The Welsh Rugby Union and Under Armour  announced a comprehensive four-year official kit supplier agreement for Under Armour to supply the full range of technical performance apparel for all of the Wales international teams and support staff. The senior Wales team will debut the full kit at this year’s Invesco Perpetual Series 2008.

The wide-ranging deal will also deliver playing, training and support staff apparel for age group international squads, the Wales Sevens team and the Welsh women’s squad. To unify the impact on the game, the WRU’s most comprehensive sponsorship includes the supply of playing, training and support staff apparel and equipment.

Under Armour Europe President and Managing Director, Peter Mahrer, welcomed the partnership as a major step for the company. He said: “This is a historic day for Under Armour globally to partner with an international rugby nation of the stature and pedigree of Wales. We look forward to working with the WRU to supply rugby’s most technologically advanced rugby apparel and equipment. We see it as another key element in establishing our authentic Brand on field first as we grow our presence in Europe.”

The WRU said it was attracted to Under Armour because of the company’s impressive approach to professional sport and its success as a vibrant global brand. The partnership will build the global commercial footprint of the WRU and increase their presence in countries such as the United States, Canada and Japan as well as traditional rugby nations like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: “We were enormously impressed by Under Armour’s story and product. The technology involved with Under Armour products demonstrates an innovative and forward-thinking company which is really cutting edge.

We wanted a partner with the same values as the WRU and these are expressed in their focus on delivering excellence and success. Under Armour is a company which strives to be the best in its field which is the same as the Welsh Rugby Union. This new relationship is a major statement of intent by both of us. Our jersey has to be the best product available and its design has to be entirely fit for purpose while making a bold statement based on our history, our heritage and our winning mentality.”

According to a statement, experts from the Under Armour design and manufacture teams have been studying Welsh rugby and its history and heritage in order to deliver the maximum impact and benefit for players, back up teams and the public. Kit colour co-ordinations and design will also embrace Welsh rugby and cultural history to reflect the way the game helps define Wales as a nation. The new kit will build on the authenticity that has seen the Welsh jersey become one of the world’s most popular selling rugby kits.

Head Coach Warren Gatland said: “We have all been tremendously impressed by the quality and integrity of Under Armour. The product is magnificent and all our players look forward to wearing the full range of their performance apparel.”

The brand has an official supplier agreement with New Zealand side Canterbury RFU. In addition, Under Armour has developed significant club, athlete, and sports governing body partnerships across the major UK sports of rugby, football and cricket.

Under Armour also has an elite athlete portfolio in the UK, which includes Sunderland and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Middlesbrough and Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, West Ham United footballer Bobby Zamora and Fulham player Jimmy Bullard.