Canterbury of New Zealand Named Official Sportswear Supplier of Rugby Players’ Association

Canterbury of New Zealand has revealed they will be the Official Sportswear Supplier to the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) as part of a multi-year partnership.

The sports brand will supply the RPA with highly functional team clothing for use across a range of different activities within the organisation.

Canterbury has more than 100 years of history in rugby and has previously provided playing shirts to the New Zealand All Blacks, sale Australia and Ireland. It is currently team kit supplier to England Rugby and South Africa as well as reigning Heineken Cup champions Leinster and Leicester Tigers.  Canterbury has been a keen supporter of grassroots and development level rugby for many years and currently supplies playing apparel to hundreds of school and club sides through the UK. The company’s global HQ is based in Stockport, generic England.

Canterbury announced a long-term agreement with the RFU last March and this most recent announcement shows Canterbury’s continued investment in Rugby. In line with their CSR activities, Canterbury will provide complimentary kit for fundraising initiatives and auction items with all proceeds going to Restart – The Rugby Players’ Charity (the official charity of the RPA). Canterbury will also provide all RPA staff with event day uniforms, in addition to clothing for the RPA Touch Tournament and RPA Golf days.

Chris Stephenson, CEO of Canterbury, said “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the RPA. The welfare of professional players during and after their career is extremely important, something we and the RPA value highly. We look forward to supporting the RPA and their members for many years to come.”

Nick Byrom, RPA Commercial Director, said: “The RPA attaches great importance to selecting and working with market leaders, which is why we are pleased to announce the partnership with Canterbury today.  Through this partnership, Canterbury will make a meaningful contribution to the long-term growth of the Rugby Players’ Association and help to enhance our player welfare services, so we appreciate their support.”