The Progressive team have had a long standing relationship with Canterbury of New Zealand – in fact it goes all the way back to the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Involved from the start of the product, Progressive provided strength and toughness testing for Canterbury’s new range of international shirts showcased at the most recent Rugby World Cup in 2015. This was continued into 2017, with heavy involvement in the British and Irish Lions jersey for their tour of New Zealand.
The shirts featured a range of innovations initially developed in conjunction with both England and Ireland Rugby. The process involved more than 220 hours of testing and 250,000 miles of travel. This resulted in the most lightweight Canterbury kit have ever produced and was complimented by a 3D rose and a contoured ball-deadening grip. New 3D body-mapping technology was also used to create a more personalised fit for players in different positions.
The most lightweight Canterbury kit ever
Progressive’s work with Canterbury is ongoing to this day, with innovations being tested and passed through the labs at the Sports Technology Institute. Neck strength testing is key for Canterbury to ensure that the neckline will never fail during play, a claim they confidently make on every match shirt.