Canterbury of New Zealand has revealed its highly anticipated British & Irish Lions jersey for the 2025 Qatar Airways Men’s Lions Series in Australia. Created with the Lions fans at heart, the jersey combines rich legacy, team unity and innovative technology in its bold design.
It marks a key milestone in the brand’s long-standing partnership with The British & Irish Lions, which dates back to the 1959 Tour of New Zealand.
Unity in every thread
The jersey has been updated in a deeper shade of red with a classic jacquard pattern woven into the fabric, paying homage to the four unions that unite to form this iconic Lions team. England’s rose, Scotland’s thistle, Ireland’s shamrock and Wales’ feathers come together to represent this legacy. In response to fan feedback during Canterbury’s trends and insights analysis, a grandad collar has also been added to the jersey.
Designed for peak performance, it features Canterbury’s advanced Vapodri technology to keep players cool and comfortable on the field. Former British & Irish Lions captain, Sam Warburton, was brought in to consult on the design and advise on player requirements alongside highly covert on-field testing for durability and performance.
Luke Doddrell, Canterbury of New Zealand Global Brand Director, says: “At Canterbury, our commitment has always been to produce high-performance products that empower athletes to reach their full potential and we are proud to have been doing that for over 120 years. Likewise, the British & Irish Lions represent the absolute pinnacle of that journey. They are defined by relentless strength, determination and the pursuit of greatness. But what makes them so special lies even deeper: a unity that transcends generations, borders, politics and class. The Lions bring people together and show us the extraordinary power of standing as one. We are incredibly proud to have created a jersey that reflects this spirit.”
Driving innovative technology and digital experiences
Canterbury, the British & Irish Lions and Howden are committed to fan-first innovation, with a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag embedded in the jersey, allowing fans to tap into an exclusive digital experience.
By scanning the connected tag located in the bottom right of the jersey, fans gain access to the Lions Clubhouse app – a hub for insider content, which also launches today and will be live throughout the Tour.
Leaving a legacy and shaping the future
The campaign also showcases the Lions Origin Clubs and Schools initiatives, with the featured models all having ties to these programmes – from young players at the start of their rugby journey to members of walking rugby clubs. The programmes, supported by both Canterbury of New Zealand and Howden, celebrate the connection between the Lions, clubs and schools which have played a pivotal role in shaping future Lions players, as well as investing in the development of rugby at all levels
The kit’s first outing by The British & Irish Lions will be in Dublin, as Andy Farrell’s side take on a historic match against Argentina at Aviva Stadium on Friday 20 June 2025, before departing for Australia.
You can purchase the official British & Irish Lions jersey here. To follow the British and Irish Lions on the tour, head to Canterbury’s Instagram, X account and website.