Tuesday 17th June 08

The much anticipated shirt that the England team aim to win the Rugby League World Cup in later this year was today launched by the past, present and future of English rugby league.

Launched at the picturesque Bolton Castle, near Leyburn in North Yorkshire, the shirt was modelled by Jamie Peacock who will captain England in their forthcoming Gillette Fusion International against France on 27 June, the first time the shirt will be worn by the national side.

The Puma branded shirt is white in colour and features a large St George’s cross across the chest.  The striking new ‘3D effect’ England crest, which was launched earlier this year, adorns the left breast, whilst the official Rugby World Cup logo is included on the opposite side.

Richard Callaway, Puma Head of Sport said: “We’re really pleased with the new kit and think it will prove to be a winner with both players and fans.  At PUMA we continue to concentrate on the goal of providing distinctive and unique products so are very excited about the new Puma Rugby League World Cup kit. 

“The strip reflects the modern, vibrant image of Rugby League, and together PUMA and the RFL have jointly set out to celebrate the glory of the modern game by re-drawing boundaries of technical excellence and product presentation.”

England’s shirt sponsor for the Rugby League World Cup is Gillette, who have furthered their support of the international game by sponsoring England’s international against France later this month.

The shorts are white in colour and feature a St George’s cross down both the left and right hand sides.  Similarly the socks are white and feature a St George’s cross down the middle.

Joining the Leeds Rhinos forward at the kit launch was Jason Robinson who represented England Rugby League in the 1995 World Cup, Kallum Watkins from the England under 18’s team who will tour Australia in early July, Liam Hulme from the under 16’s side, Josh Jones, a member of the under 15’s team, and Natalie Gilmour who has represented the England women’s side.

Natalie, who is the sister of St Helens forward Lee Gilmour, is expected to be part of the England side, coached by Brenda Dobek, who will take on France on Sunday 13 July at Widnes RUFC.

Phil Williams, the RFL’s Marketing Manager, said: “This is a new era for the England team and for that they need a new kit, one that is befitting of a team that has the potential to win this year’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

“After researching the design of the kit with fans and stakeholders we expect it to prove extremely popular, especially with it being World Cup year.  Featuring the St George’s cross, we hope that the jersey will strike national pride into anyone who wears it.”

Both England men’s and women’s teams will wear the kit at their respective World Cups which will run concurrently in Australia later this year.

The Official Limited Edition 2008 England Rugby League World Cup replica kit, training wear and accessories will be available to pre-order from Midnight on 16 June.

The England Merchandise can be purchased via www.rugbyleagueonline.co.uk or by calling 0870 241 6821, weekdays 8am-5pm.

All orders received between midnight 16 June and midnight 11 July will be delivered directly to you on the day the merchandise goes on general sale, the 18 July, whilst stock last.

The adult men’s and women’s replica shirts will cost £45.00, the youth shirt £40,00, whilst the junior version is priced £35.00, and both will be less tight fitting than those worn by the players.

Genesis Group International Ltd are the RFL’s Official Merchandise Partner and the Exclusive Licensee for Puma for Teamsports (UK and Ireland).  Julie Orange, Marketing Manager, Genesis said: “We’re launching the re-branded England website, rugbyleagueonline.co.uk at midnight on 16 June. Due to requests from our customers we’ve increased our sizing range of the Adult Shirt for England to 5XL and made sure all the garments our customers loved and were too late to buy last year, form part of the England range.”