Exeter Chiefs reveal new cup kit

Exeter Chiefs will have a stylish and vibrant new look inspired by the Northern Lights when they take to the field for their exploits in cup competitions this season.

Working closely with the club’s kit and sportswear provider, Samurai Sportswear, Rob Baxter’s side will sport the colourful new kit in this season’s European Champions Cup, Anglo-Welsh Cup and, for the first time, at the upcoming Singha Premiership 7s at Sandy Park on Saturday, July 23.

Initially inspired by the famous Northern Lights, the 2016/17 kit features a range of blue and pink hues in a sublimated design that emulate the beautiful colours created by the earth’s atmosphere.

Created in-house by the Samurai design team, Exeter’s latest Cup kit also focuses on the spiritual side of Native American culture.

Believing that they were a small part of something much bigger, American Indians focused on nurturing the world to purify their aura as they passed onto the spirit world.

Different aura colours signify different meanings; violet and pink are thought to indicate contentment and purity, blue is said to stimulate intuition and ensure calmness and indigo is claimed to be the aura of reflection of contemplation.

Exeter’s new kit echoes the growth and insight that the Chiefs have acquired on its journey with Samurai over the last six years; whilst also hinting about their ability to develop as they step forth into the future.

Throughout the existing partnership, Samurai Sportswear and the Chiefs have worked alongside one another to develop the very highest quality of match shirts.

This year, advancements produced through years of work together can be found on Exeter’s OMG ICONIX™ match shirt. Constructed from a high performance 4D fabric, it works in tandem with each individual athlete, extending movement instead of restricting it; whilst maintaining tensile strength.

Other attributes include an integrated collar, GPS pouch, bicep sculpted sleeves, anti-pinch underarms and sculpted diverted side seam panelling, making it increasingly difficult for the opposition to pull down the Chiefs.

Tony Rowe OBE, Chief Executive and chairman of Exeter Rugby Club, said: “A big part of a season for our supporters is often the launch of our new Cup kit, which we know attracts a lot of interest and excitement amongst our fan base.

“Ever since we got promoted into the Premiership, we have worked closely with Samurai Sportswear to come up with inventive kit designs that not only play well, but also portray the club in the right light, not only in England, but across Europe as well.

“Our playing side are heavily involved in helping to develop the playing strip every year and we’re delighted that Samurai have again come up trumps in terms of our new Cup kit for the 2016/17 season. I’ve no doubt it will again prove hugely popular amongst our supporters.”

Mr Rowe’s comments have been echoed by Samurai Sportswear Head of UK Sales, Mike Atkin, who added: “At Samurai we're always striving to be original in our designs and make a strong and lasting impression on the pitch. With our extended contract with the Exeter Chiefs, we have been able to take their European shirt in a new direction; adapting elements that we have known to work well over the last six years with innovative features that aim to enhance both design and performance.

“The high ambitions of the club are very clear and we are working with them closely to ensure a successful new future together."

The new shirt will be available for supporters to purchase from tomorrow through the Trading Post, as well as online on via the official website.