British & Irish Lions dump Canterbury for new manufacturer

The agreement will see Nike design and supply the exclusive kit for the inaugural Lions Women’s Team, which will tour New Zealand in 2027. In addition to match kits, Nike will provide all performance, training and leisure apparel for the squad and official touring party.

Supporters will also benefit from the partnership, with lifestyle and training collections already on sale, allowing fans to mark what is being billed as a historic moment for women’s rugby.

Nike previously worked with the British & Irish Lions during the men’s 1993 tour of New Zealand, and returns to the organisation more than three decades later for the launch of the women’s programme.

Both parties are collaborating closely on the design of the match kit and wider apparel ranges, with a focus on innovation and cutting-edge performance across all products.

The move brings to an end Canterbury’s tenure as the Lions’ kit supplier. The brand took over from Adidas ahead of the 2017 tour to New Zealand and also provided kits for the 2021 tour of South Africa and the most recent 2025 tour to Australia. The men’s Lions will return to New Zealand in 2029, seeking to improve on the drawn series against the All Blacks in 2017.

“We are delighted to confirm this milestone partnership with Nike as we prepare for the inaugural Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series to New Zealand in 2027,” British & Irish Lions chief Ben Calveley said. “Anticipation is building for this historic Tour which is now just over 18 months away.”