Kiely Issues New Kit

Munster Rugby Kit Manager Jack Kiely discusses one of his busiest times of the year as he kits out players, management and coaches with the brand new adidas Munster Rugby range for the 2015/16 season.

Now in his thirteenth season with the province, Jack has just completed his annual June fortnight in the basement of Thomond Park – checking, counting and sorting out up to 15 pallets of new adidas kit for a playing squad of over 40 and a management and coaching staff of up to 30.

As the Shannon clubman explains, it’s a process that begins well in advance of a new season.

“The gear for any season is ordered 12 months in advance with our Team Manager Niall O’Donovan in consultation with adidas regarding the requirements for the squad. As regards quantities for each of the items, that’s down to me and is mostly based on the previous season where we keep note of what was used and player sizes, etc. We also make sure to order extras of each size for new players and management who join in the new season. When we have a good handle on the projected numbers I then sit down with adidas and Niall and we place the order.

“The kit for players and management makes an extra stop on its way to us. Unlike the gear in the shops, the squad kit is taken to a factory outside Manchester where it is branded with our main sponsor’s logo (Bank Of Ireland) and that’s its final stop before coming to us.”

“It’s up to me then to get the team numbers and Guinness PRO12 and Champions Cup logos printed on the jerseys.”

While sports shops will have to wait a little while longer before taking delivery of the new adidas Munster range, the squad supply of kit is delivered to Jack in ample time for pre-season.

“The gear starts arriving from the middle of June and we sort it as it comes in. Each player is allocated a squad number which is on their kit bags. I have a note of the sizes for each squad number and fill the bags accordingly so when the player arrives all he has to do is wheel away his bag.

“The bag consists of training jerseys, shorts, socks, t-shirts, tracksuits, hoodies, wet-gear and anything else they might need in terms of team wear. We try to replace some of the bits – like socks and training jerseys – as they get worn during the season.

“The squad try on the gear when picking it up, just to make sure it fits ok, and if they need to change they can do it there and then. Players now have the majority of the gear and any remaining bits will be passed on once they come in.”

As is tradition each year, Jack reserves a special mention for the player of coach who displayed the vainest tendencies while trying on the new kit. Once again a player has failed to take the accolade with Scrum Coach Jerry Flannery taking the spoils for a second consecutive year.

“Fla just about takes it this year, although there’s a good number of the lads who gave him a run for his money. With all the training they love the tight-fitted, figure-hugging gear, not like the old days when it was hanging off fellas. What sets Jerry apart is the fixing of his hair after trying on each piece of kit. I need to start carrying a comb for him.”

It is expected that the new Munster Home and Alternate jerseys will be unveiled next week, with confirmation of on-sale release dates also expected.

Get a sneak preview of the range here…