The British and Irish Lions rugby union team has agreed a new partnership with sports apparel company Canterbury.
The deal names Canterbury the team’s official apparel partner. The two-year agreement will culminate in the Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2017.
Canterbury will manufacture the Lions' match and training kits and will also develop a new lifestyle range.
To mark the agreement, Canterbury has produced 1,959 commemorative editions of the jerseys worn by the Lions on their tour of New Zealand in 1959, when the two parties were in partnership.
“Our two brands have a strong historical link and we hope today marks the start of a long and enduring partnership,” John Feehan, British and Irish Lions chief executive, said.
Canterbury chief executive Chris Stephenson added: “This deal brings the best of the best together and cements our place as the leading brand in rugby expanding our commitment from the grassroots of the game to the pinnacle of world rugby.”
Canterbury replaces German sportswear giant Adidas as the Lions’ official apparel partner.