NEW BALANCE HAVE unveiled the home kit Ireland will wear from next month — starting with the World Cup qualifier against Georgia.
As the FAI’s 23-year association with Umbro came to an end, it was confirmed back in May that the US company had agreed a deal to provide training and match gear for all the men’s and women’s teams — from underage right up to senior level.
Irish fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of New Balance’s debut offering, and there was a mixed reaction when an image of the jersey was leaked online earlier this week.
However, New Balance Football Ireland Managing Director and JACC Sports Jonathan Courtenay was eager to stress that while that photo was low resolution and grainy, the new strip is a lot more impressive both in the official pictures and in real life.
We are delighted to reveal the Ireland home kit today,” he told The42. “We can’t wait to get the product into retail now. When the fans see the kit hanging in store with its special features like a new crest embellishment, we know that it will be really well-received.
“The players absolutely loved the new kit when we did the photo shoot and they can’t wait to wear it in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers as we continue on the road to Russia.”
The jersey, in a traditional green, is inspired by the one the Ireland team of 1924 wore when they made their debut at the Olympic Games — beating Bulgaria 1-0.
It features a button crew neck, trimmed with white and orange on the collar and sleeves. The shirt is in a tonal striped pattern, with Éire printed on the back of the neck and #COYBIG on the inside of the collar (#COYGIG is on the womens’ jerseys).
The kit is completed by white shorts and green socks.
Martin O’Neill’s men will debut it in Tbilisi on 2 September but you can buy the strip and the rest of the New Balance Ireland home kit products from 10 August.
They will be available from www.faishop.com and www.newbalance.com/football (US residents) and www.newbalance.co.uk/football (UK residents) as well as in New Balance shops worldwide.
So, what are your thoughts on it?
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