Classic Sportswear- a Sydney based manufacturer since 1934 has arrived as a player on the highly competitive global sports apparel market after having secured a long term, exclusive supply agreement with the Great Britain’s Rugby Football League (RFL). This landmark agreement covers both the official on field apparel and official training gear as well as the exclusive retail sales of all authentic merchandise.
The agreement includes all the representative teams in the British Rugby League- England, All Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the United Kingdom team itself. In addition, Classic Sportswear will be working to develop the ‘War of the Roses’ into the English equivalent of our highly successful State of Origin series. This is the first time that the supply rights to the UK’s flagship brands have been granted to an Australian firm. This is a major vote of confidence in our Australian manufacturing, innovation and design capabilities and shows the ability of Australian companies to compete on the World stage.
The success of Classic Sportswear in securing this deal has been greatly assisted by the Federal Government’s new Strategic Investment Program (SIP), which enables the local company to further increase capital investment in leading edge textile production. Additionally, considerable support has been provided through the initiatives of the NSW Department of State & Regional Development, Australian Business and the TCFL Design and Technology Centre.
The deal also reflects Classic Sportswear typically Aussie underdog traits – tenacity, perseverance and innovation – that have seen Classic Sportswear survive and prosper in a dynamic Australian market. The team sports market has experienced significant shifts in recent years, including the increasing commercialisation of sport, and the subsequent development of extensive retail merchandise programs for team gear.
Indeed, many in the industry believe that such programs have the potential to become the major income stream for teams, as being shown by Manchester United. This potential has inevitably seen a rush by the multi national suppliers to be a part of the Australian sports scene. That Classic Sportswear has not only survived this incursion, but is now striking back on the world stage is an exciting role model for all Australian firms.
This ability to adapt to market trends was further highlighted in recent months when Classic Sportswear expanded its Australian operations, to provide, in collaboration with a highly skilled local designer, an innovative fashion apparel range. This extension, which complements it’s historical rugby playing gear, has led to a new partnership with the NSW Institute of Sport. At the same time, its exclusive partnerships with such bodies as the Australian Kangaroos and Combined Services Rugby have been expanded to include casual apparel. Even the Australian Bob Sled team has jumped on board!
RFL executive Director of Rugby Greg McCallum said: ‘We are obviously delighted to have secured this long-term agreement with one of the world’s leading manufacturers. Having our players supplied with high quality gear will enhance the re-emergence of Great Britain as a world force in Rugby League.’
For further information, please contact:
Jim Brennan 0410 44 44 22
Tony Magnus 0410 66 66 00
Classic Sportswear 02 9318 2000