Ireland will be featuring the players’ names on the back of their shirts for the first time in history as they take on Italy at the Aviva Stadium this coming Saturday night.
The IRFU Head of Commercial, Jessica Long announced: “As we count down towards the opening game of the Bank of Ireland Nations Series this Saturday, we’re excited to announce that players’ names will be on our new Canterbury match kit for the first time during this Series,”
“We hope this will help further engage new audiences by increasing player recognition.”
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Fans have not been so welcome of this change however, with one person saying: “We don’t need to copy the English in everything they do, rugby is a team sport and not a game of individuals. It’s important to try and retain some of the sport’s uniqueness.”
Whilst another added “Terrible idea. It puts the emphasis on the individual and not on the team. I hope they drop the idea as some on as poss. This ain’t soccer!”
The IRFU have not confirmed whether they will continue this effort beyond the series – but judging by the comments below, the fans will need need some convincing.
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