Rugby: Highlanders to reveal jersey on Friday

The Highlanders will run out wearing a new jersey on Friday. Photo / Getty Images

The Highlanders will reveal next season's new playing strip when they run out to face the Force at Carisbrook on Friday night, the franchise announced today.

Highlanders General Manager Roger Clark said that while the new-look colours would be introduced fully next year, the team will play in the new colours on Friday night.

According to the Otago Daily Times the jersey will be light green with a dark blue strip down the sides. It will not include Southland's traditional maroon colour.

"We have chosen colours that we believe represent the physical characteristics of the whole franchise region. The colours will make a clear statement about the geography of our region and will stand out in the Super Rugby international competition" Clark said.

"We believe the time is right for change. We have a new coach, new players, new expectations, new and renewed fans, and next year, we will have a new home stadium."

The Highlanders have had many changes of jersey design since they started in 1996, but have always stuck with the basic colours of blue, gold and maroon.

Those colours are based on the playing colours of the three base provincial unions: Otago, Southland and North Otago.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said: "For myself and the team this is an extremely important and exciting step in the development of the Highlanders into a truly regional team".

"We currently have a group of men from all over this country that are extremely proud to represent this region and we will all happily champion these colours as our own. Really our job is to build some pride into playing for the jersey and ensure the opposition have plenty of respect for it"

- HERALD ONLINE/OTAGO DAILY TIMES