Wales Rugby League have joined forces with VX3 and parent company Lovell Rugby to announce an exciting, new long- term partnership.
Under the new agreement, VX3 will provide new playing kits, performance training and leisurewear for the new season for Wales Rugby League’s (WRL) senior men’s and women’s sides, together with the elite player pathways for U15s, U16s, U19s, students, Dragonhearts, wheelchair and physical and learning disability teams.
Lovell Rugby, who are global leaders in online rugby retail, have also partnered with Wales as long-term training and leisurewear sponsor.
“When Wales Rugby League needed to source another kit provider, it was important to us to work with a company that had Welsh roots,” Wales Rugby League CEO Gareth Kear said.
“Supporting companies and manufacturing in Wales was key, as well as a desire to find a long-term partner who could help build online and retail sales of WRL merchandise and provide high-performance playing kit.
“VX3 tick all these boxes and more than this as the young, vibrant team and exceptional customer service make them a joy to work with.”
The home kit for this year is the iconic red colour famously associated with Wales, while the flashes of green detailing takes its inspiration from the nation’s flag. The shirt has a chevron design on the chest in white, which is the colour of the shorts, providing a fresh look.
The away kit uses the same chevron design, but in gold on a black jersey with red detailing. The stand-out feature of this shirt, though, is the dragon, sublimated onto the left of the jersey in monochrome and inspired by the last Welsh Prince Owain Glyndwr. The back of the shirt proudly carries his name.
VX3 caught up with men’s team captain Elliot Kear and Rafiuke Taylor of the women’s side to check them out in their new apparel.
Kear has 27 caps to his name, making him the fourth all-time cap holder for Wales, as well as holding the title of third all-time try-scorer.
Taylor (below) is already a full Welsh rugby union international for Wales, but is hoped to be the first-ever female dual-code international later this month.
Both players were impressed with the look and feel of the new kits and training range.
Gareth Kear added: “The men’s 9s World Cup in Australia and our upcoming first-ever women’s international in Wales provide great showcases to promote the new VX3 Wales national kit and our partnership.
“I look forward to all of our national teams, including our wheelchair and physical disability teams, wearing these shirts with pride.”
VX3 are now working on providing the kits, training and leisurewear ready for retail, which will be available soon.
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening at Wales Rugby League on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.