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Sportswear manufacturer Canterbury has apologized for using models instead of players to launch the new jersey for the Irish women’s rugby team.
Ireland men’s internationals Conor Murray, Robbie Henshaw and former Chiefs midfielder Bundee Aki were used in promotional shots for their new jersey, but no players from the Ireland women’s team were featured in a pitch of their own.
“While the image was designed primarily for our website, which also features male models, it is understandable that it caused some frustration,” Canterbury said in a statement.
Canterbury apologized for using models rather than players to launch the Irish women’s rugby team jersey.
“We accept that this was a mistake and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
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The Canterbury brand originated in New Zealand, but its world headquarters are in the United Kingdom.
The launch of the jersey generated a lot of backlash online and Florence Williams, a player for the English club Wasps, called it “thoughtless marketing.”
“An unnamed face on the shirt does not represent the women who will wear it. Brilliant to inspire the future of Robbie Henshaw and Connor Murray, but when the visibility of women’s football is so key, this is a missed opportunity, ”she tweeted.
Canterbury said they will relaunch the women’s jersey in October, the same month that Ireland is scheduled to return to action at home against Italy.
“It was always, and still is, our intention to photograph the players in the new jersey and we remain committed to supporting the talented women of our rugby community on and off the field,” Canterbury said in a statement.
The Women’s Six Nations came to a halt in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
