Munster have released their new alternative jersey for the upcoming season and it looks a little bit familiar.
Available from July 27, the jersey is a striking navy number with a yellow trim and a huge light-blue stag on the front.
As as now compulsory, the shirt comes a backstory linking it to local folklore.
According to the official press release, the jersey “celebrates the significance of the Munster stag, an animal which in Irish folklore is always portrayed as defending its own territory.”
“One of the great Munster families, the McCarthy’s, who trace their origins back to the Carthach, the 11th century Prince of Munster, also had a stag on a shield of metal grey as their crest. The McCarthy motto, “to the brave and faithful nothing is impossible”, was adopted by Munster Rugby, summing up their resilience and determination.”
Our new @adidasrugby alternate jersey is now available to pre-order from @lifestylesports https://t.co/7nWbDPAp5D pic.twitter.com/i8iKBygfLn
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) July 5, 2016
Of course it does.
While the designers will argue that the shirt is inspired by an emblem that has become synonymous with Munster rugby, one can’t ignore the fact that it bears a striking resemblance to a jersey belonging to their fiercest provincial rivals.
Which leads us nicely to the question on everyone’s lips – who wore it better?
