SYDNEY – The Wallabies will wear an indigenous-themed jersey when they face England at Twickenham next month, the first time they have donned the kit overseas in tribute to the role Aborigines play in rugby.
The shirt designed by indigenous artist Dennis Golding symbolises indigenous and non-indigenous communities coming together as one, and was first worn by the Australians when they beat the All Blacks in Brisbane last October.
The clash with England, on November 24, will be the third and final Test for the Wallabies during their northern hemisphere spring tour.
Israel Folau in the regular Wallabies jersey. Photo: Jan Touzeau/EPA
Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper said the jersey gave the squad the chance to recognise the importance of indigenous culture in Australia.
“New Zealand and England are two of our closest rivals on the sporting field, no matter what sport you talk about, so I think it's very fitting that we will play our first two matches in this special jersey against these two teams,” Hooper added.
The Wallabies have not defeated England since their Australian coach Eddie Jones took over in late 2015.
The team will also face Wales in Cardiff on November 10 and Italy in Padua a week later during the spring tour.