The shirtless wait is over, latest Springbok "Bok" jersey unveiled on the ultimate #Bokday

Canterbury GM Du Toit Botes, Arnold de Villiers, Springbok Jean de Villiers,
Phillip Emslie and Kobus Potgieter of Sportsmans Warehouse

Despite cold weather Springbok rugby players, SARU officials, Canterbury staff and members of the press gathered at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town on the 11^th of April to witness the unveiling of the new official Springboks jersey - one day ahead of the Ultimate Bok Day (12 April 2013), when the jersey was unveiled to all Springbok supporters. The theme of the night was: heritage, honour and passion – these are the ideals the new Bok jersey represents.

“Sport provides hope in our country, especially rugby,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU. He believes that they have managed to produce a jersey that will give the Springboks an edge – the brightness of heritage and the best of their future coming together in a great product.

The jersey signifies a “Heritage” that dates back as far as 1981, a year that saw the Springbok team wear their first of green and gold colours. The Springbok colours would still be able to unite a nation a hundred years later, said Du Toit Botes of Canterbury SA, who explained what the shirt means to them as a company and the pride he feels being a part of the launch of the first Springbok jersey since 2011. 

Rugby veterans Pierre Ribbens (left) and Deon Oosthuizen (second left) with Du Toit Botes (second right) schools equipment buyers Bennie Botes (right) and one of the organisers (middle) pose with the Bokkie mascot 

The new jersey “Honours” the green and gold colours worn by the players before and those currently worn by the country’s national rugby team. The “Passion” displayed by the commitment from celebrities and ordinary supporters to go topless until they receive their shirts, was astounding to Botes - the last six weeks covered a nationwide movement of people pledging to go topless, leading up to the ‘Ultimate BokDay’ on 12 April 2013.

Botes being interviewed by local press

In their efforts to produce a high quality jersey, Botes says that not a single stone was left unturned in terms of materials - Canterbury has created a seamless jersey from a blend of fabrics. The shirt features a body-mapping fit with a Loop 21.1 neckline. 

The jersey has a watermark of a Springbok on the chest (on the heart); this is in an effort to decrease counterfeit jerseys being sold as originals. 

“As our new banknotes carry a watermark, so our supporters will carry the Springbok embossing on their chests. Previously, the embossing was only found on the back neck of the Springboks’ Test jersey. For the first time ever, the supporters will carry the mark on their chests,” says Botes.

“The embossing will also be a clear indication of authentic jerseys and our unified fight against crime. Pledge your support to the Springboks and buy original.”

Bryan Habana, Jeannie D and Janez Vermeiren from Top Billing and Jean De Villiers
 having a closer look at the watermark on the new Springbok jersey

After official speeches, the Castle Guard was out in uniform, welcoming players like Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Eben Etzebeth and many more.

The castle guard

“Representing South Africa is a dream. Playing with guys you look up to is definitely something special,” said Lwazi Mvovo.

Travel and Top Billing presenters Janez Vermeiren, Jeannie D,  Siv Ngesi (actor and comedian) and Jean de Villiers (Springbok captain) were modeling the new Springbok jerseys. They believe that the new jersey will one day have a legacy that is great.

Comedian Siv Ngesi (right), ETV presenter Lukhanyo Nkalatha and Bokkie Mascot (left) were quite eager to pose for a picture

Silence, followed by celebratory music, filled the square as the much anticipated official Springbok jersey was unveiled.

The Bok jersey design was unveiled to the crowd

Published by www.sportstrader.co.za