Edinburgh Rugby and Macron, the club’s technical sponsor and kit manufacturer, have today unveiled the two new visually striking strips that the capital side will don for battle in their forthcoming Magners League and Heineken Cup campaigns.
The kits, which were modelled by Scotland internationals Alex Grove and Scott MacLeod at Murrayfield this afternoon, remain faithful to Edinburgh’s traditional branding while introducing elements of innovative design that are sure to prove popular with supporters.
Foremost among these flourishes is the ‘Triskell’ celtic symbol, created by Macron to celebrate their entry into the Scottish market. The Italy-based hi-tech sportswear company have positioned the symbol prominently on both the home and change strips, with a further distinctive note provided by the inclusion on the rear neck area of the Latin phrase ‘Nemo me impune lacessit.’
The slogan, which translates as “no-one assails me with impunity”, appears on the Royal Coat of Arms for use in Scotland and also some Scottish pound coins. It is, furthermore, the motto of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Scots Guards, and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
Gianluca Pavanello, Chief Executive of Macron, explained the rationale behind the design, saying: “We strove to make the strips distinctively Scottish products. We wanted to pay tribute to the history of the territory while ensuring the highest quality and technicality. I’m convinced the strips will be popular because they are the perfect mix of old and new.”
The home kit stays black and red, the latter colour being supplied via the ‘Triskell’ symbol. The change strip is an attractive platinum, with the ‘Triskell’ design being rendered in black. The strips are body fit, have a double elastic stretch, and boast reinforced stitching to prevent tears. The sponsor and club logos, as well as the graphic design, have been produced using a process of digital sublimation.
Alex Grove and Scott MacLeod flank Fabio Malipiero of Macron
Craig Docherty, the new Edinburgh Chief Executive, declared himself delighted with the results. He said: “The designs are eye-catching and full of life but they’re also very obviously Edinburgh. The reaction from the players has been extremely positive, and they’ve been asking questions about the celtic symbol and slogan. I’m sure they’ll be a talking point for our supporters, too, so congratulations to Macron for giving us something so distinctive and so fresh. I look forward to our partnership going from strength to strength over the next three years.”
MacLeod, the towering second row who was part of Scotland’s historic series win in Argentina two months ago, gave the strips the thumbs up on behalf of the players. He said: “They look and feel really good. The guys will love playing in them, and I’m sure we’ll be spotting plenty around the stands when the fans see how striking they are.”
Edinburgh will wear the change strip for the first time in the pre-season match at Bath this Saturday (Recreation Ground, kick-off 3.30pm). The home kit will make its debut in the Murrayfield glamour friendly against London Irish on Friday 27 August (kick-off 7.30pm).
The new home and change strips will be available from September from the Scottish Rugby Store at Murrayfield, in collaboration with Greaves Sports, Scottish Rugby's Official Retail Partner. See www.scottishrugbydirect.com for details.
Pre-orders will be taken in the store at the London Irish friendly on Friday 27 August, with a full range of leisurewear to follow.
SEE EDINBURGH PLAY IN THEIR NEW HOME STRIP FOR THE FIRST TIME AGAINST LONDON IRISH AT MURRAYFIELD ON FRIDAY 27 AUGUST (KICK-OFF 7.30PM). TICKETS COST JUST £10 FOR ADULTS AND £5 FOR CONCESSIONS/UNDER-18S. CLICK HERE TO BUY, OR CALL 0131 346 5180. FANTASTIC VALUE SEASON TICKETS, FROM AS LITTLE AS £30, ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SAME SOURCES. FRIDAY NIGHT IS HEROES NIGHT IN SEASON 2010/11: ALL EDINBURGH'S PRE-CHRISTMAS MAGNERS LEAGUE GAMES KICK OFF AT 7.05PM AT MURRAYFIELD.
