The Springboks launched their new kit for the Rugby World Cup last week.

The kit was pulled together after extensive testing was carried out at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science in Kobe, Japan, in collaboration with the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

Jean de Villiers, the Beast Tendai Mtawarira, Eben Etzebeth, Bismarck du Plessis, Duane Vermeulen, Willie le Roux, Cornal Hendricks and Pat Lambie all took part in the rigorous testing programme in Japan in order to perfect the product – as you can see in the video below. They were also joined on the trip by Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer and selected other members of the side’s management.

The testing hoped to determine a way of reducing the weight of the kit’s fabric without compromising on durability. According to all involved, this Bok shirt will be the lightest ever worn by South Africa – by at least 70 grams.

The kit has a new feel, with the shirt said to be harder than ever before to keep hold of in the tackle. In consultation with the players, the shirt also see the inclusion of ‘Super-Grip’ silicone  on the chest, which may give the athletes a better chance of keeping hold of the ball in notorious British weather conditions.