Classic Sportswear are proud to announce a multi-year extension to their exclusive apparel partnership with the NRL All Stars, a program which honours the games commitment to Indigenous male and female players and First Nations people at large.
After becoming the official On-Field Apparel Partner for the All Stars teams in 2021 both parties have agreed to a two year extension that will see Classic Sportswear partner with the NRL until at least 2023.
As well as exclusively providing high performance apparel to the male and female Indigenous and Maori All Stars teams, this partnership now extends to directly supporting NRL Indigenous youth programs including the School to Work program, the Indigenous Youth Summit and the Indigenous Women's Pathways Programs.
Both Indigenous All Stars teams will proudly wear the famous Classic Sportswear Kangaroo logo, which has featured 'on field' since their establishment in 1934, while the Maori All Stars teams will proudly display a new Classic Sportswear Kiwi logo and identity, officially marking the brand's launch into the New Zealand market.
Classic Sportswear are also set to launch an annual nation-wide scholarship to support Indigenous youth artists.
The scholarship will provide financial support for youth in their academic education, creative development and personal artistic aspirations, and affords an
extensive network of professional development opportunities. The full details of the scholarship are to be released in September.
Mark Deweerd, General Manager Indigenous Strategy, said he was delighted to extend the NRL's partnership with Classic Sportswear.
"Classic is a name synonymous with Rugby League and to have the support of the company for the All Stars and for our Indigenous programs is incredibly important.
"Some of the initiatives which Classic are supporting, like the School to Work program, the Indigenous Youth Summit and the Indigenous Women's Pathways Programs are some of the most important programs in the game.
"We are looking forward to the continuation of our partnership with Classic, and now stretching across youth education, development and our elite Indigenous programs. This partnership will allow all of those important programs to prosper", said Deweerd.
Classic Sportswear's Managing Director Warren Carney continues to be enthusiastic about the cultural impact of the partnership and its contribution to the sport.
"This partnership is unique in Australian sport and Classic are delighted to extend our support of the NRL All Stars for two more years. Sportsmanship runs through everything we do at Classic, and this demonstrates our commitment to supporting the All Stars to connect with and recognise First Nations people and their integral contribution to the game.
"The impact of the All Stars game extends beyond just honoring First Nations players, and we were keen to extend our partnership to directly support many of the NRL's cultural, education and awareness programs which are so important.
"This extended partnership is also strategically aligned with Classic's expansion into the New Zealand elite sports and apparel market, and the launch of our Kiwi inspired logo. The connection between a national identity and sport is part of Classic's enduring commitment to high performance and innovative athletic apparel", said Carney.
