The Highlanders have confirmed they will play in their controversial new green jersey next season, despite public opposition. The franchise introduced a new green jersey to replace the old playing colours of blue, gold and maroon used by the team since its inception in 1996.
The team wore the new jersey in its last game at Carisbrook against the Force earlier this month.
The new jersey sparked outrage from many, with some saying it was a colour that had no link to the region and was an insult to previous Highlanders teams.
Otago Rugby Football Union chairman Wayne Graham was particularly vocal in his opposition to the jersey.
Highlanders chairman Ross Laidlaw said today the Board originally signed off on the 2012 home jersey in late 2010 as part of a marketing plan to refresh the Highlanders franchise.
The franchise is now contractually committed to the new strip for 2012.
"The lead times on these decisions are much longer than you would think and it is not feasible to change our home jersey for 2012 now," he said.
"However, the Board also acknowledged the public response to the new jersey and confirmed the need to have a more inclusive process for determining designs that appropriately represent the entire franchise region."
Laidlaw said the franchise's board, which met last night, had agreed there would be wider public consultation with future jersey changes.
"Later this year, the Highlanders will work with adidas to develop the jersey for 2013 and 2014 and we are committed to consulting with the public as to the look and feel of that jersey over the next few months," he said.
