Ireland internationals Anna McGann and Eve Higgins are pictured with Alana, Isla, and Peter, to launch the jersey design competition ©David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
The Irish Rugby Football Union today announced an exciting new competition inviting young people, artists, and rugby fans across the country to design a special pre-match warm-up jersey to mark a landmark moment in Irish sport – the Ireland Women’s first ever standalone international fixture at the Aviva Stadium, taking place on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The competition was officially unveiled with a celebratory photo call featuring Ireland Women’s stars Eve Higgins and Anna McGann who went viral during last year’s Rugby World Cup with calls for Canterbury to ‘Release the Fleece’ that the players were wearing on their social media channels.
The winning design will be produced as the official warm-up jersey worn by the team on the day of the historic match.
Speaking at the launch, Aoife Clarke, Communications Director for the IRFU, said:
This game at the Aviva Stadium represents a huge moment for Irish Women’s rugby, and we wanted to mark it in a way that truly reflects the community, creativity, and passion behind the team.
“By inviting fans and young artists to design our warm-up jersey, we’re giving them a chance to be part of history and to leave their mark on Irish Rugby.”
The competition is being delivered in partnership with Canterbury, long-time kit partner to Irish Rugby, who will bring the winning concept to life.
Simon Rowe, SVP Canterbury EMEA & North America, commented: “We saw at Rugby World Cup 2025 how creativity can unite a fan base. Moments like ‘Release the Fleece’ proved that when supporters lead, the effects travel far beyond the pitch.
“This competition is about letting supporters help shape the connection between the team and the people who support them.”
Entries will be judged by a panel, including representatives from the Women’s team and Canterbury, with the winning designer receiving official recognition and tickets to the Aviva Stadium fixture.
They will also have the opportunity to attend the Captain’s Run, meet some members of the team, and hand over the jersey to the captain the day before.
As anticipation builds towards May 2026, this initiative ensures that the first standalone Ireland Women’s international at the Aviva Stadium will be not just a sporting milestone, but a shared cultural moment – created by the community, for the community.
Please email your completed design to info@irishrugby.ie and include contact details for a parent or guardian. The closing date for entries is Friday, January 23.
Full competition details, entry guidelines, and deadlines can be found here: Canterbury-Jersey-Competition-2025.
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