England black jersey approved by Rugby Football Union
Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed on Friday, July 15, that England will wear Black coloured jersey in their first encounter of Rugby World Cup 2011 against Argentina in Dunedin this September.
According to the speculations, when designers were heading out with a black kit for England, they sought for New Zealand’s consent on the matter as the black kit has always been worn by New Zealand since 1884, and the colour “black” has been associated with
them since then. To address this issue New Zealand’s officials were contacted before the colour change could be applied to the present grey-coloured kit of England.
According to RFU this change will add to England’s repute amongst their fans.
RFU spoke about the about the move and said, "We have worked with Nike on producing a shirt that complies with Rugby World Cup and International Rugby Board regulations and, fully aware of the significance of a black shirt to New Zealand's players and population
as a whole.”
The RFU officials are convinced that New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has no issue with this England’s uncalled for move by saying, “We have fully consulted with the NZRU, who confirmed they had no issues.”
It is anticipated that this change by England will be received well by its fans just like it was appreciated in 2009 and 2010 when the colour change was purple and anthracite respectively.
This decision of England to forgo its previous choice of white-stripped-shirt, as it clashed with Pumas light blue and white, is not pleasing change for New Zealanders, as it clashes with their National Rugby team- All Blacks uniform which they have been
supporting for past 127 years. This change of colour will be only for the opening match of RWC 2011, in Otago Stadium. Nonetheless they will continue to stick with their former white stripped uniform for the remaining group matches, which will be later on
reversed to black kit for the remainder of 2011.
A rugby commentator, Keith Quinn shared his thoughts about this “bizarre” move of England by saying, “Of all the colours in the rainbow, why would they choose the colour of the host nation?”
According to him it is as if England is trying to intervene with New Zealand’s “tradition”, which is going to be received by All Blacks supporters with displeasure. However, it may augment sales of England jerseys.
Quinn, while forecasting the New Zealanders’ reaction, said, “I don’t think they (fans) will throw things, but they will be scornful of England coming into our territory wearing black.”
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