The English Premiership Rugby marked its 30th anniversary with a special campaign unveiling retro-style kits across all clubs for the current season. This initiative taps into a broader resurgence in popularity for traditional rugby shirts, which have seen renewed interest both on and off the pitch, including appearances in high-profile fashion settings.
The campaign, launched at the start of the season, featured players from each Premiership team clad in throwback jerseys that pay homage to the early days of professional rugby union in England. These kits prominently feature classic design elements such as large collars, bold colors, and vintage-style sponsorship logos, including brands like John Smith’s and Kenwood.
Bath Rugby’s home kit takes a darker turn this season with increased use of black, moving away from their traditional blue, while their away jersey draws inspiration from the local River Avon and Pulteney Weir, featuring a gradient from light blue to white. Despite some squad changes and injuries, Bath is expected to contend for a playoff position.
Bristol Bears have returned to their signature blue-and-white hoops after experimenting with more modern designs. Last season’s campaign was hampered by injuries, but the club aims to build on improvements this term. Exeter Chiefs, commemorating two decades at Sandy Park, continue to display strong form following a third-place finish and a Premiership final appearance, remaining one of the top contenders.
Gloucester’s new kits incorporate smaller white hoops and a stronger emphasis on red. Although injuries impacted them last year, the addition of key players like Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake should help Gloucester secure several victories, though playoff qualification remains uncertain.
Harlequins maintain their iconic quartered kit design, introducing a new white collar and sleeve trims. Their away kit, described as a bold reinterpretation, presents a visually busy pattern. After a challenging previous season, Harlequins are not widely expected to reach the playoffs.
Leicester Tigers’ retro jerseys received mixed reactions upon release but have been positively reassessed in person. Following a fourth-place finish last term and experiencing some player departures, Leicester enters the season as a potential playoff contender.
Newcastle Falcons introduced their new kit with dramatic flair, even dropping jerseys from a helicopter during the launch event. Significant new signings and a refreshed coaching team reflect a squad in transition, likely facing a lower-table finish but showing promise in attack.
Northampton Saints sport a distinctive kit mixing stripes with their traditional black and yellow colors. Drawing from the experience of recent back-to-back championships, they are widely regarded as the team to beat this season.
Sale Sharks’ kit features side panel artwork inspired by painter L.S. Lowry. Coupled with notable squad enhancements, Sale is positioned as a strong playoff contender. Saracens mark their 150th anniversary with an all-black-and-gold kit. Following robust recruitment and the return of Brendan Venter as director of rugby, the club aims for a home semi-final appearance.
This retro kit collection not only celebrates Premiership Rugby’s three-decade history but also highlights the evolving ambitions and challenges facing each club as the new season unfolds.