This summer of 2021, ‘Azzurro Italia’ is definitely a winning colour, and ‘Azzurro Italia’ is the colour of the new ‘Home’ kit, alongside the white of the new ‘Away’ kit, which the Italian Rugby Federation and Macron, the Hero company, have unveiled and which all the men’s and women’s national teams will wear during their respective international fixtures throughout the 2021–2022 season. These kits, alongside the traditional colours that represent our rugby around the world, embody the ‘green’ of sustainability and respect for the environment.

The Azzurri’s match kits are, in fact, made from Eco-Fabric, a 100% polyester derived from recycled plastic and certified by the Global Recycled Standard. Macron is a firm believer in sustainability, demonstrating its commitment to the environment and applying high-calibre technological solutions to its production processes whilst respecting and protecting the environment. These choices are also shared and embraced by the Italian Rugby Federation.

The new ‘Home’ shirt retains the traditional Italian blue and features a V-neck with a white trim. The back of the neck is personalised with the F.I.R. crest. White detailing also features on the sleeve hems and the side panels. On the right side of the chest is the Macron Hero logo – the Italian brand’s emblem – in white, whilst on the left, over the heart, is the Italian Rugby Federation crest. On the back of the neck, the word ‘ITALIA’ is printed in a tone-on-tone design, beneath which sits the Italian flag. The distinctive feature of the new home kit is the tone-on-tone design with a pixelated, gradient effect, created using sublimation printing, which adorns the front of the shirt.

The ‘Away’ version is white and echoes the stylistic features of the Home kit. It has a V-neck with edges in Italian sky blue, as are the details on the sleeves and the inserts on the sides. The back of the neck is customised, with the word ‘ITALIA’ and the tricolour flag appearing in a tone-on-tone design on the outer back neck. On the chest, in light blue, is the Macron Hero logo, and to the left is the F.I.R. crest. Here too, the front of the shirt features a pixelated graphic that fades from top to bottom.

All the jerseys have a body-hugging fit and are made from Eco-Armevo fabric with Eco-Boditex inserts; these materials are not only lightweight and breathable but also ensure maximum durability.