In the second week of May the Wallabies and kit partner ASICS launched the two new jerseys the teams will wear during the 2022 Test season with an integrated campaign called ‘United by Gold, Forever Uplifted’.
Rugby Australia’s 2022 jerseys seek to reflect and share ‘the uplifting power of sport’ and to represent more to the community beyond just the technical components; the gold jersey is seen as a unifying symbol between the Wallabies players and supporters.
The 2022 gold home jersey marks the second iteration since the team and its shirt supplier returned to the iconic, distinct hue the Wallabies wore in their victorious 1991 Rugby World Cup. Plus, for the first time, the 2022 edition of the First Nations jersey which was designed by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay’s Dennis Golding, will also be predominantly gold. Golding’s jersey artwork pays tribute to the 14 Indigenous Wallabies – with the designs pictured alongside the natural ochre tones of the jersey.
The campaign, running under ASICS ‘Live Uplifted’ brand platform, was led by a hero spot featuring skipper Michael Hooper and supported by additional social content including a ‘Best Jersey Ever?’ thread to ignite debate across brand and team platforms and the TVC can also be viewed at http://www.asics.com/wallabies.
Let the debate begin #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/zKRZ6QFKqq
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) May 12, 2022
“I’m stocked to have the opportunity to wear the jersey…#Wallabies https://t.co/wWwR5Edz7q
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) May 11, 2022
The 2022 jerseys and new Wallabies training apparel went on sale on the day of the campaign launch and the creative content seeks to drive viewers online to the digital purchasing platform at https://wallabyshop.com.au.
As for the shirts themselves, the 2022 ASICS Wallabies jersey features a technical mesh jersey knit fabric with moisture wicking and four-way stretch, designed to give players enhanced freedom of movement and a new self-binding fabric on the seam panels adding extra strength, whilst also featuring an updated modern neckline.
“Working with ASICS Australia on the Wallabies jerseys is always special as it was again this year,” commented Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos. “We had such positive feedback on the return to the traditional gold colour in 2021, so to be able to continue that, as well as make it the predominant colour on the First Nations jersey is extremely exciting for Wallabies supporters around the world. ASICS are always at the forefront for new technological advancements to playing kit and I have no doubt the new features will give the Wallabies an edge in their upcoming test matches. We look forward to seeing our stadiums full of supporters wearing Wallaby gold throughout our home matches in 2022.”
Managing Director for ASICS Oceania Mark Brunton added: “For this new iteration of the classic design, we leaned into the heritage of the gold that connects us all. The 2022 Wallabies jersey is dedicated as much to the fans as it is to the players. Not only are we, as spectators, inspired by the incredible athletes on the field, but the athletes are inspired and motivated by the fans. This is the uplifting power of sport in Australia, and this gold jersey has the ability to unite us as one.”
Comment
This classic motivational speech blended with childhood dreams and pride approach to a jersey launch follows on from 2021’s ‘Bound Forever By Gold‘ kit launch campaign.
The 2022 iteration rolled out well ahead of the first Wallabies home fixture of 2022 which will see the team take on England on 2 July at Optus Stadium (Perth), followed by additional tests against England on 9 and 16 July in Brisbane and Sydney, followed by two games against South Africa on 27 August and 3 September and a 15 September test against New Zealand in Melbourne.
It also launched to coincide with the ticket sales campaign for the eToro July England Series via wallabies.rugby/tickets.
But it certainly leveraged spiking rugby union interest in the country after Australia won the competition to host the World Rugby’s 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups.
Did you hear the news? #RWC2027 and #RWC2029 are coming to Australia!!!
Read more https://t.co/8Q0kp5Z6xi #GameOn pic.twitter.com/bCYoJLMu3e
— Australia 2027 & 2029 (@aus2027_2029) May 12, 2022
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