh Gymnastics and its partners, including Kukri.

The power of partnership

The current long-standing partnership between Kukri and Welsh Gymnastics is built on a shared commitment to nurturing talent and promoting excellence in Gymnastics.

This collaboration has equipped Welsh gymnasts with the highest quality training gear, designed to enhance performance and ensure comfort, allowing them to focus on perfecting their routines.

Ruby’s historic achievement highlights the importance of strong partnerships in the sporting world, reminding us that with the right support, athletes can achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Looking ahead, Kukri is excited to continue supporting Ruby as she builds on her Olympic experience and strives for even greater success in future competitions when representing Wales.

About Welsh Gymnastics

Welsh Gymnastics is the governing body of gymnastics in Wales, responsible for the governance and development of gymnastics across the country.

Find out more about Welsh Gymnastics

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29/08/202429/08/2024

Amy Thompson, a rising star in para-athletics, continues to impress with her remarkable achievements.

As part of England Athletics’ Youth Talent Programme, designed to nurture top young athletes, Amy has demonstrated exceptional progress and determination.

In partnership with England Athletics, Kukri provides selected athletes with invaluable brand engagement opportunities and access to high-quality sportswear.

Supported by Kukri, Amy has made significant strides, showcasing her talent in recent competitions.

Her recent accomplishments include:

1. Co-captaining England at the Home Countries U20 International
2. Breaking her personal best at the Senior Para Championships in Birmingham
3. Being crowned champion at the Senior Para Championships

Reflecting on her role as co-captain, Amy shared, “It was a huge honour, I was excited to represent the team, meet them and help support them at the competition.

“Team A came first place and won gold, and Team B came second. We even achieved a couple of national records in the relays which topped it all off.”

Amy also achieved a personal best in the shotput event at the Senior Para Championships in Birmingham, with a score of 8.01 metres. “It was an incredible feeling,” Amy said.

“I’ve been chasing an eight-metre mark for over a year, so to have achieved that was a special feeling.”

Another highlight for Amy was her participation in the ambulant shot-put event at Manchester International on 24 August, where she competed as part of the senior England team for the first time.

Reflecting on this experience, she stated, “It was another brilliant experience.”

“I performed well, with a best throw of 7.08 metres which I was happy with, especially since I’ve had a small knee injury and am regaining confidence in being able to do my rotational throw again.

“We came first as a team, so we also received a medal which is always a great memento!”

Looking ahead, Amy is set to continue her athletic journey as a student at Liverpool John Moores University, where she will be competing in the BUCS Indoor and Outdoor season. “I’m excited for that”, she said.

“I’ll be using the facilities at the university to help my fitness and sporting goals, and throughout my time there I’m sure it will benefit me a lot.”

As Amy continues to push boundaries and set new targets, Kukri remains committed to supporting her journey.

With her sights set on future competitions and long-term ambitions, there is no doubt that she will continue to make waves in the world of para-athletics.

At Kukri, our ambassadors play a pivotal role in championing many of the values that define us – including; dedication, resilience, and a commitment to pushing boundaries.

Kukri is proud to be partnered with England Athletics as their official teamwear provider, supplying the kit for England representative teams and Masters representative teams.

01/08/202401/08/2024

The echo of England Lacrosse’s triumphant victory as European Champions still resonates.

A few weeks on, the exhilaration of that golden moment endures.

England Lacrosse’s senior women’s team showcased their dominance at this year’s European Championship, securing a fourth consecutive title with an impressive 107-30 goal difference over seven intense matches.

The tournament, held in Braga from 10^th – 20^th July, included 19 participating nations and 70 games across three venues, with one team eventually being crowned champions.

As the proud official kit supplier to England Lacrosse for five years, Kukri Sports is delighted to celebrate this historic achievement with the team.

“Being a European Champion feels utterly electric”, said Anna Neville, midfielder for England Lacrosse senior women’s team.

“The moment the final whilstle blew was surreal, the euphoria came from standing side by side with my teammates and coaches, knowing we’ve all trained hard to play the best lacrosse England can offer.”

Our commitment to innovation and athlete performance has resulted in the development of cutting-edge kit that enhances player comfort, mobility and overall performance.

“The kit from Kukri played a significant role in our performances by making us feel incredibly united, both on and off the pitch.

“Wearing the England shirt is always a privilege, but the new Euros kit from Kukri massively added to the overall feeling of being a unified and professional group of sportswomen who were there to represent our country.

“It gave us an extra boost of energy and motivation and made us feel proud and ready to bring home the gold.”

The championship was a testament to the team’s exceptional talent. Jordan Carr led the scoring charts with 18 goals and 3 assists, while Milly Home and Georgie Southorn also made significant contributions with 13 goals and 8 assists, and 14 goals and 7 assists respectively.

As England Lacrosse basks in the glory of their European Championship win, the women’s team are already setting their sights on future challenges.

The team’s resilience and commitment to improvement ensure that they will continue to be a formidable force on the international stage.

Our partnership with England Lacrosse is built on a shared commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport, enhancing players’ performances by providing high-performance bespoke playing and training wear for all England national squads, academies and staff.

Kukri, who are proud to support the team through to the 2026 World Championship as part of their long-term supply agreement, congratulate England Lacrosse once again on their European Championship title and look forward to continue fuelling the team as they strive for even greater heights.

To learn more about England Lacrosse, click here.

Kukri Sports is dedicated to lacrosse athletes at all levels, from grassroots to elite. We believe that providing athletes with the best possible sportswear empowers them to reach their full potential.

Want to know how we can help you? Get in touch.

29/07/202429/07/2024

Kukri Sports is thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership with Pentathlon GB, the governing body for modern pentathlon in Great Britain. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organisations, promising to enhance the performance and experience of athletes across all age groups within the sport.

Under this multi-year agreement, Kukri Sports will supply Pentathlon GB athletes with premium sportswear, tailored specifically to meet the rigorous demands of modern pentathlon events, which include swimming, running, shooting, fencing, obstacle course racing. The partnership ensures that athletes, from grassroots to elite levels, will benefit from Kukri’s renowned commitment to quality, innovation, and performance.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

Comprehensive Sportswear Range: Kukri Sports will provide a full range of sportswear, including training gear, competition attire, and leisurewear, all designed to support peak performance and comfort.

Tailored Designs: The sportswear will feature bespoke designs that reflect the unique identity and heritage of Pentathlon GB, fostering a sense of pride and unity among athletes.

Sustainability Commitment: In line with Kukri Sports’ dedication to sustainability, the sportswear will be produced using eco-friendly materials and processes, minimising environmental impact.

Support for All Age Groups: From young aspiring pentathletes to seasoned professionals, athletes at all stages of their careers will receive top-quality sportswear to support their development and success.

Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, added: “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to supporting athletes across all sports. We are excited to collaborate with Pentathlon GB and provide sportswear that meets the unique needs of modern pentathletes. Our focus on quality and innovation will ensure that Pentathlon GB athletes are well-equipped to excel in their disciplines.”

Trafford Wilson, CEO of Pentathlon GB, shared his excitement: “We’re really pleased to announce our new Apparel Partnership with Kukri. They’ve operated globally in elite as well as grassroots sports for many years. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to work with multi-sport experts, and we’re excited to see how we can work together to provide quality & varied options for our members.”

About Pentathlon GB:

Pentathlon GB is the national governing body for modern pentathlon in Great Britain. Committed to developing the sport and supporting athletes at all levels, Pentathlon GB fosters excellence, versatility, and sportsmanship in this challenging and dynamic sport – Find Out More

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

16/07/202416/07/2024

Kukri Sports has agreed the extension of its multi-year partnership with Loughborough University until 2028, continuing to supply performance and staff kit.

This extension marks the continuation of a successful relationship that has already spanned over ten years with continuous product developments.

The long-standing agreement with Loughborough University has been immensely positive, allowing Kukri to understand and meet the unique and specialised needs of athletes and staff at the university.

As the world’s leading university for sport-related subjects, Loughborough University demands representation by a brand that shares its commitment to excellence. Collaborations with elite sports organisations such as England Athletics, British Gymnastics, and Yorkshire CCC exemplify Kukri’s ability to deliver high-quality, distinctive kit.

Andrew Ronnie, Kukri Sports’ Group CEO, said:

“Extending our partnership with Loughborough University until 2028 is a significant milestone for Kukri Sports. This enduring relationship is a testament to our shared vision for innovation, performance, and excellence in sports. We are proud to support the university’s elite athletes and staff with our high-quality, bespoke kit, and we look forward to continuing our journey together, fostering new advancements and achieving great successes.”

Richard Wheater, Director of Sport at Loughborough University, also expressed his excitement:

“I’m extremely proud to celebrate this partnership having worked collaboratively with Kukri for the past decade.  This key working relationship has been built over time and is testament to the range of ways Kukri and Loughborough University collaborate from clothing to research, branding, and beyond. We have been particularly excited to work with Kukri as they develop their sustainable offering, something that is very important to us at Loughborough. I am excited to see where we can go together next.”

15/07/202415/07/2024

Kukri Sports, is thrilled to announce a new partnership extension with British Gymnastics, the national governing body for gymnastics in the UK. This landmark agreement will see Kukri and British Gymnastics collaborate with a strong focus on purpose and impact. The new deal will see the partnership last for at least 8 years.

As part of this historic deal, Kukri will continue as the Official Teamwear Partner of British Gymnastics, supplying official teamwear for gymnasts and coaches representing Great Britain internationally across all gymnastics disciplines. This includes artistic gymnastics, trampolining, tumbling, DMT, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, aerobic gymnastics, and TeamGym. Additionally, Kukri will provide teamwear for recreational gymnastics display festivals such as Gymnaestrada and EuroGym.

For the first time, British Gymnastics will be able to offer items of free performance teamwear to all GB teams, uniting athletes and coaches across all disciplines with a sense of pride as they represent their country.

In addition to outfitting elite teams, Kukri and British Gymnastics will work together to connect with British Gymnastics’ 1,400 member clubs and nearly 400,000 members. This partnership aims to extend the benefits of Kukri’s high-quality kit to the broader community, including the introduction of official replica kits for the first time.

Beyond providing top-tier kit, the partnership is deeply rooted in making a positive impact. Kukri and British Gymnastics are committed to supporting the new vision for gymnastics, launched last year, to deliver an uplifting experience for all and ensure that gymnastics is enjoyable, safe, and accessible to everyone.

Given that gymnastics engages hundreds of thousands of young girls in physical activity each year, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of health and fitness, British Gymnastics is committed to helping more women and girls stay active and closing the gender activity gap in society. As part of this partnership, Kukri will drive innovation in kit design to empower women in gymnastics, focusing on comfort and style, and will invest in research to support these initiatives.

Moreover, environmental sustainability will be a cornerstone of the partnership. Kukri and British Gymnastics will work together to accelerate efforts in reducing their environmental impact, demonstrating a joint commitment to sustainable practices.

Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, commented, “At Kukri Sports, we are incredibly proud to extend our partnership with British Gymnastics. This collaboration is not just about supplying kit but about making a meaningful impact. We are dedicated to supporting British Gymnastics in their mission to create an inclusive, safe, and enjoyable environment for all participants. By providing high-quality teamwear and working on initiatives around sustainability and gender inclusivity, we aim to enhance the experience for every gymnast and coach, from grassroots to elite levels. Together, we look forward to driving positive change and supporting the vibrant community that British Gymnastics represents.”

Sarah Powell, CEO of British Gymnastics, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled to be able to continue working together with Kukri. Everyone in the BG community is united by gymnastics, and this partnership will harness and enhance the pride and the passion that brings us all together, ensuring the athletes who represent our country can feel special with national kit they are proud to wear, as well as providing access to quality teamwear to everyone in our community.

“This is much more than a kit deal for us though – it’s a true partnership with purpose that will support our vision and values to benefit gymnastics and see us working together to drive the positive impact our sport can have for people, communities and society. Kukri’s commitment to this really stood out in our conversations with them, and we’re proud we will continue to have them as part of our family of BG partners. We’re really looking forward to the impact we can make over the coming years, together.”

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

09/07/202408/07/2024

The roar of the crowd at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham has faded, but the memory of Lightning’s dominant victory still resonates deeply.

In their fourth straight Grand Final, Lightning defeated four-time champions Manchester Thunder with a dominant 70-54 win to make club history and be crowned Netball Super League champions for the second consecutive season.

Their exceptional teamwork, quality, and the support of Kukri Sports’ cutting-edge netball dresses played a crucial role in a remarkable season, marking the first time a team has won consecutive titles since Surrey Storm in 2015 and 2016.

The partnership with Kukri Sports provides all players with custom-designed Netball dresses that aim to provide optimum performance and comfort during intense matches.

Picture credit: Tara St Clair

The advanced fabric technology and ergonomic design allows players to move with agility and confidence, empowering players to reach their full potential on and off the court.

Bella Bayliss, centre and wing attack for Loughborough Lightning said, “Going back-to-back is a testament to the incredible staff and team that have created such a formidable culture and environment where everybody can thrive.

“This team is full of world class players, so there was never any doubt from us that we were capable of going back-to-back.”

Bayliss, who signed for Loughborough Lightning ahead of the 2023 NSL season, added “The support we receive here is greater than anything I’ve ever been a part of. We have incredible access to the best facilities and practitioners who enable us to perform at our best.

“Our dresses from Kukri also help all the players. Comfort is a massive factor in our performances, and the dresses are breathable which allows lots of movement and allows us to be agile in key moments.

“I have never felt uncomfortable when wearing the dress which is very important to me.”

Loughborough Lightning’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and the right support. As they celebrate their consecutive titles, Kukri looks forward to continuing to provide them with high-quality netball dresses and training wear ahead of the relaunched 2024/25 Netball Super League season.

Kukri would also like to congratulate its other Netball partner, Severn Stars on finishing fourth in this season’s competition. Despite narrowly missing out on Bronze to London Pulse, the Finals Day debutants played with quality, fight and courage to cap off an incredible season both on and off the court.

About Loughborough Lightning

Loughborough Lightning is the number one Netball Super League side in the East Midlands and has been competing in the Netball Super League since its inception eighteen years ago.

Lightning have made it to the final in five of the last six seasons, and were crowned Netball Super League champions in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Looking for a new sportswear provider?

Kukri is a leading global sportswear manufacturer, providing bespoke teamwear for a wide range of sports. With a focus on quality and performance, we are committed to supporting athletes in achieving their best.

21/06/202420/06/2024

Kukri Sports is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its two partners, Loughborough Lightning and Severn Stars, on reaching this season’s highly-anticipated Netball Super League Grand Final.

As the official competition and leisurewear provider for both teams, Kukri have been a dedicated partner for both teams throughout their journeys. We provide high-performance dresses designed for comfort, agility and peak performance on the court.

Both teams have displayed exceptional talent and unwavering determination throughout the season.

Seasons overview

Severn Stars sealed their place in a first-ever Netball Super League semi-final following a pulsating 61-56 away win at Leeds Rhinos, with their resilience and talent on display throughout.

Following an all-Kukri showdown in the final league game of the season, Lightning’s 72-60 win over Severn Stars confirmed a home semi-final against London Pulse. Meanwhile, Severn Stars face Manchester Thunder in their semi-final, with both matches taking place on 29 June.

The Grand Final will take place at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, on 29 June, with the top four teams coming together for one final day to decide the placings for this season. Following a third place play off, the best two teams will go head-to-head in the final to determine this year’s champions.

Our support

Kukri is proud to partner with both teams, facilitating their performances with high-quality netball dresses that have played a role in their incredible performances on the court.

These dresses are meticulously crafted with cutting-edge technology to empower the players and unleash their full potential.

By combining a sleek design with performance-enhancing technology, our netball dresses provide Severn Stars and Loughborough Lightning with the confidence and freedom of movement they need to dominate the court.

Reflecting on a fantastic season and how Kukri provides support, Gabby Marshall, captain at Severn Stars, said “I am so proud of the team for making the finals, it’s been a huge effort from everyone involved.

“We have had a brilliant season and that has been helped through our partnership with Kukri. We all absolutely love our playing dresses – they are so comfortable which allows us to easily focus on our jobs on the court!

“We are all so excited to represent Severn Stars over the finals and look to continue making history for this fantastic club.”

Loughborough Lightning captain, Nat Panagarry, who recently made her landmark 150^th appearance, expressed her delight at the team making their fourth consecutive Grand Final.

“Really proud of the group for securing a home semi-final this Saturday. We never take that for granted as players & we’re enjoying the buzz around the club going into Finals.

We know Pulse are an incredible side with world-class players & we’ve been working hard as a group this week to make sure we are prepared. I know it will be an amazing game & we can’t wait to put out a good team performance in front of our home fans. See you on Saturday. Ready for battle Lightning fans!!”

Commenting on the success of both teams, Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, states “We are incredibly proud of Severn Stars and Loughborough Lightning for their achievements this season. Their success reflects their hard work and our commitment to providing them with the best support possible to thrive on and off the court. We wish them the very best in the finals.”

Images Credit: Tara St Clair

Looking ahead to the finals

As the Netball Super League Finals Day approaches, Kukri is exited to witness the culmination of a season filled with dedication. We are confident that both Severn Stars and Loughborough Lightning will continue to inspire with their exceptional talent and sportsmanship.

Kukri wishes both teams the very best of luck ahead of Finals Day.

Find out more about Severn Stars

Find out more about Loughborough Lightning

How to watch

You can watch the action unfold on Sky Sports’ official YouTube account, or by alternatively purchasing tickets from the following link here.

Get in touch

At Kukri Sports we deliver superior sportswear and exceptional service, driven by a deep understanding of the athlete journey from grassroots to performance sport.

Get in touch today to learn how Kukri Sports can support you in your journey.