Australian Rugby is hoping a sense of nostalgia from the era that first saw the Wallabies lift the William Webb Ellis Cup will inspire future national teams to greater success.
The sports body announced this week the Wallabies and Wallaroos will “anchor their future on-field look with a nod to their World Cup-winning heritage.”
Some of the most influential Australian rugby figures gathered in Sydney and Brisbane to vote on the national side’s jersey colours going forward.
The 1991 Rugby World Cup-winning jersey was chosen and will now form the basis of the Wallabies and Wallaroos playing kit.
Rugby Australia will begin working with ASICS to align the traditional colour scheme with the technological evolution of the modern game.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said the outcome of the vote mirrored the results of a poll in which more than 13,000 people hinted the 1991 jersey was their favourite.
“The jersey is key to our identity as a team and a nation, and it is important that it has a nod to its heritage and also appeals to our supporters,” Mr McLennan said.
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ASICS said the new jersey will take performance and the players’ identity into account.
The Wallabies won the second ever Rugby World Cup at Twickenham in 1991.
Images of Nick Farr-Jones receiving the coveted trophy from Queen Elizabeth II will always remain etched into the memory of union supporters.
Australia went on to become the first team to lift ‘Bill’ for a second time when they defeated France in Cardiff in 1999.
New Zealand (1987, 2011, 2015) and South Africa (1995, 2007, 2019) have each been crowned world champions three times.
England claimed victory in Australia in 2003.
The Wallaroos are yet to win the Rugby World Cup for Women.
The team finished third in 2010.
Do you believe a change in kit colour can usher in a new golden era for Australia’s national rugby union teams? Let us know in the comments section below.