Tag: World News

15/05/202615/05/2026

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.

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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.

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Robbie Wingrove & Cam Wood – Oshawa Vikings RFC

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

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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.

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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.

 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.

01/04/202626/03/2026

For national governing bodies, choosing the right performance sportswear partner is about much more than producing kit.

Organisations need a supplier capable of delivering reliably for athletes competing on the international stage, while also understanding the identity and values of the team they represent.

At Kukri Sports, supporting national teams & organisations means delivering exactly that – combining global capability with local expertise to help teams perform at their best.

A Global Network Supporting National Sport

Kukri operates across multiple regions, with offices in Vancouver, Hong Kong, Dubai, Brisbane, Hamilton, Belfast and the United Kingdom, alongside a network of regional representatives across key sporting markets.

Sales managers operate in regions including Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Chile, Barcelona and Amsterdam, providing local expertise while connecting organisations to Kukri’s wider international network.

This global footprint enables Kukri to support national governing bodies across different continents and time zones, ensuring consistent service and reliable delivery wherever teams are preparing to compete.

How Kukri Supports National Governing Bodies

National governing bodies operate complex programmes involving elite athletes, pathway systems, staff and volunteers. Kukri’s service model is designed specifically to support these programmes.

How can we support you?

– Reliable global supply chains capable of delivering for major international competitions and multi-sport events

– Dedicated account management, providing consistent support and communication throughout the partnership

– Custom apparel design, reflecting the identity, heritage and values of national teams

– Operational scale, allowing governing bodies to outfit large athlete and staff programmes

– Consistent service across time zones, supporting organisations operating internationally

A standout example is our kit design for Team England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games:

Mark Osikoya, CEO at Commonwealth Games England, said “We know how much it means for athletes to wear their team England kit and, as a valued partner, Kukri share our commitment to inclusion, diversity and sustainability.”

Trusted by National Teams Around the World

Kukri’s approach has seen the brand develop partnerships with national sporting organisations across multiple regions.

In the United Kingdom, Kukri partners with organisations including Team England, British Gymnastics, England Athletics, Northern Ireland Volleyball and Netball Northern Ireland.

Across Canada and the Caribbean, Kukri partners with organisations including Commonwealth Games Canada, Bowls Canada and Barbados Olympic Association.

Elsewhere, Kukri works with partners including the Hong Kong Squash Association in Asia and serves as the official off-bike apparel partner for AusCycling in Australia.

These partnerships reflect Kukri’s growing presence within national sport and its experience supporting teams competing on the global stage.

Global Strength, Local Relevance

While Kukri operates internationally, its partnerships are built on local understanding.

By working closely with organisations within their markets and providing dedicated regional support, Kukri ensures governing bodies benefit from the reliability of a global supplier while maintaining the responsiveness and cultural understanding of a local partner.

This combination of global strength and local relevance allows Kukri to support national teams as they prepare athletes for success on the world stage.

Partner with Kukri

With more than two decades of experience, we’ve built a strong reputation for delivering premium teamwear for some of the world’s best athletes.

Are you looking for a partner with global experience and local expertise? Discover how we can support your programme and athletes today.

24/01/202623/01/2026

As International Day of Education is recognised globally, Kukri Sports continues to play a key role in supporting schools and universities through sport.

For over 25 years, Kukri has built a broad footprint across the education sector, partnering with schools and universities in the UK and internationally.

Supplying sportswear across 100+ sports, Kukri supports education providers at every level – from grassroots participation programmes to elite performance environments – helping them deliver consistent, inclusive sporting experiences every academic year.

Supporting schools through sport

Schools require sportswear that is reliable, cost-effective and built to last.

Kukri provides schools with reliable, high-quality sportswear that supports participation and performance.

Our offering includes:

– Multi-sport expertise: Supporting 100+ sports with fully bespoke designs for every team and athlete

– Custom and bespoke options: Full flexibility to create kit that reflects your school’s identity

– Reliable supply: Proven 98% on-time delivery, with lead times as short as 48 hours for stocked items

– Durable, long-lasting kit: Designed to withstand repeated use and maintain consistency through the use of sustainable fabric options

– Dedicated support: Account managers provide guidance, clear communication and help manage growing participation

Debbie Skene, Director of Sport at Rugby School, said “Rugby School has created a functional and inclusive range of sports kit with the help and support of Kukri.

“Students and staff all look and feel part of our sports teams. We take great pride in our ‘nobody on the bench’ approach, and this kit embodies our ‘whole person, whole point’ ethos.

“We are delighted to be associated with Kukri.”

Supporting universities through sport

Kukri works with universities to deliver performance-led sportswear that meets the demands of elite competition, while supporting participation across campus.

Our offering includes:

– Multi-sport expertise: Supporting 100+ sports with fully bespoke designs for every team and athlete

– Custom and bespoke options: Full flexibility to create kit that reflects your university’s identity and team requirements

– Reliable supply: Proven 98% on-time delivery, with lead times as short as 48 hours for stocked items and 3 weeks for bespoke orders

– Managed supply solutions: Streamlined ecommerce and distribution reduce administrative workload

– Dedicated account management: Guidance and support across all aspects of kit provision and campus-wide programmes

– Support beyond kit: Scholarships, hardship funding, and internship opportunities to help students develop on and off the pitch

At Loughborough University alone, Kukri delivered over 23,500 units in 2025 across 50+ sports. This demonstrates our ability to manage large-scale supply while delivering kit that meets performance and identity requirements.

Phillip Cook, Head of Performance Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University, said “Kukri’s commitment through the scholarship has made a real difference to our performance sport programme.

“It has created opportunities for more than 65 talented student-athletes to develop both on and off the field.”

A trusted partner for education

Through long-term partnerships and a clear understanding of the education sector, Kukri continues to support schools and universities in delivering high-quality sporting experiences.

Schools and universities looking for a reliable, long-term education sportswear partner can find out more by visiting the link below.

18/12/202518/12/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, Kukri Sports is reflecting on a year of real progress, strengthened partnerships and continued commitment to supporting athletes worldwide.

Sustained Growth Across Global Partnerships:

Throughout the year, Kukri welcomed over 25 new partnerships and renewed over 15 long-standing partnerships worldwide. These developments reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering innovative, performance-driven sportswear to teams from grassroots to elite.

A key milestone in 2025 was the formation of a strategic partnership with Sportz88, helping to support Kukri’s long-term ambitions to enhance its presence and capabilities across Europe.

New partnerships spanned multiple regions, including Australia Cycling, British Rowing, Volleyball England, Dubai Hurricanes and Hong Kong Squash.

Key partnership renewals also included Team England, Commonwealth Games Canada, England Athletics and British Wheelchair Basketball, all of which highlight the brand’s reputation as a trusted sportswear supplier for hundreds of different sports.

The ambassador programme also expanded, welcoming two inspirational athletes – nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft, and Britain’s first-ever tumbling World Games champion Megan Kealy.

Celebrating Partner Achievements:

Across 2025, many Kukri partners recorded notable achievements and milestones, including:

– Somerset CCC: Vitality Blast champions and inaugural season for the women’s team.

– British Rowing: World Rowing Cup winners and successful defence of European Championship title.

– Loughborough University: Won their 44^th consecutive BUCS title.

– British Wheelchair Basketball: Silver medals for both squads at the IWBF European Championships.

– Loughborough Lightning: NXT Gen team secured their first-ever NSL title, with the senior team reaching their fifth consecutive grand final.

– Dubai College: U19 Girls rugby team were crowned Gulf Dubai 7s champions.

– Dubai Hurricanes: Men’s team were crowned Gulf Men’s League Champions at the Dubai 7s.

– UBC Women’s Rugby: Crowned back-to-back U Sports Women’s Rugby national champions.

– Waikato Rugby: FPC squad claimed back-to-back Premiership titles.

– Australia Cycling: Squads triumphed at this year’s UCI Track World Championships, with the men’s team winning silver and the women’s team winning a team sprint bronze medal for the second consecutive year.

These achievements reflect the dedication of the athletes and support teams Kukri works alongside and the collaborative approach taken to performance apparel.

Commitment to Inclusivity, Community & Athlete Development:

Kukri continued its commitment to EDI and community impact through several initiatives, including:

– Supporting Belfast City Marathon with official participant and training kit

– Designing adaptable kit for Oshawa Vikings’ mixed ability squads competing in Spain

– Creating bespoke kit for the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge in support of Cancer Fund for Children

– Ongoing support for Dubai 7s supplying bespoke sportswear for over 25 partner teams

– Strengthening off-field support for schools and universities through hardship funds, internships and ambassador opportunities

Looking Ahead to 2026:

Heading into 2026, Kukri is preparing for another positive year, including supporting partners competing at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Continued investment in product development, service enhancement and global operations will remain central to the brand’s focus.

Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “2025 has been a year of steady progress across the business. From welcoming new partners to supporting long-standing relationships, we’re proud of the work our teams have delivered.

“As we look to 2026, our commitment remains the same: to support athletes and organisations with reliable, high-quality sportswear and to keep building on the foundations we’ve set.”

Chris Marshall, Group COO added, “This year has highlighted the value of strong relationships and operational consistency. Our teams globally have continued to refine processes and enhance service levels to ensure our partners receive the support they expect. We look forward to developing this further in 2026.”

For teams, organisations and institutions seeking a high-performance, athlete-focused sportswear partner, find out more and get in touch with us today.

10/09/202503/10/2025

Kukri Sports ambassador Kieran Molloy continued his impressive rise in the professional ranks with a statement victory on 5^th September at Dublin’s 3Arena.

Fighting on the ‘Return of the Mick’ undercard, the Galway-born southpaw secured a third-round TKO over Nourdeen Toure, moving his record to 12-0 with seven knockouts.

Reflecting on the performance, Molloy said “It felt great to get back out in front of the Irish supporters.

“The crowd was electric, Ireland always has incredible atmosphere and I love fighting there.”

A key part of his journey has been the support of Kukri, providing him with fight kits and bespoke training wear, helping him shine in and out of the ring.

“It means everything to me to have Kukri support me on my journey to becoming a world champion,” he explained.

“I got a lot of people saying to me how nice the kit was, it was very special for me to have my county’s colours on in the capital and the design was perfect.”

Molloy’s performance in Dublin showcased his patience, intelligence and world-class talent in the ring.

Describing his approach against his opponent, he said “I knew he’d have to come forward at some stage as I was catching him with the jab at distance.

“When he came I could hit him with hard counter punches that I knew he couldn’t deal with.

“Once I had him hurt I just let my hands go and the ref waved it off.”

Looking ahead, the welterweight is already focused on the next steps in his career.

“Being 12-0 now is a great position to be in, there’s big fights on the horizon and I’m more than ready for them.

“I’ve learned that there are many bumps on the road, but once you’re working hard and always believing in yourself things will fall into place.

“A few doors have opened now since my win on Friday night, so hopefully we can get a good fight in the coming months which I’ll be looking forward to.”

With Kukri’s backing and his own relentless determination, Kieran Molloy continues to move steadily toward his dream of becoming a world champion, thrilling his Irish fans along the way.

Find out more about Kieran.

26/08/202503/10/2025

At Kukri Sports, we believe that sport should be for everyone — regardless of age, gender, or ability. We are passionate about helping athletes and teams of all levels feel included, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Ability, or perceived lack of it, is too often seen as a reason not to take part in sport.
From grassroots players just starting out, to seasoned internationals competing at the highest level, every athlete deserves the chance to belong and thrive. At Kukri, we are proud to work with organisations and teams across all abilities, providing high-quality, bespoke sportswear that allows everyone to feel like part of the team — because they are.

Breaking Down Barriers

Barriers to participation in sport can take many forms: physical disabilities, learning difficulties, injuries, or simply feeling “not good enough.” But the benefits of sport — improved physical health, mental wellbeing, teamwork, and confidence — should be available to everyone.

That’s why we partner with a wide range of schools, clubs, associations, and governing bodies who share our belief in inclusivity. Together, we’re helping to create environments where all abilities are celebrated, and no one is left on the sidelines.

Whether it’s designing adaptive kit for para-athletes, supporting grassroots clubs to ensure everyone has access to professional-quality kit, or outfitting elite-level internationals as they represent their country, we are committed to supporting every athlete’s journey.

Supporting Every Level

We know that no two athletes or teams are the same — and that’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all.
We take the time to understand the needs of each individual or organisation we work with, tailoring our sportswear and service to suit them.

From grassroots:

• Helping community clubs and schools inspire the next generation with inclusive, premium quality sportswear.

Through to elite:

• Supporting national teams and international athletes with innovative, high-performance apparel designed for the world stage.

And everything in between:

• Providing schools, universities, clubs, and associations with sportswear that helps every member feel confident and included, no matter their role or ability.

Learn more about our partners

Everyone Deserves to Belong

Sport has the power to unite people and build communities. At Kukri Sports, we’re proud to play our part in ensuring everyone — regardless of ability — feels welcome, valued, and equipped to take part.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your team, whatever your level, visit www.kukrisports.com or get in touch with our team today.

Together, we can make sport a place where everyone belongs.

22/07/202503/10/2025

With just one year to go until the world’s finest athletes descend on Scotland for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Kukri Sports is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside Team England, as their Official Kit Supplier, and begin the countdown to one of the biggest multi-sport events on the planet.

From 23 July – 2 August 2026, Glasgow will welcome over 5,000 athletes from 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth to compete across 10 sports and disciplines – from athletics to aquatics – in a spectacular celebration of sport and community.

Kukri Sports, as long-standing partners of Team England, is already hard at work designing and producing the iconic kit that the athletes will wear as they strive for glory. Having supported Team England since 2014, we take pride in helping the athletes look and feel their best as they represent their country on the international stage.

For Glasgow 2026, sustainability will also take centre stage in our approach, with a focus on producing kit using more environmentally responsible materials and processes — reflecting both Kukri’s and Team England’s shared commitment to a more sustainable future for sport.

Glasgow 2026 promises to deliver a Games like no other, building on the city’s rich sporting heritage and vibrant culture. Fans can expect electrifying action across iconic venues, showcasing traditional and contemporary sports with equal passion. The Games’ inclusive programme will once again feature fully-integrated para-sports, highlighting diversity and excellence in equal measure.

Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, said:
“We’re thrilled to join Team England in marking the one-year-to-go milestone for Glasgow 2026. These Games are a pinnacle of the sporting calendar, and it’s an honour to play our part in supporting Team England as they prepare to inspire the nation. Our design and production teams are focused on delivering a kit that reflects the pride, heritage and ambition of Team England athletes — while also making sustainability a key priority as we look to reduce our environmental impact.”

Kukri Sports invites fans and followers to join the countdown and show their support for Team England as the athletes prepare to make history in Glasgow. Visit our Commonwealth Games Hub and follow our channels for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, kit reveals, and updates as the Games approach.

For more information on Glasgow 2026, visit: www.glasgow2026.com
For more information on Team England, visit: teamengland.org

22/06/202503/10/2025

Kukri Sports is proud to celebrate Pride Month by amplifying the voices of partner athletes who embody the spirit of inclusivity, diversity and acceptance in sport.

This Pride Month, we’re shining a light on what pride means in sport, through the powerful words of athletes from our partners including British Wheelchair Basketball, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Exeter and UBC Women’s Rugby in Canada.

What pride means to our athletes

Lucy Robinson, a member of the British Wheelchair Basketball GB Women’s team and 2018 U24 European Championships gold medallist, shares: “Pride Month is a chance to celebrate equality, inclusivity and love… to shout loudly about love being love.”

James Kay, a former national-level track cycling athlete and current Manchester Met University futsal player, emphasises: “It’s a time to celebrate and support others so people can feel they can be their true self without being discriminated against.”

Jennifer Jones, a dedicated player for Manchester Met Women’s Rugby, sees pride as both a personal and collective celebration: “It means a huge sense of community and a celebration of who we are as individuals, regardless of outside constraint.”

Chloe Whitworth, sports president at University of Exeter, highlights: “Pride celebrates the historic significance of LGBTQ+ community and embraces inclusivity by being yourself.”

Anonymous,a current player for UBC Women’s Rugby player, powerfully states: “It’s a time of visibility, reflection and celebration.

“Pride is about rejecting the idea that you have to hide part of yourself to play the sport you love.”

Building inclusive teams and environments

Our partner athletes consistently share how their sport and teams foster a sense of belonging:

– Lucy Robinson (British Wheelchair Basketball): “We are all one. Wheelchair basketball includes everyone — ability, disability, gender, race or sexuality.”

– James Kay (Manchester Met): “We promote campaigns like Rainbow Laces and challenge hateful behaviour.”

– Jennifer Jones (Manchester Met): “Rugby values what makes each player great — it’s made for all shapes of body and mind.”

– Chloe Whitworth (University of Exeter): “We want everyone to feel the benefits of playing without barriers.”

– Anonymous (UBC Rugby): “We live out inclusivity through our culture, conversations and commitment.”

Why belonging in sport matters

Every athlete we spoke to share the same belief: sport should be a place where you’re not only accepted, but celebrated:

– Lucy Robinson: “Sport gives the opportunity to not only be who you are, but celebrate it. Feeling like you belong creates confidence and happiness.”

– UBC Rugby: “Belonging means you can show up without fear, take risks, and be vulnerable. “When sport is inclusive, it becomes a space of healing, empowerment and transformation.”

– Jennifer Jones: Authenticity is rare — and you’ll find yourself 10x happier just being you.”

– Chloe Whitworth: “Sport is a universal language – you should always feel like you can be yourself, surrounded by a close-knit family with a common love.”

– James Kay: “Embrace your true self. You’ll always find a place where you’re accepted.”

Kukri Sports’ commitment

We stand with the LGBTQ+ community in sport and beyond. Together, we can create environments where everyone is respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Because sport belongs to everyone.

18/05/202517/05/2025

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, Kukri Sports is proud to share powerful reflections from its partner athletes on the importance of mental well-being in sport.

From Olympians to grassroots leaders, these athletes open up about recovery, resilience and the reality of life beyond the pitch.

Piper Logan – UBC Women’s Rugby captain (Vancouver, North America)

Paris Olympic silver medallist Piper Logan, captain of Canada’s Women’s 7s team, is currently navigating the challenges of a cruciate ligament injury sustained at the Vancouver 7s.

“I felt like I was constantly falling behind while others kept improving. But over time, I learned to celebrate the little wins and remind myself that growth isn’t always visible.

“I found comfort in focusing on the things I could control like nutrition, habits and reconnecting with the life outside of sport. That helped me feel like myself again.”

Cork Constitution RFC, Men’s First Team (Ireland)

One anonymous first-team player reflects on the often-overlooked mental health challenges that come with playing at a high level.

“Mental health and rugby go hand in hand. Playing helps my well-being through the physical benefits and the social aspect.

“I try to deal with stress by being organised during the week, accepting that not every match goes your way and always having time to relax with the lads.”

Somerset CCC – Jack Leach, Charlie Dean & Alfie Ogborne

Mental health is a growing focus in cricket, a sport known for its long seasons, psychological demands and intense competition.

England internationals Jack Leach and Charlie Dean, as well as Alfie Ogborne reflect on how mindset, team culture and togetherness plays crucial roles in performance and personal well-being.

Alfie said, “You will always see players who are less talented than others do better, and that’s because of their mental approach and preparation.”

Charlie said, “There is always going to be performance pressure, but these days it’s great to see that we are more open about it as that’s how it should be.”

Jack said, “As teammates, we’re always looking out for each other. We have to remember that people go through different things and be there to support them.”

British Rowing – Matt Aldridge & Josh O’Brien

Olympic bronze medallist Matt Aldridge and Paralympic champion Josh O’Brien open up about how team support have shaped their mental resilience.

“The attitude towards mental health has changed quite drastically over the past few years. People are starting to talk about it more openly now, which is really good”, Matt said.

“Any high-pressure environment like rowing, you’re going to have bad days, and if you can share that with different people to pick you up, then that is brilliant.”

Josh added, “Before the Paralympics in Paris, I had a bad back injury. I wouldn’t have gotten through it without my teammates and coaches supporting me through it.”

Sion Bennett – Valley RFC (Asia)

Former Wales U20 and Sevens player Sion Bennett now captains Valley RFC in Hong Kong and leads conversations around mental health.

“Having gone through struggles in sport and life, I’ve seen the impact of community, resilience and simply moving your body,” he says.

After relocating from Wales, Sion leaned on sport to navigate change:

“Being part of a club like Valley helped me build a new support network. Moving overseas taught me more about who I am and helped build self-belief.”

“I strongly believe in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable to share. You can’t force people to talk about their feelings, but you can make effort with them to talk about their life, their work, have a joke, even if that is a simple hand shake before training, and so when the moment arises that they need someone to talk to they feel like they have built bonds and there’s an environment that they feel like they can share.

As a brand committed to supporting athletes at every level of the game, Kukri stands with these athletes in challenging the stigma and calling for environments where honesty is strength and well-being is a priority.

If you need mental health support, reach out to your primary healthcare provider for guidance. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or click here to view the full list.