The nine-month wait to reveal the new Nike-designed Springbok jersey finally ended today when the Springboks’ new Rugby Championship jersey was revealed.

The six-year partnership was announced in September, since when the design and development of the new jersey and accompanying lifestyle collection have been kept top-secret.

“The launch of a new jersey is always exciting, but the anticipation and expectancy around today have been building for months,” says Rian Oberholzer, the CEO of SA Rugby.

“We are immensely proud of what Nike has provided, and the feedback from the team has been great since they were kitted with the training gear recently. The new jersey honours the traditions of the Springboks in its design and construction while adding subtle nuances to set it apart. We couldn’t be happier.”

The classic ‘green and gold’ jersey has been reimagined to include a traditional collar, with the underside of the collar giving a nod to the South African flag. As an acknowledgment of the team’s spirit, the phrase ‘Stronger Forever’ is inscribed on the inside collar.

The bold new alternative jersey pays homage to the local cultural through the patterned print, and the colourway was inspired by and celebrates the hues of the local nature.

Ventilation mesh panels in key areas of the kit also improve performance by increasing air circulation to the players’ bodies and regulating their temperatures.

South Africa’s other national teams will also appear in new Nike-designed apparel. The Springboks’ Rugby World Cup jersey following the same design will be unveiled next month.

Completing the collection is an assortment of lifestyle products that will serve the needs of the players off the field.

😍💚💛🏉🇿🇦

🔗 https://t.co/Sa5oEWMTW8#StrongerTogether @Nike #victoryforall pic.twitter.com/AttJT2Ot0P

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 4, 2023