In a generous show of support for New Zealand’s veteran community, the Hurricanes have gifted twenty three of their special edition Anzac jerseys to the Royal New Zealand RSA (RNZRSA). The jerseys will be auctioned to raise funds for veterans of military service and their whānau across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The jerseys were worn on Anzac Day during the DHL Super Rugby Pacific Super Round clash against the Brumbies in Christchurch. Produced in collaboration with Classic and the RNZRSA, each jersey features design elements honouring New Zealand’s servicemen and women, including a fern made up of silhouettes of Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel, the gripping pattern representing the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and the RNZRSA’s iconic poppy.
Twenty one of the jerseys were match worn before being dry cleaned and signed by the players. Two additional player issued jerseys also mark significant milestones: #7 Du’Plessis Kirifi’s 100th game for the Hurricanes and #23 Josh Gray’s Hurricanes debut.
This is the third consecutive year the Hurricanes have donated their Anzac jerseys to the RNZRSA, with the partnership already raising more than $22,000 to support veteran services across New Zealand.
RNZRSA National President Tony Hill said the initiative had made a meaningful difference for veterans and their whānau.
“What the Hurricanes have done goes far beyond a jersey auction. For the third year running, they have turned a powerful symbol of remembrance into practical support for New Zealand’s veterans and their families. We are incredibly grateful for their continued generosity.”
Hurricanes Chief Executive Tony Philp said the club was proud to support the RNZRSA and New Zealand’s veteran community.
“Anzac Day holds a special place in our national identity, and wearing these jerseys is something our players take immense pride in. Being able to gift them to support the RNZRSA allows us to turn that respect into meaningful action.”
All twenty three jerseys are available to bid on via the RNZRSA’s Trade Me Store: https://rnzrsa.info/TMstore with auctions closing on Tuesday 19 May.
