Wednesday, 6 November 2024

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS ENHANCE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE WITH 2025 KIT


The British and Irish Lions has unveiled its 2025 jersey, incorporating a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag to enhance fan engagement.

New Zealand-based sports brand Canterbury, utilising concepts indicative of the critical role technology plays in modern sports performance. The firm has integrated its  Vapodri technology to keep players cool and comfortable on the field.

Additionally, Former British and Irish Lions captain, Sam Warburton, was also brought in to provide design input and advise on player needs, while extensive on-field testing ensured durability and performance.

Ben Calveley, CEO of British and Irish Lions, commented: “We’re incredibly proud and excited to unveil the new Lions jersey today alongside Canterbury, who have been a fantastic partner to The British and Irish Lions for many years dating back to the 1959 Tour of New Zealand. 

“This will be the third Tour in a row for us to partner with them and the 2025 jersey launch represents another key milestone as we continue to build towards Australia. The famous red jersey is a crucial part of the Lions DNA, and I have no doubt that the players and our supporters all around the world will enjoy wearing this jersey as well as the wider Lions lifestyle apparel. 

The standout feature of this kit is its integration of NFC technology. By scanning the tag located at the bottom right of the jersey, fans can gain access to the Lions Clubhouse app – a platform for exclusive content, which also launches today and will remain live throughout the Tour.

In the app, supporters can explore exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including player videos from the Tour, matchday highlights and Q&As with team members. This new feature aims to bring supporters closer to the action and provides access to a fan forum in the community section.

Calveley concluded: “Our amazing fans are a core part of what makes a great Lions Tour, they were dearly missed in South Africa in 2021, but we will now be more connected with them than ever before thanks to this innovative new design and exciting digital experience. 

“We look forward to seeing this jersey form the iconic Sea of Red next year across Australia, in Dublin, and in homes and clubs all over the UK and Ireland.”

The first Test kicks off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium (19 July). The second Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (26 July). The series concludes with the final Test at Sydney’s Accor Stadium (2 August) in front of over 80,000 fans.

Late last year, Sky Sports announced it would exclusively broadcast nine British and Irish Lions games for the Rugby Union team’s tour of Australia in 2025. 

The British and Irish Lions has unveiled its 2025 jersey, incorporating a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag to enhance fan engagement.



New Zealand-based sports brand Canterbury, utilising concepts indicative of the critical role technology plays in modern sports performance. The firm has integrated its  Vapodri technology to keep players cool and comfortable on the field.

Additionally, Former British and Irish Lions captain, Sam Warburton, was also brought in to provide design input and advise on player needs, while extensive on-field testing ensured durability and performance.

Ben Calveley, CEO of British and Irish Lions, commented: “We’re incredibly proud and excited to unveil the new Lions jersey today alongside Canterbury, who have been a fantastic partner to The British and Irish Lions for many years dating back to the 1959 Tour of New Zealand. 

“This will be the third Tour in a row for us to partner with them and the 2025 jersey launch represents another key milestone as we continue to build towards Australia. The famous red jersey is a crucial part of the Lions DNA, and I have no doubt that the players and our supporters all around the world will enjoy wearing this jersey as well as the wider Lions lifestyle apparel. 

The standout feature of this kit is its integration of NFC technology. By scanning the tag located at the bottom right of the jersey, fans can gain access to the Lions Clubhouse app – a platform for exclusive content, which also launches today and will remain live throughout the Tour.

In the app, supporters can explore exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including player videos from the Tour, matchday highlights and Q&As with team members. This new feature aims to bring supporters closer to the action and provides access to a fan forum in the community section.

Calveley concluded: “Our amazing fans are a core part of what makes a great Lions Tour, they were dearly missed in South Africa in 2021, but we will now be more connected with them than ever before thanks to this innovative new design and exciting digital experience. 

“We look forward to seeing this jersey form the iconic Sea of Red next year across Australia, in Dublin, and in homes and clubs all over the UK and Ireland.”

The first Test kicks off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium (19 July). The second Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (26 July). The series concludes with the final Test at Sydney’s Accor Stadium (2 August) in front of over 80,000 fans.

Late last year, Sky Sports announced it would exclusively broadcast nine British and Irish Lions games for the Rugby Union team’s tour of Australia in 2025. 

- Kieran O'Connor 

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