adidas will be the French Rugby Federation’s official kit supplier for the next 4 years, starting from September 2024.Rooted in a prestigious shared heritage, the partnership embodies the concrete ambition to support the development of rugby for all in France.The new kit will be unveiled on pitch for the first time, by the French women’s team in their upcoming fixture on Saturday 7th September.
adidas and the French Rugby Federation (FFR) are proud to announce their partnership for the 2024-2028 period. This new chapter of collaboration will strengthen the already rich history shared by the two sides and underscores adidas’ commitment to supporting and developing rugby around the world. The FFR and global sports brand are once again joining forces to bring French rugby into a new era, building towards a more modern and open sport.
Kerryn Foster, General Manager of adidas Specialist Sports said*: “We’re extremely proud to be back in partnership with the French Rugby Federation, in what is a hugely exciting time for the sport. At adidas we are driven by our commitment to grow sport at all levels. This new partnership perfectly embodies that goal, with its huge potential to inspire the next generation of rugby players.
France is a true rugby nation – one at the very top of the sport in the women’s and men’s games. We’ve been fortunate to share some of those successes over the years. We are energized to support Les Bleus on their journey, and we look forward to seeing the French women’s rugby team be the first to wear the new jersey.”
Florian Grill, President of the French Rugby Federation: “This partnership between adidas and the FFR mirrors our goals for French rugby. adidas’ capacity for innovation is supporting high-level play and the 14 French men’s and women’s teams while providing just as much support to amateur clubs and teams, with almost 900 women’s teams (minis, youths, and adults) set to receive sponsorship. By striking this agreement, adidas is supporting French rugby from the ground up!”
A new 4-year chapter, a new era, a new kit.
adidas boasts an 18-year-long history with FFR, marked by three Five Nations Grand Slam titles (1987,1997 and 1998) – a testament to how the brand has supported French excellence and elegance in the world of rugby.
These two words – excellence and elegance – were the key principles that went into creating the new kits for the French rugby teams, which feature a classic refined design. A highlight on the new jersey is the return of the three stripes in blue, white and red, complemented by a statement neckline.
Alongside its elegant design, the new jersey and shorts are designed to provide the French teams with best-in-class performance kit. Ergonomic side panels on the abdominal region hug the body in key contact areas for a tight, three-dimensional fit which ensures comfort, while minimizing the opportunity for opposition players to grip the shirt in close contact, while the set-in-sleeve structure provides a sturdy construction, fit for peak performance.
A strong commitment to all rugby, and rugby for all.
adidas and the French Rugby Federation are also devoted to promoting amateur rugby as part of the partnership – most notably by boosting women’s rugby in France, through two major initial initiatives:
‘Challenge Rugby pour Elles:’ this program aims to reach around 250 girls’ under-15s teams, meaning around 5,000 players in total. Starting from mid-April 2025, each team will receive 20 complete kits (shirt, shorts, socks) in the lead-up to the regional finals scheduled on May 17 and 31, 2025.
Coupons for Women’s Teams: a coupon will be offered to the women’s Youth (F-18) and Adult (F+18) club teams that have signed up to the FFR’s official competitions.Almost 650 teams across 400 clubs will be entitled to this initiative. Official communication on this topic will be shared with the relevant clubs in September.
In line with this commitment to the women’s game,the French women’s rugby team will be the first to wear the new jersey on pitch, in their upcoming game on Saturday September 7th, 2024.
The new French rugby jersey is available to purchase from Monday 2nd September from www.adidas.com/rugby, https://store.ffr.fr/ and select retail partners.
ABOUT ADIDAS
adidas is one of the foremost global sportswear brands. Based in Herzogenaurach,Germany, the company employs over 59,000 people worldwide and recorded an annual turnover of 21.4 billion euros in 2023. To find out more, please visit www.adidas-Group.com.
ABOUT THE FFR
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) is a society under French Law No 1901. Founded on May 13, 1919, it is responsible for organizingand developingrugby fifteens, tens,sevens, and fives in France.The institution is a delegation of the Ministry of Sports, which administrates,regulates, and develops amateur French rugby in France, as well as supervising the French national teams.
www.ffr.fr
