British & Irish Lions kit supplier adidas have unveiled the technologically advanced jersey the team will wear as they attempt to beat New Zealand ‘s finest rugby players – and the country’s weather.
The main advance over the adidas kit the Lions wore in Australia in 2001 is the introduction of the ClimaCool moisture management system, which will help the players cope with the extreme conditions the New Zealand winter could throw at them.
Lions tourists of the past were weighed down there by the mud, rain and sweat their traditional cotton jerseys soaked up by the bucketload.
The 2005 kit aims to minimise the impact of these conditions by drawing moisture away from the skin and ensuring the jersey does not become waterlogged in the wet. It also features mesh panels over key heat zones to help maintain a constant body temperature, which enables muscles to achieve optimum performance.
Adidas re-created the likely weather conditions the team will face using environmental and climactic chambers, infra-red cameras and wind tunnels, before putting its PES fabric through countless strength tests to ensure it can withstand the rigours of international rugby.
Lions head coach Sir Clive Woodward said: "I think anyone who’s experienced the level of intensity of rugby in New Zealand knows that, for the squad of players we select, next year’s tour is likely to be the toughest experience of their careers.
"As such, I am extremely happy to unveil the kit that will help ensure our guys are as well equipped as possible to face the All Blacks."
