Kitting Out – Let’s Get Some Stash!

As Pre-Season matches are about to get into full swing, it’s that time of the year where Britain’s elite clubs unveil their new shirts. Every year we get a handful that tend to be favoured by many fans, and, without doubt, a few that certainly are rather off the wall. Now that most British & Irish clubs have released their new Home, Away and possibly Cup shirts, we can have a respectful nod, unknowing stare or smarmy grin at what this year’s club rails will be stocked with.

I have taken a look through all the releases so far and collated, after research, what fans really think about their new kits-

Nice

Neath and Swansea Ospreys Home 2013/14-

The Ospreys, who regularly produce smart stash, with the odd Maori’esque patterning have once again come up with a solid seller. Kooga have added new styling to the shirt, on the sleeves especially and a stand-out orange piping on the shoulder.

4/5

Gloucester Home 2013/14-

With a sponsor like ‘Magna Clean’, you imagine the shirts will stay spotless and white for the majority of the season. Sticking with the generic Cherry and White colours, kit suppliers Kooga have reduced the striped look of the last few seasons, possibly trying to be a bit more modern.

4/5

Bottom of Form

Harlequins Home 2013/14-

For the Quins fans out there, or observant rugby fans that tuned into Saturdays JP Morgan 7s action, Harlequins were showing off the new Home shirt. Worn here by Charlie Walker, the generic quartered shirt remains largely the same but with edits made to the sleeves and sides, again making the Harlequins Home shirt at least, a ‘proper’, wearable rugby shirt.

4/5

Cardiff Blues Home 2013/14-

The navy and light blue shirt first caught the attention of Cardiff fans after its unveiling in a flash mob in the city. Blues man Robin Copeland joined in with the otherwise all female dancers, and weirdly for the 6’5 flanker, he produced some pretty impressive moves. A simplistic shirt, that has had a massive renewal after last season definitely gets a thumbs up from me! Possibly too plain though?…

4/5

Leicester Tigers Home 2013/14-

Revealed at the end of the 2012/13 season, in typical and rather strange Leicester fashion, Leicester have a Home kit that they can be proud to wear. Fans of the old striped Tigers shirts of the 08 years still will be deterred at purchasing Canterbury’s new effort. However with a minimalistic look and all the original Tigers colours in the shirt, it certainly is superior to last season’s efforts!

4/5

Nasty

Exeter Chiefs Cup/Third 2013/14-

Apart from dazzling the opposition with its over-detailed, revolting patterning, there really isn’t a lot of good you can say about this shirt. The Chiefs as always have produced nice Home and Away shirts but fail to hit the heights with their Alternate jersey. Not nice, and I’m sure Chiefs fans won’t miss it.

1/5

Gloucester Away 2013/14-

Not a terrible kit by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, it baffles myself and many other fans why you’d choose navy and pink. If I was only a casual spectator of the game I’d likely mistake Jonny May for the referee.

Similar don’t you think??

2/5

Leicester Tigers Away 2013/14-

For any Scottish Leicester supporters, here is Canterbury’s version of a modern kilt, that you were on your torso. Let’s face it, the shirt is a little bit like marmite. Love it or hate it, it certainly catches the eye. It’s a little bit showy and Leicester can afford to be. Ok shirt, maybe a step too far.

2/5

Neither nor

Worcester Warriors Home 2013/14-

Being a Worcester Fan, I had to get this shirt in. The new Away shirt, worn by the winning Sevens outfit at Kingsholm was stylish and different. I’m not quite sure what to think about the home shirt. It seems at first glance that the shade of navy and gold have gone back to the traditional Worcester colours. However I’m not quite sure I get the unusual curving up top. Still purchasing it, but will be sitting on the fence at whether it a nice or a nasty jersey!

3/5

With teams like Sale, Saints, Edinburgh and Scarlets yet unleash their stash for the new season. I’m sure additions will be made to both lists.

Let us know your opinions and tweet @InTheLoose or visit our Facebook page.

Even let us know your favourite shirts of all time, and the most atrocious ones!

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