‘A thing of beauty’ – 2024 All Blacks jersey impresses after last year’s mare

Jared Wright
New Black Fern and All Blacks jerseys (via adidas)

New Black Fern and All Blacks jerseys (via adidas).

The 2024 All Blacks jersey has been greeted positively by fans as New Zealand Rugby and Adidas celebrate a 25-year partnership with an iconic design.

For the first time, the All Blacks and Black Ferns have a unified look with Adidas revisiting iconic design elements synonymous with New Zealand Rugby to craft the new jersey.

Last year, the All Blacks kits were not well received with a silver fern printed onto the shirt but on the whole, the 2024 jersey has been applauded.

2024 All Blacks jersey

“Bold in its simplicity, the jersey offers a traditional block-black base adorned with unique silver detailing – selected for its traditional use to mark a 25th anniversary – on an enlarged fern emblem, the adidas logo, and the iconic three stripes which run down both shoulders for the first time,” a joint press release read revealing the new kit.

“The jersey is punctuated by the return of an all-white collar design; a popular feature seen on some of the most loved New Zealand Rugby jerseys, including the design that saw All Blacks win the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

“Developed based on specific player feedback, the All Blacks version features a double-knit fold over design, while the Black Ferns jersey incorporates a round neck design. For the first time, the Black Ferns and All Blacks are united under a single design, creating a special link between two of the sport’s best teams. Originated for performance and to support players on the world stage during high-pressure moments, the jersey has been created in close collaboration with players from both teams.”

Overall the public response to the jersey has been rather positive with one South African fan stating that they would never purchase an All Blacks jersey but did admire this one.

“I will never own an All Blacks jersey. But I’m willing to admit this is a good one. Like the return of the traditional white collar,” they wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

All Blacks home and away jerseys 2024

All Blacks home and away jerseys 2024.

Another comment read: “New All Blacks jersey, and it’s a beaut.”

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Much of the reaction read along the same lines with one fan stating it is “unreservedly stunning”, “sensational”, “a thing of beauty” and so on.

However, the internet remains undefeated with many still finding ways to poke fun at the kit.

Blood and Mud podcast host suggested that Adidas got some of their inspiration for the jersey from John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.

While another comment read: “Reminding me a bit of another uniform. Just can’t seem to remember…”

Comment on the jersey, All Blacks vice captain Jordie Barrett added: “The jersey holds a special place to the people of this nation. 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.

“So, to witness adidas’ commitment to also ensuring each jersey builds on the last, has been incredible. 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.

“Watching the Black Ferns run out onto the pitch in the new design last month, filled us not only with excitement for our own upcoming matches, but also pride that we can celebrate this moment as one team, together.”

READ MORE: How the All Blacks could line up in Scott Robertson’s first Test against England

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