The cash-strapped Georgian rugby squad are set to tear strips off England in their World Cup opener in Perth on Sunday after clinching a five figure kit deal – from an English firm!
The gutsy Georgians have already scored thanks to Preston-based Kukri who have given the team a major boost ahead of their first World Cup campaign.
The firm, already involved in professional rugby as official sports and leisurewear supplier to Celtic Rugby, came to the rescue of the Georgians, a third of whom are still amateurs, after hearing they would be forced to turn out against mighty England wearing another team’s hand-me-downs.
Now the team, who faced Ireland in their qualifying matches for Australia 2003, will run out against Wilkinson, Johnson, Dallaglio & Co on Sunday looking the business.
Georgian captain Ilia Zedginidze said: ‘We are all so grateful to Kukri. We didn’t know where we would have found the money to pay for our kit and thanks to the Kukri sponsorship we will at least look as though we can take on the world. Who knows what will happen over 80 minutes.’
The Kukri kit has been produced at break-neck speed in the firm’s factory in China and shipped directly to Australia in time for Georgia’s opening match.
Kukri have provided the team with a comprehensive selection of playing, training and leisure kit including shirts, shorts, socks, track suits, fleeces and sweatshirts.
The Georgians’ plight is in stark contrast to their wealthy opposition, who have benefited from over £10million of RFU investment.
Phil Morris, Kukri’s commercial director, said: ‘We’re delighted to help and have worked with both the IRB and the Georgian team to make sure that they look like world beaters when they run out against England on Friday.
‘With today’s high demands on top players both on and off the pitch we are determine to help the Georgian players have as good a chance as possible and we hope that their guys get their reward by enjoying their time playing on the world stage and of course looking the part.’
How appropriate that the Kukri slogan is ‘Who wears wins’!!!
For further information contact:
Kukri
Phil Morris – Commercial Director
Tel: +44 780 157 3552