The waiting is almost over for Ospreys supporters eagerly awaiting their first look at the 2014/15 Ospreys jersey.
It’s always the most eagerly awaited date in the summer calendar but that’s case more than ever this year with everyone excited to see the first ever BLK produced playing jersey, training kit and leisure wear range.
The Australian based company was announced as the new kit supplier for the Ospreys back in February, agreeing a partnership that will see the region wearing BLK playing and training kit from the start of the 2014/15 season until the end of 2016/17.
BLK will also supply the regional age-grade teams, as well as providing an extensive range of supporters apparel.
The new jersey will be revealed at a special launch day at the Liberty Stadium on Friday that will bring supporters, players, management and commercial partners together for a first glimpse of the new-look playing strip.
Yarnie Guthrie, Ospreys Commercial Manager, said that everybody involved with the region was excited about the launch of the first ever BLK kit:
“There is always a sense of anticipation around the unveiling of a new Ospreys kit and that is more the case than ever this year given the change of manufacturer to BLK.
“The Ospreys jersey has reached iconic status in our short but eventful history. We are just 11 years old as a brand yet our shirt has been the second biggest selling in the UK and Ireland since the 2005/06 season, a fact that we take huge pride in. That statistic alone is a clear indication of the strength of the Ospreys brand and the power of an organisation that continues to lead the way in Wales.
“The launch event has been growing in stature year on year, and Friday’s promises to be the best yet. We are looking forward to seeing our supporters and commercial partners sharing in the unveiling with the players, coaches and staff. Working together like this will only help us to continue to grow the off-field side of the business, which in turn will feed through to the team and help ensure a long-term sustainable future for Ospreys Rugby.”
To mark the occasion, there will be family entertainment, fun and games, a fashion show and the completion of the region’s broadcast partner The Wave’s ‘jigsaw treasure hunt’ that has seen supporters across Ospreylia seeking out the hidden jigsaw pieces which when put together will reveal the 2014-15 jersey. In addition, all junior supporters who have purchased a Kids Plus membership will be personally presented with their jersey by a player.
The action will kick off at 11.30am with inflatables for the youngsters and the Wave’s Phil Hoyles broadcasting live from the Club Shop.
The jersey will be unveiled at 12.30pm, with the lucky winners of the Wave treasure hunt putting together the pieces to reveal the new shirt outside the Club Shop, while inside the stadium on Level Two there is a fashion show involving squad members who will be modelling the latest kit and leisurewear. Capacity is strictly limited to 1,000, on a first come, first served basis, for the fashion show.
The Club Shop will open for business immediately following the reveal, with the new jersey and clothing range available to buy instore and online. Members of the squad will also be instore, signing autographs, with the full first team squad appearing in rotation.
The Kids Plus handover will take place between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. All Kids Plus members should have received a letter by Thursday advising them of the procedures and there will be signage in place on the day directing you accordingly, but if you have any enquiries relating to a Kids Plus membership you have purchased please email info@ospreysrugby.com or call 01792 616500.