All Blacks to unveil new jersey

The All Blacks jersey has undergone many tweaks as technology - and sponsors - have changed. Photo / Photosport.nz

The country's most revered piece of sporting gear is getting a revamp.

The Herald on Sunday understands the All Blacks will unveil a new jersey this year.

The current version of the jersey was marketed as the "blackest ever" when it was launched in November 2014, when the white collar was dropped and gunmetal silver adopted for numbers and logos.

A tweaked version of the jersey, featuring a yoke across the chest harking back to the 1905-06 Originals, was adopted for the 2015 World Cup.

The silver fern logo with the words "New Zealand All Blacks" first appeared on the jersey in 1986. In 1994 long-time sponsors Steinlager had their emblem added to the uniform.

Adidas took over the manufacturing from Canterbury New Zealand in 1999. The words "New Zealand" were dropped in 2003, and in 2012 the three letters of sponsor AIG were placed on the front of the jersey.

The white collar was brought back ahead of the 2011 World Cup before being dropped again in 2015.

Adidas remains tight-lipped on the latest revamp.

"Unfortunately due to our commercial commitments we are unable to discuss details on the future planning of our partnership with the All Blacks," New Zealand country manager Quentin Bleakley said.

Until the new look is released, fans looking to deck themselves out in the current edition would be best off shopping halfway around the world.

Official replica 2015 jerseys, featuring the silver fern, adidas and AIG logos, are on sale at upmarket Harrods in London for £9.95, or just $17.95.

The same garment will set you back $150 at Rebel Sport, Stirling Sports or the adidas store.