New Look Kiwis Take to the Field

Thomas Leuluai, who has recently returned from the UK to play for the Kiwis, paid a visit to Mainstreams Otahuhu base to meet the team of the newest Kiwis sponsor.

Also on show was the new Kiwis jersey that features a hand drawn design by Kiwis cultural advisor Ora Kihi. Using photos of many of the Kiwis players tattoos, he took elements that represent their many and varied backgrounds and combined them into a design which has been added to the back and sleeves of the Kiwis playing jersey.

Mainstream will also sponsor the Kiwi Ferns and the NZRL referees, with the whole partnership to run until after the 2021 RLWC.

Greg Haliday, Managing Director of Mainstream said “My family has a long history of involvement with rugby league so when this opportunity came our way, we were very keen to be involved."

“Mainstream is a proud 100% Kiwi owned business with our roots in South Auckland so this is a great fit for us.”

“It’s wonderful to be associated with two of New Zealand’s elite sports teams and we’re looking forward to following the Kiwis and the Kiwi Ferns during the RLWC."

“Given the high profile of women’s sport these day and the Ferns success both in this tournament and at the Nines, we are really pleased to be able to be their front of jersey sponsor for the next four years.”

Alex Hayton, NZRL CEO explained that NZRL had wanted to keep the front of the jersey traditional with such an important tournament being played at home, while adding interest and something of the players themselves for the same reason.

“We are very pleased with the design Ora has created and with the way Macron have integrated it into the jersey and our range of retail apparel, connecting our fans with the Kiwis.”

“Over the next few years we will be playing more games at home and securing these excellent long term partners allows us to focus on the delivery of these events.”

The Kiwis RLWC campaign kicks off on Saturday, October 28 against Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium. The Kiwi Ferns will play their pool games in Sydney from November 16.