‘Second worst thing…after the US election result’ – New British and Lions jersey splits opinion
The 2025 British and Irish Lions and Canterbury jersey (Inpho) and an insert of curtains.
The 2025 British and Irish jersey has split opinion amongst fans after the invitational team and Canterbury unveiled the new jersey on Thursday.
The kit will set fans back around £80 for the replica with the new jersey featuring a deeper red and new sponsors Howden.
Lions jersey reveals are often highly anticipated but this year many fans were left disappointed by what Canterbury and the touring team have produced. However, some were pleased with the design.
Here is our picks of some of the best responses on social media.
Reaction to the new British and Irish Lions jersey
One of the main criticisms of the jersey is its likeness to old-fashioned curtains, a feeling shared by several fans online.
“Glad they managed to find a use for my grans old curtains,” on comment read on the official Lions‘ Instagram page.
While one X user said that they already place an XXL order with an image of red curtains attached.
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Got my XXL on order. pic.twitter.com/M6lJee2yS7
— MONK (@PAULMONK) November 6, 2024
New British and Irish Lions jersey revealed featuring an ‘updated design’ and ‘deeper shade of red’
Former Fiji captain Nemani Nadolo was one of those who liked the look of th new jersey.
“Just seen the new British lions Jersey.. holy hecker just when I thought the Wallaby jersey was epic.. Both jerseys a [fire emoji],” he wrote on X.
With a fan agreeing writing “Yeah thats real nice tbf” but as always there were those who did not like the sponsors’ logo on the front of the kit.
“Ver nice indeed… any chance of getting one without the sponsor logo on the front??” another added.
Logo causes a stir
The fact that the Lions logo is not stitched onto the kit was another major criticism from fans as many believe that it will simply wash off.
“Too much embossing makes it look like a carpet. Sponsors too dominant. The badge should be stitched, doesn’t look as cheap and can’t come off in the wash. In my opinion the worst Lions jersey in years,” one fan wrote.
Another added: “Too profit driven to put an embroidered badge on the replica jersey. Imagine being a player lucky enough to be chosen by the Lions and having to wear this garbage. I hope you sell f all at that price.”
Comments along the same lines followed: “Not even a proper embroidered badge? Looks really poor compared to previous versions with a stratospheric price sadly!”
And for some, the release was cost effective: “Oh dear…. saves me a few quid. Awful design and a badge that’s gonna wash off … no thanks.”
Another fan described the jersey as the ‘second worst thing’ they had seen after reports of Donald Trump winning the US presidential election.
“The second worst thing I’ve seen today after the US election result,” the post read.
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Grok’s take
Meanwhile, X’s AI tool Grok provided a humorous write-up with its fun mode activated.
“The British & Irish Lions just dropped their 2025 tour jersey, and boy, does it look like your grandma’s couch from the ’70s,” the parody story read.
“Sponsored by Howden, this shirt isn’t just a piece of rugby wear, it’s an investment in your future health insurance, or maybe just an excuse for fans to spend an arm and a leg.
“The design has everyone from rugby pros to wallpaper enthusiasts talking, and not all in a good way. With a hefty price tag for the replica and a shade of red that’s apparently perfect for blending into the Australian outback or your local furniture store, this jersey’s got more buzz than a beehive at a barbecue.
“Critics are torn between loving the heritage look and wondering if they’re actually buying a piece of fabric or a statement against modern fashion.”