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Stuart Lancaster underlines the importance of pride as England Rugby launch new kit

Canterbury have put the Red Rose at the heart of the new England kit launched ahead of the autumn international series

Heritage and passion are very much at the heart of Stuart Lancaster’s coaching philosophy and the England head coach has once again underlined the significance of the Red Rose.

With 368 days until their Rugby World Cup 2015 curtain-raiser against Fiji at Twickenham, Lancaster reiterated the importance of players knowing the history of their jersey as England launched their new kit in association with official suppliers Canterbury.

The support for the squad over the past few seasons has been fantastic and it really means a lot to the players, the coaches and the wider support team that we all look to build that English national identity on the way to the World Cup.
Stuart Lancaster

Lancaster has drawn heavily on England's rich rugby history to instil a stronger sense of national pride throughout his tenure as head coach.

Each player is made to know the weight of the jersey on their back, learning about the greats who have played in their positions, while redecorating at Twickenham has seen inspirational quotes plastered across the red and white walls of Rugby HQ.

“The England shirt is a source of huge pride for the players and it’s a special moment when they receive it before an international as it represents many things - those that have supported the players on their path to becoming an England player, former internationals who have worn the shirt before them, all those who are involved in and support the game and the English nation as a whole,” Lancaster reflected.

“That pride in wearing the shirt is massively important to the players and hopefully it is something the fans can see and connect with.

“It's great that the alternate kit is very much in keeping with our national colours and as such we have chosen the Samoa game to wear it in preparation for the Rugby World Cup as this may be required throughout the tournament.

“The support for the squad over the past few seasons has been fantastic and it really means a lot to the players, the coaches and the wider support team that we all look to build that English national identity on the way to the World Cup.”

More from England Rugby Kit Launch

The launch of England’s resplendent new shirt comes in the build-up to the Autumn international series, which will see Lancaster’s side seek revenge for a Test series whitewash at the hands of the All Blacks at Twickenham before testing their mettle against South Africa, Australia and Samoa.

The most striking development of both the new home and alternate shirts is that the iconic symbol of England Rugby, the rose, has been placed in the centre of the chest for the first time ever. The rose has united players and fans for over a century as they wear it on their chest with pride.

Parling models England's alternate crimson red strip
Image: Parling in England's crimson red shirt

Rubber grips in the shape of the Victoria Cross medal can be found on the chest of the new shirt, another nudge towards the history of English rugby. Former Leeds boss Lancaster has created the Arthur Harrison Award, where England coaches select a winner after every match for the player producing the best defensive performance.

Harrison is England's only rugby international to be awarded the Victoria Cross - the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry, bestowed posthumously after he lost his life in the Zeebrugge raid of April 1918 in the First World War.

The core values of England Rugby are emblazoned onto the reverse of the shirt, uniting fans and players with ‘Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship’.  Inside the collar, ‘England Connected’ reminds everybody wearing the jersey of the greats who have laid the foundations of the national team.

“There is something special about wearing the English rose on your chest, whether you’re a player about to step on the pitch at Twickenham or a fan cheering the team on from the touch line,” said England lock and Canterbury ambassador, Geoff Parling.

“One of the highest honours is to play for your country and there is something magical and unique about playing for England and being able to say you’ve worn the rose.”

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