LYCRA® SPORT Fabric Brings INVISTA and Canterbury Together in Partnership through 2011 Rugby World Cup
INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, has teamed up with Canterbury of New Zealand to develop state of the art jerseys for athletes at the Rugby World Cup 2011. When the time came to develop sportswear enhanced to support the world’s toughest athletes at the long-awaited rugby event, including the defending world champions, South Africa, a partnership between Canterbury and INVISTA was only natural.
Outfitters of high-profile teams around the world, Canterbury of New Zealand selected LYCRA® SPORT fabric to enhance its sportswear performance. The 107-year-old company’s advanced line of rugby apparel is stronger than normal with a vision to enhance performance. They have customized, position-specific uniforms with better fit and fabric in an attempt to make players more evasive when avoiding tackles.
“Working with INVISTA over the last year has ensured that our garments withstand the harsh conditions athletes face on the rugby field,” says Chris Stephenson, CEO of Canterbury of New Zealand. The two companies joined forces in this partnership to share knowledge of leading technologies to develop the new line.
Furthermore, LYCRA® fiber is recognized and valued by consumers worldwide, and adding LYCRA® fiber branding to materials has been shown to improve turnover and increase customer interest and loyalty, delivering to consumers the promise of comfort, fit and freedom of movement. Canterbury will be using the LYCRA® SPORT fabric logo at points of sale, in brochures, a look book and other material, and the LYCRA® SPORT fabric hangtag will be featured on replica team test jerseys in retail shops.
“We are thrilled that Canterbury of New Zealand has chosen to use LYCRA® SPORT fabric in its advanced line of rugby apparel,” says Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Marketing Account Director for Activewear and Outdoor at INVISTA, “And we are happy to see one of INVISTA’s innovations featured at this year’s Rugby World Cup, providing the world’s best players with a high performance kit.”
The LYCRA® SPORT fabric in the jerseys meets a demanding performance standard for a demanding group of athletes, including a combination of light weight, breathability, muscle support and freedom of movement, helping the Rugby World Cup athletes to achieve their best performance.
The latest range of advanced rugby apparel made with LYCRA® SPORT fabric will be put to the test by five national teams, including USA, Russia, Japan, Scotland, and South Africa, starting September 9th in New Zealand, where professional rugby players will gather for the Rugby World Cup.
PHOTO USAGE: If using the photographic image available for use with this story, the following credit line must be included: ©2011 Canterbury of New Zealand, Ltd.
About Canterbury of New Zealand Ltd
Established in 1904, Canterbury of New Zealand is one of the world’s leading rugby brands. With over 100 years’ experience kitting out rugby’s finest sportsmen, Canterbury continues to challenge sporting boundaries and is known worldwide for their cutting-edge and innovative technical garments.
Kristin Altimari
Brand Communication Manager
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