by The Wallabies will wear a new jersey featuring Indigenous artwork designed by Test player Dylan Pietsch when they face the British and Irish Lions on the touring team’s trip to Australia next year.
Proud Wiradjuri Burray man Pietsch created the artwork, which appears on the forearm and lower back of the jersey, while the inside cuffs of the traditional gold jersey will feature the venues’ First Nations place names.
The Lions will play the Wallabies three times next year – the first time Australia has hosted the series in 12 years – with games in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Rugby Australia said the design “tells the story of the country’s connection through its people and landscapes, while capturing rugby’s powerful ability to create new connections by uniting communities through a common purpose”.
Pietsch said he was “incredibly proud” to be able to represent himself and his culture through the artwork.
“The centerpiece of the artwork features a wallaby and a lion, which is a direct nod to the series,” he added. “Their relationship is portrayed as a battle of respect. Respect for our game and respect for each other.”
Pietsch’s work is based on the traditional technique of using dots depicting the natural landscapes of Australia with allusions to Aboriginal dream stories.
The Asics jersey also features a return to a traditional collar, while, as is common practice these days, it is made from sustainable materials and is designed to provide players with maximum ventilation and mobility.
“An embossed diamond texture was also added for aesthetic reasons,” RA said in a statement.
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The Wallabies face a tough test against the Lions next July and August after mixed results since new coach Joe Schmidt took over following the disastrous Rugby World Cup under Eddie Jones.
Schmidt’s side have so far recorded four wins in nine Tests, lost their 23rd consecutive series against New Zealand and slipped to 10th in the world rankings. She will face further challenges on a tour to Great Britain and Ireland from next month when they face England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in the hope of securing a first Grand Slam since 1984.
