Wallaby backs Andy Muirhead and Reece Hodge have thrown their support behind the addition of a First Nations design to the gold jersey.
The design was announced on Wednesday, which will see it incorporated into the playing numbers, starting with Sunday's clash with the Springboks.
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The move to add the design came after constant discussions by the leadership group to recognise the First Nations culture outside of wearing the jersey on one-off occasions.
Muirhead, who has indigenous heritage from his mother’s side in the small Queensland town of Chinchilla, admits the decision was a special step in building culture within the squad.
“Having something like this on the jersey is a big step forward,” he told the media.
“The boys wearing the Indigenous jersey over the last couple of years has been a nice touch so I think it’s a nice touch the boys can run out each week and display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture. It’s pretty special.
“…I think the number is quite fitting. It gets looked like a lot with the jersey so I think it’s a nice fit…a job well done.”
It was also announced the Wallabies will wear the First Nations jersey for their Round Five clash against Argentina in Townsville, with reports suggesting it could also be worn at some stage of the Spring Tour later in the year.
For Reece Hodge, who played on the wing against New Zealand when the jersey was first worn in 2017, the addition in the numbers is a permanent reminder of their heritage.
“It’s awesome. It’s been great to have individual nights where we’ve worn this jersey before and represent parts of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture but to have a permanent reminder display of that going forward is something the players are happy to run out with that awesome number on their back,” Hodge added.
“There have been discussions (about doing something similar) for years and the leadership team were pushing for something permanently to be there and that’s obviously something they’ve come up with.
“It’s been a constant dialogue and we’re happy with the outcome. Hopefully it’s something the fans can get behind too.”
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Culture and recognising the multiculturalism of the Wallabies has become a centrepiece of Dave Rennie's tenure as coach.
This has been seen in the past with the side signing the anthem in the local Indigenous language when they played last year against Argentina in Sydney.
Hodge hinted at doing something similar for the Townsville clash on September 25, which is home to the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People.
“I haven’t heard anything yet but Dave’s (Rennie) always good for something like that in Test week so we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled and we’ll find out soon enough,” Hodge added.
