The Ireland Women's team has become the first side in TikTok Six Nations history to change their traditional white shorts to navy.
The switch comes as a response to players' feedback about period anxieties and making necessary changes to accommodate their needs.
Ireland captain Nichola Fryday will wear the shorts tomorrow for the first time at the launch of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations tournament.
The Ireland Women's squad has chosen to drop their traditional white shorts and instead make a permanent switch to navy ahead of the #TikTokW6N.
The move, which is led by @canterburyNZ and the IRFU, comes as a response to players’ feedback about period anxieties ⬇️#IrishRugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 14, 2023
The move is led by kit supplier Canterbury of New Zealand, and the side will wear the new shorts for the duration of the tournament, which gets underway on Saturday, 25th March.
Additionally, Canterbury offers other players and teams at all levels, who have previously purchased Canterbury white women’s shorts, the chance to exchange for a pair in an alternative colour. This will apply to players who have purchased women’s white shorts from Canterbury in the last three years.
All players can claim their free pair of shorts by contacting Canterbury via their online help centre or, if they’re part of a rugby club, by emailing [email protected].
Ireland International Enya Breen has welcomed the news and recognised the big step this marks in the women's game. "The top way to ensure we perform to our best on the field is by removing any unnecessary distractions," she said.
"Wearing navy shorts instead of white is such a small thing, but for us, it's a big step from Canterbury and the IRFU. Our hope is that it will help women at all levels of rugby feel more comfortable on the field so they can get on with performing at their best in the game that they love."
The advancement of the grassroots game is fundamental in Canterbury's decision. The 'Give It A Try' initiative with the IRFU has already encouraged thousands of girls to embrace the game.
Our Ireland Women’s Rugby team are swapping their white shorts to navy, following player feedback about period anxieties. We’re also offering anyone who’s bought our women’s white shorts the chance to swap to a different colour. Find out more:https://t.co/F57Cll65fY#MadeStronger pic.twitter.com/d5xzf9GsUM
— Canterbury (@canterburyNZ) March 14, 2023
Canterbury’s Future Fund grant focuses on creating equity for women in the sport and has previously supported UK players with kits, funding and coaching in its first year.
Canterbury has set out to revolutionise the women's game, with the brand committed to supporting all women in the game. They wish to ensure that every player feels listened to and respected.
Canterbury is already taking action to put women’s performance front and centre, working closely with players at all levels, ambassadors and partners to enhance its product offering. The ultimate aim is to improve access to the game and level the playing field – with more game-changing plans to be announced in 2023.
