Ireland rugby kits have evolved over the years, but they all (at least the home shirts) have a striking green tint.
This jersey has been worn by legendary players such as Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell. The shirt has also been impressive, especially in recent years.
Related: Best England Rugby Jerseys
But you can still look stylish no matter what the results are on the pitch. Do you remember what the old Irish rugby uniforms looked like? Here are a few of our favorites…
Ireland Rugby Jersey: 2024
Players posing in their new uniform (Irish Rugby)
The Ireland 2024 kit is similar to the previous one with a green tint and white collar.
However, there is something different about women’s shirts that makes them look even more sleek: the shirt sponsor. AON, which has been sponsoring women’s shirts for over 10 years, has a white color that matches well with the other white features of the top. But the guys have Vodafone and the red elements clash a bit with the rest of the shirt, taking some of the shine off.
Editor’s Verdict: The men’s shirt is classic, but the splash of red is disappointing. Men – 6/10, Women 8/10.
2023
Team Ireland in the quarterfinals (Getty Images)
The 2023 Rugby World Cup kit is stylish, looking very much like Ireland’s going into the tournament. Ireland were firmly established as favorites to win the title, but they went on to lose in the quarter-finals, losing to New Zealand.
This kit is traditional, but refreshingly covered in a slightly brighter green. The sleeves and collar have stylish white trim and details. The Canterbury logo, Irish coat of arms and RWC logo are all well placed at the top. No sponsor is always happy during the World Cup…
Editor’s Verdict: It had a simple yet effective design and sold very well at the time. 8/10.
2020
Robbie Henshaw and Finlay Bealham in the Six Nations (Getty Images)
The 2020 jersey is still the traditional green, but in a darker shade. There was a dark pattern on the front, and the sleeves and collar details were also black.
The fit of the jersey was tighter than the 2023 shirt, with a close fit against the skin. The shorts had a green stripe across the back, so it wasn’t just a green shirt.
Editor’s Verdict: Stylish with the unique flaws of a huge shirt sponsor. 7/10
2015
Donnacha Ryan at the 2015 World Cup (Getty Images)
The 2015 Rugby World Cup jersey could be mistaken for a boyband outfit with a deep V collar, but drop necks were popular back then (hopefully they never come back). Outlined with a white border.
The shirt was green with a crisscrossing pattern on the front, a crest on the side and the Canterbury Manufacturers logo below a white V.
Editor’s Verdict: Most shirts will work, but collars will not. 5/10.
2008
Brian O’Driscoll rests his arms on his head (Getty Images)
The 2008 Jersey is a bit like Marmite. You may like it or you may hate it. The green shade of the shirt was darker with a white line pattern.
Shirt sponsor O2 blends well with the white logo. The sleeves and collar are once again outlined in white.
Editor’s Verdict: The white line pattern brings out the edge of the shirt. 7/10.
2003
Brian O’Driscoll during the 2003 World Cup (Getty Images)
The 2003 Rugby World Cup shirt was baggy but classic, with a green and white collar and white stripes on the sleeves.
The biggest differences with this shirt are the pronounced collar and the V being slightly deeper than the newer version of the shirt. But Brian O’Driscoll coordinated his outfit well by styling it with green gloves.
Editor’s Verdict: The collar does not need to be that big in rugby. Leave that to Harry Hill. 6/10.
1997
Morris Field gets tackled (Getty Images)
All Ireland kits are green. We all know it. But in 1997, their color choices were a bit questionable. It was lime green, one of the brightest colors the team chose for its shirts.
The sleeves were also long, making it look like Morris Field had them rolled up during the Five Nations. Not very practical for such an intense sport.
Editor’s Verdict: The overall look of the shirt isn’t bad, but it’s not very practical. 5/10.
1991
Philip Matthews with his hands on his hips (Getty Images)
The 1991 Rugby World Cup shirt was similar to the 1997 jersey, but with the numbers on the back highlighted by a white panel.
It’s the opposite of what we see now, which typically features white numbers on completely green shirts. It was a welcome twist and something that could work quite well today if they brought it back…
Editor’s Verdict: It’s a nice change, but the traditional elements are still there. 7/10.
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