The Wallabies will wear a new kit featuring Indigenous artwork designed by Test player Dylan Pietsch when they run out to face the British and Irish Lions on the touring side’s trip to Australia next year.
Proud Wiradjuri Burray man Pietsch created the artwork that appears on the underarm and lower back of the shirt, while the inner sleeve cuff of the traditional gold jersey will feature the First Nations place names of the fixture locations.
The Lions are slated to play the Wallabies three times next year – the first time in 12 years Australia has hosted the series – with matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Rugby Australia said the design “tells the story of connection of country through its people and landscapes, whilst also capturing the powerful ability of rugby to create new connections by uniting communities through a common purpose”.
Pietsch said he was “incredibly proud” to be able to represent himself and his culture through the artwork.
“The centre of the artwork features a wallaby and a lion in a direct reference to the series,” he added. “Their relationship is presented as a battle underpinned by respect. Respect for our game, and respect for one another.”
Pietsch’s work features the traditional technique of using dots, which portray the natural landscapes of Australia with nods to Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.
The Asics jersey also features a return to a traditional collar while, as is commonplace these days, it has been made using sustainable materials and designed to offer maximum ventilation and mobility for the players.
“A debossed diamond texture has also been added for aesthetic purposes,” RA said in a statement.
The Wallabies face a stern test against the Lions next July and August, having experienced a mixed bag of results since new coach Joe Schmidt took over following the disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign under Eddie Jones.
Schmidt’s side has posted four wins out of nine Tests so far, losing a 23rd straight series to New Zealand and slipping to 10th in the world rankings, and will face further challenges on a tour to the UK and Ireland starting next month, when they face England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in the hope of securing a first grand slam since 1984.
