The Welsh Rugby Union has announced a ground-breaking partnership with the automotive importer, IM Group, to incorporate both the Isuzu and Subaru brands on the Welsh jersey.

Isuzu will continue to feature on the front of the countries home jersey, whilst Subaru will now appear on the front of the Wales away kit.

In contrast to the bold red of the home kit, the new away kit is a deep anthracite colour, with subtle red touches on the jersey sleeves, shorts and socks. The dark colour provides the perfect platform for Subaru’s striking blue.

The change strip will be worn for the next two seasons by Wales senior men’s and women’s teams as part of the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in the WRU’s history.

WRU Chief Executive, Martyn Phillips, said: “We took a new and innovative approach to our latest shirt sponsorship negotiations and looked at ways to maximise value for our partners and increase exposure for our teams on a global scale.”

“Switching between Isuzu and Subaru for our home and change kit is an exciting twist on the traditional way of doing things and we expect both jerseys to be extremely popular with supporters around the world.

“To associate with two hugely significant Japanese brands in this way as we build towards the Rugby World Cup in 2019 in Japan is a major coup for Welsh rugby and will pay dividends as it further improves the global appeal of our national game.”

Managing Director of Isuzu and Subaru in the UK, Paul Tunnicliffe, added: “Through our Isuzu brand we have an excellent relationship with the WRU. The pick-up brand will always be the lead focus for this project, but when the WRU came to us with a proposal that allowed us to include Subaru, we immediately agreed.

“Subaru has a strong customer base in Wales, where its no-nonsense fitness for purpose and exceptional off road capabilities really chime with the rural communities, and we look forward to seeing our customers at Principality Stadium.”

Source : WRU