Canterbury announced as IRFU kit manufacturers until 2020

With the IRFU's deal with PUMA about to finish, Canterbury will be making Irish rugby's gear for the next six years.

From 2000 to 2009, Canterbury were the manufacturers of the Irish rugby team's gear and after a five-year spell where PUMA took up the job, the New Zealand brand were announced today as the replacement. PUMA ended their association with the IRFU, and all rugby manufacturing in fact, last year. They will still provide the kit for the bulk of 2014, with the Canterbury gear making its debut in the Autumn internationals, on November 8 against South Africa. It should be available to buy in the shops in the autumn. The deal, described as 'multi-million euro' in the press release, will see Canterbury equip Ireland for the 2015 and 2019 World Cups and the agreement covers all areas of the game, from the Wolfhounds to the Women's team. Joe Schmidt, being a Kiwi himself, was happy with the news. “I’m delighted to have Canterbury partnering with Ireland in our upcoming World Cup cycle. I’ve worked with Canterbury in the past and have always been impressed by the quality and innovation they bring to the table." Of course, it was Canterbury stuff Ireland wore when they won the Grand Slam in 2009 so we hope that luck continues.