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England Just Got Wings

In a landmark moment in Castore’s journey, the leading sportswear innovator has become the official technical kit partner to England Rugby at an incredibly exciting moment for the men’s and women’s teams.  

England will first wear the Castore Wings later this year, while the Red Roses will wear Castore during their World Cup campaign this summer, which England will host. They kick off the first match of the tournament against the USA on Friday 22nd August at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.  

Tom Beahon, Co-CEO of Castore, said: “Partnering with England Rugby is a landmark moment for Castore and one that we’re exceptionally proud to celebrate. 

We cannot wait to see England’s Red Roses in action this summer at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the men kitted out for their tour later this year. These national teams embody our core value of Better Never Stops, focused on continuous improvements, and we’re proud to stand beside them as they chase greatness and inspire fans across the country.”

Becoming the sponsor of England Rugby marks a major milestone in Castore’s commitment to rugby union. The brand has established itself as the kit supplier of several elite teams, including Harlequins, Bath, Saracens & Leinster.

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The Castore Rugby story

Rugby union is one of the world’s oldest sports, its origins dating back to 1845. It has a list of traditions as long as you would expect from a sport with such extensive and fabled history.  

It wasn’t until 1987 that it hosted its first World Cup and took 150 years to become professional. This is not a sport synonymous with radical change.  

But a quiet revolution has taken place since 2021, and it is a very visible one across elite-level pitches in Britain and Ireland.  

Four years ago, Saracens cast off the sport’s sometimes circumspect nature and took the plunge with a new kit manufacturer. It was a decision that has changed the look of the sport forever.  

The London-based club – one of Europe’s most successful teams of the past 20 years – engaged Castore to provide their kit, just six years after Castore had been formed. It was a bold call by Saracens – but it is a decision that now looks very prescient.

Rugby teams tap into Castore expertise

Castore, which also works with elite sports teams such as England Cricket, Rangers, and Formula 1 giants Oracle Red Bull Racing, McLaren and Alpine, has made huge strides in rugby union since entering the sport with Saracens.  

They have been joined by fellow English Premiership sides Bath Rugby – the top team in England so far this season – and Harlequins, one of the founding members of the Rugby Football Union. It means Castore have three of the league’s crack sides.  

Three United Rugby Championship teams also benefit from Castore’s ground-breaking kit too; Leinster – one of Europe’s storied superpowers – as well as fellow Irish province Ulster and Welsh region the Scarlets. Hong Kong China Rugby and Oxford University also play in Castore kits.

Why are so many elite rugby union teams choosing Castore? It starts with Castore’s ethos of ‘Better Never Stops’ instilled in everything the company does by founders Tom and Phil Beahon, brothers from Liverpool who are themselves former athletes.  

After nine years of unparalleled growth, the firm is established as one of the world’s leading sportswear innovators, marrying use of advanced technical fabrics with precision engineering to improve athletes’ performance.  

“As a designer, we do focus on the look of the kit, but this is always informed by the limitations and parameters of the kit construction, print techniques, logo placements, and the requirements of the garment itself,” says Chloe, Product Designer at Castore. 

“There are a lot of factors that must be considered to ensure that the design is not only visually striking but also functional and in line with brand and club guidelines.”

The Castore-Harlequins partnership

Ensuring the small details are right and an emphasis on innovation are two of the myriad reasons for Harlequins’ long-standing collaboration with Castore.  

“In professional sport it’s the fine margins and details that can make the difference,” says Steven Morton, chief growth officer at Harlequins.  

“The technical elements and details of our kits continue to develop each season, from enhancements in silicone grippers, GPS unit housing and ‘breathability’ across our performance jerseys to brand identity shining through our shirts.  

“The Castore team work with the performance and research team to test new materials and products to ensure we are at the forefront of innovation in sports performance wear.  

“Never templated or ‘off the shelf’ we work tirelessly with the Castore team to create ranges that showcase our identity and DNA year after year. Castore are willing to push boundaries, leaving no level of detail or intricacy unexplored.  

“This is a brand that continues to expand and innovate, delivering new products and ranges to our fanbase and we are excited to see their continued growth across rugby.”

Building on rapid success

That growth has taken a significant step with the England Rugby deal. Being selected by England Rugby to produce the kit for its two world-class senior teams is further recognition that Castore is established in the very highest echelon of rugby union.  

Castore’s reputation as a company that strives for excellence and pushes the boundaries of performance means it has become one of the world leaders in the field within the space of one World Cup cycle.  

The precision sportswear brand has demonstrated success in club rugby, with its original client Saracens extending their deal. Now two of the world’s iconic international teams will take to the field wearing Castore kit.  

Castore’s story with rugby union is one of relentless progress, but it is assuredly not going to stop here.