Leicester Tigers are proud to announce that international kit supplier Samurai Sportswear will be the club’s official technical partner in a new three-year deal.
Samurai will take over from current supplier Kukri from July 1 in a move which will see all Leicester Tigers playing, coaching, staff and retail lines designed and manufactured exclusively in a club-wide collection of Samurai ranges.
Leicester Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy joined Samurai founder Terry Sands at Welford Road to mark the agreement of the partnership, alongside current Leicester Tigers Dan Cole, Greg Bateman, Joe Heyes and Noel Reid.
Samurai are a family-run clothing design and manufacture whose origins began when, back in 1996, founder Terry Sands created his own kit for his Samurai International Rugby Sevens team at the Amsterdam Sevens.
The brand is now a leading multi-sport teamwear supplier kitting out teams from a variety of sports. Exeter Chiefs, Sale Sharks, Cornish Pirates and the Army Rugby Union are all technical partners alongside Kent Cricket and Derbyshire County Cricket Club.
Samurai is also a popular teamwear brand for university sports teams across the UK and overseas as well as local sports clubs, and are the current kit supplier for the Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby team.
Leicester Tigers supporters will also be able to get their hands on a variety of Samurai products at a special pre-launch event held during the club’s Derby Day fixture against Northampton Saints on the weekend of May 15.
Samurai will be bringing their roadshow store to Welford Road to showcase products from their training, leisurewear and teamwear lines giving fans the chance to feel, try on and find out more about what Samurai are all about.
Speaking at the launch, Geordan said: “Working with Samurai is an incredible opportunity for Leicester Tigers to create a truly club-wide mentality amongst players, staff and supporters.
“They are a proven and popular brand amongst professionals, as well as local community teams in the region and around the world, and we’re excited about the quality of products that Terry and his team will be able to offer.”
Terry, who has been with the business for 24 years as managing director and now CEO, said: “Samurai are honoured to have been chosen by Leicester Tigers for this partnership, and we feel privileged to be involved with a club with Leicester’s playing heritage and history.
“We look forward to serving both the club professionals and supporters with our matchday, training and leisure kit.”
Alongside the announcement, the club will also be working with Samurai on the launch of its Iconix rugby shirt later this year.
