Nike and SA Rugby unveiled a specially commissioned Springbok jersey on Wednesday for the upcoming Test series against the All Blacks, featuring a tone-on-tone graphic of South Africa's national anthem lyrics printed in the shape of the national flag.
The design incorporates the words of Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika in all five languages—Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Afrikaans and English—across the chest of the jersey. The unique kit will only be worn during the four-Test Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour, which marks the first Test series between the nations in 30 years.
"This truly is a Tour like no other and so is this jersey," said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. "Nike have outdone themselves in developing a design that speaks directly and honestly to the motivation of the team and management – they play for the people of South Africa and wear their hearts on their sleeve; now they will wear the words of the anthem on their chests."
The jersey features Nike FIT ADV technology, combining lightweight performance construction with a fit engineered for the modern game. The opening Test takes place at Ellis Park on 22 August, with the jersey going on sale on Thursday at Nike stores and Nike.com at three different price points.