WRU signs £10m deal for new kit

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The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has unveiled a new four-year kit deal, believed to be worth more than £10m.

American company Under Armour will replace Reebok as the supplier for all the Wales international teams and support staff under the deal.

The WRU said the company's new kit will be based on technology it uses to produce kit for top American football teams.

It will be first used for Wales's internationals in November.

The WRU said the company's design and manufacture teams had been studying Welsh rugby and its history and heritage, as part of its research.

The deal includes kit for playing, training, and support staff for the different international squads, including the Wales Sevens team and the Welsh women's squad.

The WRU said the partnership would increase its presence in countries such as the US, Canada and Japan.

Roger Lewis, WRU group chief executive, said: "Our jersey has to be the best product available and its design has to be entirely fit for purpose while making a bold statement based on our history, our heritage and our winning mentality."

New kit will be based on technology used for American football kit

Under Armour, which has its global headquarters in Baltimore, also has an official supplier agreement with New Zealand side Canterbury RFU.

It lists Sunderland and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Middlesbrough and Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, West Ham footballer Bobby Zamora and Fulham player Jimmy Bullard among its "elite athlete portfolio" in the UK.

Peter Mahrer, Under Armour Europe president and managing director, said: "This is a historic day for Under Armour globally to partner with an international rugby nation of the stature and pedigree of Wales."