Ireland statement: Women's team to stop wearing white shorts

A permanent switch to navy shorts has been agreed by the Ireland women’s team ahead of this month’s opening round in the TikTok Women’s Six Nations. The Irish have traditionally worn white shorts but that will now change, starting with the March 25 fixture away to Wales in Cardiff.

A statement read: “The Ireland women’s team has chosen to change their traditional white shorts and instead make a permanent switch to navy. The move, which is led by world-leading kit supplier Canterbury of New Zealand and the IRFU, comes as a response to players’ feedback about period anxieties.

“The new shorts will be worn for the first time by Ireland captain Nichola Fryday at the TikTok Women’s Six Nations launch on Wednesday and by the team for the duration of the tournament, which kicks off on Saturday, March 25.

“As part of the shift, Canterbury is also offering other teams and players at all levels, who have previously purchased Canterbury white women’s shorts, the chance to claim a free pair in a different colour.

“The opportunity applies to players who have purchased women’s white shorts from Canterbury in the last three years. The announcement comes after players voiced concerns about playing in white rugby kit during their period. Players can claim their free pair of shorts by contacting Canterbury via their online Help Centre, or if they’re part of a rugby club, by reaching out to teamwear@canterbury.com.

“The decision is one of several Canterbury initiatives to further the grassroots game. Its Give It A Try initiative with the IRFU encouraged thousands of girls to take up rugby and Canterbury’s Future Fund grant, which focuses on creating equity for women in the sport, has supported UK players with kit, coaching and funding in its first year.”

Ireland played Enya Breen said: "The top way to ensure we perform to our best on the field is by removing any unnecessary distractions. Wearing navy shorts instead of white is such a small thing but for us, it's a big step from Canterbury and the IRFU.

"Our hope is that it will help women at all levels of rugby feel more comfortable on the field so they can get on with performing at their best in the game that they love."