The Welsh Region’s kit was launched today on the same day as the Dragons prepare to take on the Scarlets during their second friendly of the season, at Rodney Parade (KO 19:00).
The new home jersey is predominantly black with red Dragons scales across the top of the chest and down through the sleeves. The traditional colour of amber has also been incorporated into the design as the collar and piping complete the new look.
The new away jersey is, once again, inkeeping with the theme of Kingdom of Gwent by using the Monmouthshire blue whilst incorporating white and navy stripes along the side of the jersey. This blue element of the jersey was included in the Dragons 2013/14 kit in honour of the Dragons 10th anniversary. Research showed that Monmouthshire blue was one of the colours that evoked the medieval kingdom of Gwent which existed from the end of Roman Rule in Britain in about the 5th century, until the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century and was reputed to have been founded by one of the knights of the Round Table. The 2013/14 shirt was created around the coat of arms of the original kingdom in order to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the rugby Region whilst this years jersey is an evolution of that.
The Dragons main sponsor, BT Sport remains in a central location on both jerseys whilst longstanding sponsor Bisley also takes a place on the front of the jersey in the centre just above it. Other sponsors include BMSSW and Rugby Heaven on separate shoulders, and also includes new sponsor Clarity Copiers, which is featured on the bottom of the jersey on the back. Above Clarity Copiers are Worthingtons and Shadow Scaffolding, whereas builder’s merchants Robert Price remains on the collar of both jerseys.
As a proud partner to the Dragons, Gilbert Rugby strived to incorporate the latest in clothing technology with high impact and meaningful designs. Product Designer Paul Jenkins at Gilbert Rugby commented: “My philosophy was to create a bespoke kit, tailored specifically to the visual identity of the Newport Gwent Dragons, that would make a visual statement wholly unique to the club and one that, hopefully, players and fans alike would be proud to wear.
“Designed to triangulate the viewers attention to the upper third of the garment, thus emphasising the wearers imposing physique, the aesthetic concept was to evoke both armour and Dragon scales: Layered bands running down the arms and across the chest suggest a layering of armoured plates, while the repeat pattern within references the Dragons signature colours, along with other complimentary tones, in order to add visual impact from distance, and interest up-close”
“The away strip is an evolution of last season’s Kingdom Of Gwent themed jersey using striking blues and stand out whites. Again, this shirt is aimed to maximise visual effect off field whilst striking and imposing on field”
Rodney Parade’s Commercial Director Pete Grzonka added: “We are really pleased with our new shirts and feel our kit partners at Gilbert Rugby have come up with some strong designs, which we hope the supporters will enjoy.
“The home shirt has encompassed our regional colours of black, red and amber to make a striking shirt design. Whilst the away shirt continues the theme of the Kingdom of Gwent which was successfully introduced some seasons back utilising the Monouthshire blue.
“I would like to thank our main sponsor BT Sport and our all of our other shirt sponsors, Bisley, Worthington’s, Robert Price, Shadow Scaffolding, BMSSW, Rugby Heaven and newcomers Clarity Copiers for all of their support. We have worked hard to blend the sponsorship in with the design so it gives the shirt a balanced look.
“It is pleasing to have our shirts in the shop for the first game at Rodney parade and I look forward to seeing the new shirts in the stands and terraces as we take on the Scarlets this evening."
Both the home and away replicas of the jerseys are available to buy from the Club Shop at 9am, whilst the squad will wear their jerseys for tonight’s match against the Scarlets.
Tickets and Season Tickets are also on sale from the Ticket Office for tonight’s match, by calling 01633 647990 or clicking here.
