The white collar is back and it’s not the only change as the All Blacks unveiled a brand new playing kit for 2024.
To commemorate their 25-year partnership with adidas, the All Blacks jersey will also feature the German apparel giant’s iconic three stripes for the first time.
The white collar stands out as the most dramatic alteration to an otherwise all black strip.
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The stripes are much more subtle with three black lines running across each shoulder.
The All Blacks jerseys featured white collars when they won the 1987 and 2011 Rugby World Cup tournaments.
The All Blacks will run out in their new jerseys for the first time when they play England in their first Test of 2024 at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on July 6.
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“The jersey holds a special place to the people of this nation,” All Blacks star Jordie Barrett said.
“To be involved in the development process of this shirt has been an incredible honour. As a player we have a responsibility to ensure it is always passed on to the next generation in a better place.
“As soon as the players saw the potential for a return to the iconic white collar – we were in complete agreement that it was a feature we would love to return.”
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A similar design will be worn by the Black Ferns, who showed off their new jerseys during the recent Pacific Four Series.
Developed based on player feedback, the All Blacks version features a double knit fold over design, while the Black Ferns jersey incorporates a round neck design.
“Over our 25 year partnership, we’ve shared unprecedented success and memories with the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens, All Blacks Sevens, Maori All Blacks and the u20s,” said Kerryn Foster, general manager of adidas specialist sports.
“This jersey is the embodiment of those 25 years, bringing back some iconic design elements from our shared history and matched with the best of our modern performance technology at the jersey’s heart.”
The new jerseys retail at NZ$150 with fan versions starting at NZ$110.
New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson named his squad to play England on Monday, with five new caps and Scott Barrett as the skipper.