England hit by kit supplier blunder hours before Rugby World Cup kicks off

Friday, 22 August 2025 at 09:16

byRugby Rucker

England fans hoping to get their hands on the Red Roses’ official Women’s Rugby World Cup shirt are set to be disappointed following a major supply blunder by new RFU kit supplier Castore.

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John Mitchell’s side head into the competition as firm favourites to claim global glory on home soil, kicking off their campaign against the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday.

However, Daily Mail Sport has revealed that Castore has failed to produce enough replica jerseys, leaving England’s World Cup kit unavailable both on the RFU’s official online store and in sports retailers nationwide.

Only a limited number of shirts will be available to buy at tournament venues such as the Stadium of Light, but they are expected to sell out almost instantly.

Castore released a statement confirming the issue:

“We can confirm official England Rugby World Cup shirts are now in short supply as fans continue to show their amazing support for the Red Roses. Online stores are now sold out, but stock will be available at England game match venues.

There is a wide range of other Red Roses products available for fans to buy, including official Rugby World Cup branded merchandise with additional products to be launched in the coming weeks. This is all available on the England Rugby store online.

We're confident Red Roses fans will have plenty of product to purchase and we thank supporters for their amazing support.”

The lack of availability is seen by many as a poor reflection of Castore’s commitment to the women’s game, particularly given the buzz around the tournament.

The Manchester-based company only replaced Umbro as the RFU’s official supplier earlier this year, but their tenure is already under scrutiny. It’s understood the shortfall stems from a logistical error which meant Castore didn’t order enough shirts.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Castore has faced such issues. Our editor recalls ordering a Newcastle United shirt in January 2022, which only arrived in May after months of delays due to stock problems.

At least, this time, the company appear to have stopped selling shirts they don’t actually have.

5 Women’s Rugby Stars You Need to Follow During the 2025 World Cup

As the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup unfolds, following these top players online is the ultimate way to experience the excitement, energy, and stories behind the game.

Here are the top 5 women’s rugby players you need to follow on social media this year, ranked from 5 to 1.

5. Hollie Aitchinson (England) – 57.3K Followers

Instagram: @hollieaitchinson | TikTok: @hollyaitchison_

Hollie Aitchinson combines elite rugby talent with a high-profile modeling career, including work for Victoria’s Secret.

Her Instagram captures training sessions, match-day prep, and stylish lifestyle content, while her TikTok shows her playful side off the pitch. Hollie’s mix of athleticism, charm, and modeling presence makes her a standout in both the rugby and fashion worlds.

4. Ellie Kildunne (England) – 104.6K Followers

Instagram: @elliekildunne | TikTok: @elliekildunne

England’s electric fullback, Ellie Kildunne, brings the same energy off the pitch as on it. Her Instagram reels showcase slick training sessions, match highlights, and creative moments with teammates.

On TikTok, she jumps into trends and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses, giving fans a closer look at life with the Red Roses squad. Ellie’s content balances professionalism and personality, making her a must-follow for fans who love flair both on and off the field.

3. Erica Jarrell-Searcy (USA) – 142K Followers

Instagram: @rick_jarrell.searcy | TikTok: @its_richarddd

Smart, driven, and engaging, Erica Jarrell-Searcy combines elite athleticism with academic achievement.

Her Instagram gives fans a peek into her life balancing professional rugby and her studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard.

On TikTok, she shows a playful side, sharing fun clips with teammates and behind-the-scenes moments. Erica’s social presence is perfect for fans who appreciate authenticity, grit, and personality beyond the pitch.

2. Katelyn Vahaakolo (New Zealand) – 421K Followers

Instagram: @katelynvahaakolo | TikTok: @claryjeans

Katelyn Vahaakolo is making waves both in rugby league and union, but her social media presence sets her apart.

Her Instagram shares training routines, personal reflections, and cultural highlights, while her TikTok brings humour and lighthearted content into the mix.

With over 400K followers combined, Katelyn connects with fans through her honesty, charm, and vibrant personality.

1. Ilona Maher (USA) – 8.8M Followers

Instagram: @ilonamaher | TikTok: @ilonamaher

Ilona Maher is the undisputed queen of rugby social media. With over 8.8 million combined followers, she captures hearts with her playful, body-positive, and charismatic online presence.

From Tokyo 2021 to Paris 2024, Ilona has shared everything from locker room banter to emotional sideline moments. Fans love her unfiltered, hilarious, and inspiring content, making her a global ambassador for women’s rugby.