Allianz Stadium. Our home, our castle. The largest dedicated rugby union venue in the world. For over a century, countless crowds have roared England’s Red Roses over the line at this iconic old ground.
So synonymous is Allianz Stadium with English rugby, that the teams now take it with them wherever they go.
The England Rugby 25/26 Alternate Kit is our tribute to heritage of English rugby and the spirit of Allianz. Boldly dark with subtle blue accents, the new Alternative Kit contrasts the Home Kit while continuing its theme of shattering glass ceilings.
Built on Legacy. Designed to Evolve.
Built on Legacy. Designed to Evolve.
Inspired by red roses and the architecture of the Allianz, the Alternate Kit celebrates England’s heritage while simultaneously pushing the team into new territories, helping to raise performances wherever they play.
“Every Castore garment begins with a purpose,” reveals Chloe Twigg, Sportswear Designer at Castore. “For the England Rugby Alternate Kit, that meant not just making it capable of withstanding the intensity of elite-level rugby, but also using it to tell a powerful story as well.”
Chloe Twigg, Sportswear Designer
“The Alternate Kit is where we, as designers, get to push boundaries.”
While the Alternate Kit’s looks may catch the most eyes, at its core, this kit is built for performance.
“Rugby demands a huge range of movements, and puts stress on specific areas of the kit, especially the collar. So we reinforced it,” Chloe explains. “The Pro Fit is snug yet comfortable, with a dropped front neck for increased mobility and a better contour to the body.”
Below the collar, bartack stitching strengthens high-stress areas like underarms and side seams. An anti-slip waistband keeps shorts in place under pressure. Even the shorts’ crests are stitched using the most hardwearing methods available, so no matter the challenge, nothing gives way.
Chloe Twigg, Sportswear Designer
“Some of the most important performance features are the ones you don’t see at first glance.”
Advanced moisture-wicking fabrics keep players dry, essential for comfort in such a close-fitting kit.
On the Men’s kit, dynamic shard graphics pay tribute to Allianz Stadium.
“We carried forward the ‘shattering the glass ceiling’ concept from the Home Kit,” Chloe explains. “For the Alternate Kit, we translated that into dynamic shard graphics with pops of colour.
Even the chest grippers, essential for ball control, echo this design language, following the path of the shard explosion and connecting performance with storytelling.
“These grippers are tailored to each kit’s design. It’s a detail that’s both functional and design driven.”
Where Colour Meets Meaning
The black and blue palette wasn’t just a visual choice. It reflects broader design trends in elite sportswear, chosen to feel cutting-edge while staying true to the team’s DNA.
“The black base was chosen to stand apart and bring a fresh energy, while still feeling grounded in England Rugby’s identity,” Chloe says. “We also introduced new accent colours in slightly different tones of blue. We’re guided by sportswear trend forecasting. These colours offer a fresh take while maintaining a sense of continuity.”
The result is a palette that commands attention and carries meaning. Black represents strength and focus. The blue adds identity and edge. Both come together to say, ‘this is England’, but from a new angle.
Every Detail, Worn with Pride
This kit was designed with emotion as well as intention. And for Chloe, seeing it become a reality was a powerful moment.
“Watching the England Rugby teams step onto the pitch wearing something you've helped bring to life is an overwhelming mix of pride, accomplishment, and even a bit of relief,” she says. “So much goes into every detail — the countless hours, decisions, collaboration — and to watch it all come together on such a huge stage is incredibly emotional.”
Chloe Twigg, Sportswear Designer
"It’s surreal to see something that started as graphics on a screen, samples, and colour swatches come to life. I hope the players feel that same sense of pride when they pull the kit on.”
This isn’t just an Alternate Kit. It’s a marker of visual, cultural, and physical progress. It honours those who’ve come before while making space for those still breaking through.
Created for contact. Built for purpose. Designed to inspire.
This is England Rugby, evolved.
