The FAI have revealed the new home and away Republic of Ireland international jerseys, with no main sponsor featuring for the first time since 1990.
This morning's announcement includes word of a new sponsorship announcement between Umbro and the FAI. As part of the new deal, Umbro Ireland has introduced for the first time a women’s range, including bespoke home and away jerseys.
Celtic's on-loan centre-half Shane Duffy and Norwich City striker Adam Idah were among those involved in the promotional photos, with social distancing in place during the shoot.
@UmbroIreland are proud to unveil the new @FAIreland Men’s and Women’s Home Kits which go on sale on November 5th.
Pre Order from midday today 👉 https://t.co/XxEqw8CrCC 🇮🇪#BacktoUmbro | #Ireland pic.twitter.com/1iBZZ7I9zi— Umbro Ireland (@UmbroIreland) October 29, 2020
We were joined on OTB AM this morning by Jonathan Courtenay, who is the Managing Director and owner of JACC Sports Distributors, who are the brand distribution partner involved in the latest release.
In a statement via the FAI this morning, he said it's a kit the players will be proud to wear.
"We are delighted to bring the world famous Umbro double diamond logo back to the Irish national team shirts, especially as Umbro and the FAI have such a storied history in both the 1960s and then again between 1994 and 2017.
"Ireland boast some of the most passionate and loyal supporters in the world and we look forward to creating new product that the players and fans alike will be proud to wear.
@UmbroIreland are proud to unveil the new @FAIreland Men’s and Women’s Away Kits which go on sale on November 5th.
Pre Order from midday today 👉https://t.co/XxEqw8kQL4 🇮🇪#BacktoUmbro #Ireland pic.twitter.com/yL0l4VHZry— Umbro Ireland (@UmbroIreland) October 29, 2020
"We are also excited to be introducing bespoke women’s kits for the first time and we wish Vera Pauw’s team all the best in their upcoming European Championship fixture against Germany. All of the new kit for both men and women can be purchased from faishop.com and Intersport Elverys from November 5th."
It's just one year since the release of the last new kit, with this home jersey green, with white trim on the sleeves, and 'Eire' printed below the shirt's collar.
There are echoes of the Republic of Ireland kit at Italia '90, and if the new one brings half as much joy as the performances at that World Cup 30 years ago, we'll be doing alright.
Umbro Ireland is proud to announce that it will become the Official Technical Kit Supplier to the @FAIreland beginning with the Senior Men's Team for their friendly against England at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, November 12th. #BackToUmbro #FAIreland pic.twitter.com/42qxttcBQ9
— Umbro Ireland (@UmbroIreland) October 29, 2020
The away jersey revealed on #NewKitDay is a white number, simplistic in design, with a retro feel around the collar's orange trimmings, while green trimmings at the arms accentuate the silky material.
Shane Duffy says the players are looking forward to giving the new jerseys a spin.
"I really like this kit. It’s a little throwback to the past and I can’t wait to get it on. The new away kit is inspired by the 30th anniversary of Italia ’90 and the aim now is to make our own moments and create memories for us."
Next up for Stephen Kenny's senior side is an international friendly against England at Wembley on Thursday, November 12th. Two UEFA Nations League ties follow that - with a trip to Wales on Sunday, November 15th followed by the visit of Bulgaria to Dublin on Wednesday 18th.
The new jerseys unfortunately won't get an outing at the delayed European Championships next summer, after Ireland lost on penalties to Slovakia in the play-off semi-final earlier this month.
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