Western Force 2023 jerseys revealed

Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 2:20 AM
WM
by Western Force Media

The Western Force is thrilled to unveil the home and away jerseys for the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific and Buildorp Super W competitions.

The 2023 away jersey homages the legacy paved by those that donned the Western Gold once before. The iconic gold and black colour scheme are honoured in the away jersey, upholding the heritage and tradition of rugby in WA.

Dating back to the 1920s, WA rugby teams represented the state in a symbolic gold jersey with a black swan and finishings. The classic horizontal strips further nod to the traditional design and sentiment in attributing the rich history this jersey represents.

Former Chairman of Rugby WA Geoffrey Stooke AM OEM CitWA signifies the importance of recognising the deep history rugby holds in this state and how the Force are a representation of many.

“When we made the bid in 2004 to have a Western Australian team in the national competition, it was all about integrating the community and history of the game and we really strived to do that,” Stooke claimed.

“As time goes by people tend to forget what we had here prior to professional rugby. It is important to recognise the whole of the state and the history that the Force carry. We deliberately chose to name the Force after the state, not just Perth, as the Force are a representation of the whole state not just the city.”

“There is no question that the profile of the game grew enormously with the advent of the Western Force, the gold represents Western Australia but I’m quite comfortable with the Force having its own identity.”

The Maali (black swan), an emblem of the Western Force and Western Australia, shines across the chest. Proudly presented in advanced adhesive material. The Maali will assist in regaining grip in game situations, withstanding the rigorous commitment on the field.

Chief executive officer Tony Lewis is delighted with the design, how the away jersey honours the past and what the home jersey represents for the future.

"When I first saw the jerseys in person, I was very pleased and couldn't be more thrilled with how they turned out," Lewis claimed.

"The away jersey is like nothing the Force have worn before. When explaining the history and reasoning behind the design to the playing group, they were captivated and enraptured by the opportunity to represent WA rugby through the generations."

Ensuring the Force represents WA's proud indigenous heritage in every match this year, Nyoongar artist Darryl Bellotti's design continues to be featured across both jerseys. In addition, Bellotti's design is abetted by up to four Maali's positioned within both jerseys.

"Every thought-out, intricate detail has been executed flawlessly. Incorporating indigenous patterns throughout the design and the Maali across the front is extraordinary and like no other on the market," Lewis added.

The official 2023 Western Force home and away jerseys are now available to purchase and pre-order through the online store here.

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