Canterbury of New Zealand, founded in 1904, will become the official kit partner to European Rugby League following a partnership agreement which also includes retail partner Hardgear Ltd.

The deal will see Canterbury supply uniforms and kit to European Rugby League’s staff and volunteers, with match officials wearing Canterbury kits for all ERL’s international championships and events. Those products – and an exciting range of European Rugby League branded casual wear – will soon be available to purchase online exclusively through Hardgear’s retail platform, with delivery available worldwide.

“We are delighted to work with European Rugby League to further strengthen our position as a leading brand within rugby for players and match officials alike” said Ian Watkinson, account manager at Canterbury. “Canterbury is truly committed to the development of grassroots rugby league and we can’t wait to support more junior, men’s and women’s teams across the region.”

Canterbury already has a strong association with the sport, with both the Australia Kangaroos and the New Zealand Warriors kits currently manufactured by them.

“We’re very pleased to be working with such a prestigious brand such as Canterbury and to welcome them to the European Rugby League family,” said David Butler, ERL general manager. “Canterbury’s range of apparel meets our needs superbly and we are looking forward to working with them on a number of initiatives as we progress the relationship.”

“We’re also delighted to welcome Hardgear into the fold,” he continued. “We’re looking forward to utilising their retail experience to help us to promote the brand of European Rugby League and also to give fans and supporters a tangible way to show their support of our efforts to grow rugby league across the northern hemisphere. We look forward to launching the online shop in the coming weeks.”

Hardgear are elite teamwear specialists based in Leeds, UK, who represent international and high-quality brands as well as supplying white label products to all sectors of the apparel market from universities, schools, academies and sports clubs around the world.