With just one week to go until the start of the new 2020/21 season, we’re taking a look at Leicester Tigers’ new look in the community-inspired change kit.
Heads were turned and conversation inspired in July when the club unveiled the bright blue change kit to be worn in the new season.
Over the years, Tigers alternate colours have included red during the 1980’s to a dark blue, black, white and, most recently, orange shades.
So why change the Change?
When the club brought the management of its retail operation back in-house earlier this year, Tigers had the opportunity to create a kit that would represent where the club is going.
One of the city’s biggest qualities is its diverse, vibrant and multi-cultural heritage – something that Leicester Tigers wanted to celebrate in its Change kit.
Alongside a spin on the traditional home design, the Change kit captures both the diversity of the city and the club’s work within the community.
The inspiration
Visually, the striking, bright blue print took inspiration from the sporting kits of India’s national sports teams. As one of the UK’s most diverse cities, the rainbow stripes also reflect the inclusivity of both Leicester and the game of rugby.
The club’s official kit supplier, Samurai, forged their foundations from Sevens rugby – a variant of the sport which mirrors the club’s community programmes in taking the game to new and diverse audiences.
One of the shirt’s biggest inspirations draws on the success of The Swifts – a new club formed to introduce children from all cultures to take up rugby.
Aimed at boys and girls in Years 5-8 of school, the programme is all about inclusivity, opportunities and, above all, having fun.
Modelled by Tigers academy graduates Harry Simmons, James Whitcombe and Joe Browning, fans can get their hands on the 2020/21 Change shirt by visiting The Club Shop online.
