South Africa have been forced to introduce a new, second-alternate, jersey ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup clash with Ireland.
Their alternate kit, which was worn against Scotland, is a mix of white and hyper-jade, making it too similar in look to both Ireland's home and alternate white kit.
The news was confirmed by SA Rugby in a statement on Monday:
South Africa’s first alternate is hyper-jade and white; the second alternate is white with a hyper-jade collar. Replicas of the primary (green) and alternate (hyper-jade) have been produced for sale.
The second alternate (all white) will be worn against Ireland as the hyper-jade is too like Ireland’s green jersey.
READ HERE: Quiz: Identify These 10 South Africans Who Played Rugby In Ireland
South Africa Have Been Forced To Bring In New Jersey For Ireland Game
🚨 The Springboks will wear their second alternate jersey against Ireland as the hyper-jade is too like Ireland’s green jersey.
New colour blindness guidelines are in operation at #RWC2023, which have increased the number of occasions on which one of the competing teams is… pic.twitter.com/mZ0pUXJSyT
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) September 18, 2023
South Africa's Springboks beat Scotland 18-3 in their opening game at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
South Africa are the defending world champions. pic.twitter.com/JB7BwWflqm
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 11, 2023
READ HERE: CJ Stander Has Nailed His Colours To The Mast Ahead Of Ireland Vs South Africa
The turn of events if fairly bizarre and was 100% avoidable, given that South Africa have known for nearly three years that they would be facing Ireland - one of the only fixtures for which an alternate kit is required - in the 2023 World Cup.
This isn't the first time that this clash has produced some controversy in the jersey department.
READ HERE: The Jersey Colour Clash Was Causing Huge Frustration For Ireland v South Africa Viewers
When the two sides last played each other in November of last year, many fans were quick to complain about the colour choice of both jerseys.
A lot of complaints were received by both teams during and after the game from colour-blind people about the colour clash with the jerseys.
READ HERE: Ex-South Africa Head Coach Has 'Question Mark' About Springbok Squad
The statement from SA Rugby went to great lengths to try and explain and justify the design of the 'hyper-jade' kit, which in reality is closer in look to a training jersey.
"The Springboks are not permitted to wear the green and gold jersey in every Test match – as much as we would like to.
"The alternative jersey colour is white, but Nike proposed enhancing the plain look with a modern design drawing on various influences in a new combination to appeal to a new and wider audience.
"It was presented to senior Springboks, who gave it their seal of approval."
Ireland v South Africa - South Africa's team selection raises eyebrows
South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber named seven forwards and just one back on the bench for his side's Rugby World Cup clash with Ireland on Saturday raising quite a few eyebrows from the rugby world.
Find out here, his reasoning behind the unusual team selection.
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