Highlanders Lima Sopoaga (left) and Jamie Mackintosh wear
their green jerseys during a Super 15 match against the
Force at Carisbrook in June. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
The Highlanders green jersey is on the way out with the
boss of the franchise admitting it might have been a mistake.
The green jersey, which was met by a din of disapproval when
it was revealed at the end of last season, has been banished
to the role as the away strip by the Highlanders next season,
and could then disappear completely.
Highlanders general manager Roger Clark will meet University
of Otago marketing experts today to discuss consultation on a
new playing strip for 2013, but confirmed yesterday the
traditional playing strip of blue, gold and maroon will be
maintained for next season.
The green strip will replace the purple jersey to be worn as
an away jersey.
He said the change to a green jersey with dark blue shorts as
a playing strip was perhaps the one change which had not been
backed by supporters.
"In hindsight, maybe it was a faux pas. The Highlanders have
made a lot of changes in the past 12 to 16 months and this is
the only one which didn't meet with approval," he said.
"If we could wind back the clock, then perhaps we would have
done it differently. But the decision was made when the
Highlanders were at a low ebb, and not that many people
cared.
"But the good, positive thing in what happened was it showed
that a lot of people still really cared about the
Highlanders. That did really surprise us and showed there is
still a lot of support out there for the team."
The new colours were introduced in the last home game of the
year in June and attracted much criticism over the colour,
the ending of the blue, gold and maroon strip, and the lack
of consultation over the new strip.
Clark said the green strip would not necessarily be ditched
but that was up to what came out of the consultation.
The green jersey was no one individual's idea but a
collective decision made by key people in the franchise,
including coach Jamie Joseph.
The consultation would be carried out in the coming month,
and it was hoped to have everything settled by the end of the
year.
He said the board and management had listened to all the
feedback and decided to stick with the traditional colours
next year.
It was important the board and management stayed neutral
during the consultation process which would be carried out by
an independent group, Clark said.
Apparel supplier Adidas had been good enough to allow the
side to stay with the blue, gold and maroon jersey next year,
Clark said.
The Highlanders had originally said the green jersey would be
used in all games next year due to contractual obligations.
All sponsors had been informed and supported the move, Clark
said.
Involving the university would limit costs and he was mindful
of spending on off-field activities.
"We don't want to spend a lot of time on this. We have got a
big year coming up with assembling a good team, moving into a
brand, new and amazing stadium, and getting people along to
the games."
Clark said at the end of the day it was a jersey. The
important thing was to have a team winning games, and making
the Highlanders successful.
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