Wasps And Under Armour Launch 150th Anniversary Season Kit

Wasps and Under Armour launch new 2017/18 season kits to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary.

Inspired by Wasps' rich history and combined with Under Armour's innovative technology, the new kits will be worn by the players for the duration of the 2017/18 season.

22nd August, Coventry: Wasps Rugby and global sports performance and innovation brand Under Armour have revealed the Club's new home and away kits for the 2017/18 Aviva Premiership season.

To celebrate Wasps' 150th anniversary season, official technical apparel partner Under Armour has designed special kits which are inspired by the club's rich history and tradition.

Whilst the design is inspired by the past, the kits remain at the forefront of performance apparel with Under Armour's innovative technology woven throughout.

Strategically placed ArmourGrip™ technology helps players retain ball possession in the trickiest of conditions and a unique '150' print pattern marks the club's anniversary.

Ultra-durable HeatGear® fabric has been used to create an incredibly strong but lightweight and comfortable fit, whilst the advanced jersey also features special function and ventilated underarm panels that will enable players to move freely on the field throughout the 80 minutes and beyond.

For the Home kit, Wasps have reverted to the club's iconic black jersey with a white collar, which sees the return of the four-legged Wasps logo on the chest as featured in some of the club's earliest team photos. A bold all-white jersey, as worn by Wasps during the Second World War, will be matched with white shorts. The club continues the customary black and gold hooped socks for both home and away kits.

The unique apparel technology that features across the playing kits also forms the base of Wasps' training kit, supporting the best possible match day preparation for the squad.

Wasps' Director of Rugby Dai Young commented: 'We are impressed by the quality and classic look of the 150th anniversary shirt that Under Armour has produced for the squad, as our fans prepare to celebrate a special season for the club. As a playing group, we will be doing our best to produce performances worthy of the shirt and of Wasps players who have worn it in the past.

'The 2017/18 shirt is very similar to the classic black jersey many of us associate with Wasps, since becoming involved in rugby. Of course, long gone are the days where shirts were so baggy you could fit a couple of players in them! Thankfully it's not so easy to be scragged by the opposition these days. This Under Armour shirt is on a different planet in terms of technology and high performance, but it's great to see a nod to tradition in its style.'

'The home and away kits we've designed pay tribute to Wasps incredible 150th history but also meet the demands of the modern game. The performance technology within the on-field and training products give the squad the tools they need to maximise their potential and we're excited about the Premiership season ahead,' commented Chris Bate, Managing Director and Vice President, Under Armour Europe.

Technical performance features of the kit include;

• ArmourGrip™: a strategically placed grippy area on the torso of the shirt aids in catching and securing the ball has been crafted with a unique '150' sign-off to commemorate the anniversary season.
• Function panels on the shirt in compression fabric and mesh allow the grid sections to function as individual panels, maintaining a freedom of movement without sacrificing on weight, durability and breathability.
• Ventilated underarm panel with four-way stretch offers maximum breathability and player mobility.
• An internal waistband grip in the shorts prevents the shirt from untucking during movement

The new home, away and training kits for the 2017/18 season are now available to buy online via waspsshop.co.uk and at the official club store.

To celebrate the launch of the 150th anniversary shirt, first team players Sam Jones, Kyle Eastmond and Tommy Taylor will be available for photos and autographs at Wasps Club Shop at the Ricoh Arena from 1630-1830 this afternoon, ahead of Wasps final pre-season game, against Connacht (kick off 7.30pm)

Club mascot Sting will also be on hand throughout the day to greet supporters in the club shop, while fans can put their rugby skills to the test in Wasps Interactive Zone which will be running between midday and 7pm.