The Super 14 playing jerseys for 2009 for the five New Zealand franchises were released by adidas yesterday.
The red of the away jersey appears a slightly different shade from the maroon worn by the Southland Stags, with the home jersey basically the same colour as previous years.
All the new playing jerseys have a motif running through them, with the Highlanders having two swords down the front depicting the Celtic links.
The idea of wearing an away jersey in every away game, which is used in many overseas sports such as American football and in some European football leagues, is described as part of a "marketing concept", although it may be just another way for fans to part with money to buy the new jerseys.
The Highlanders will wear the home jersey in the "home" match against the Bulls in Palmerston North on March 28.
The world champion Springboks' jerseys will change to make room for South Africa's national sports emblem, the King Protea flower, AFP reports.
The South African Rugby Union said the King Protea, used by all the other national teams, will now appear over the heart on the jerseys.
A small protea already appears over the springbok on the jersey.
The change will move the protea to what is seen as a place of pride.
The antelope that has symbolised the team for 102 years will move to the right side of the jersey, in a compromise with critics who wanted it removed completely.
