New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific Clubs Unveil Heritage Jerseys and 2026 Kits to Celebrate 30 Years

The five New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific franchises have released a major commercial play, launching a special collection of heritage jerseys and their 2026 kits in partnership with Classic Sportswear.

The launch is timed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Super Rugby while capturing the lucrative Christmas retail quarter, capitalising on soaring demand for retro sportswear.

The commemorative collection is not merely an honour to three decades of rugby history, but a direct attempt to monetise the emotional connection fans hold with the competition’s early years.

Confirming the commercial rationale, Classic Sportswear CEO, Ross Smart, said: “Fans are increasingly drawn to heritage and retro designs, and Classic is answering that demand with these collections.”

Underscoring the importance of leveraging the anniversary for fan retention, a crucial commercial asset for the clubs, Highlanders CEO, Roger Clark, added: “A thirty-year anniversary is a major moment for our clubs, our players, and our fans.”

“These jerseys recognise where we’ve come from while looking ahead as we collectively drive the game forward,” Clark said.

The new kit designs serve as a powerful branding tool, designed to drive engagement throughout the 2026 season.

By releasing the program ahead of Christmas, the clubs are positioned to maximise sales during the highest-volume period in the retail calendar, converting nostalgia into immediate revenue.

The collection, which features reimagining of significant colours and patterns from the 1996 inaugural season, also represents a substantial expansion of the clubs’ merchandise program.

Beyond the high-performance home and away jerseys, the full supporter range includes lifestyle items such as caps, long-sleeve jerseys, basketball singlets, and NFL-style jerseys. This diversification is a key output of the New Zealand clubs’ long-term deal with Classic, allowing the organisation to reach new consumer segments outside traditional match-day apparel.

The ability of Classic Sportswear to deliver this wide themed range quickly and reliably was a key factor in securing the five New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific clubs’ apparel contract.

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