Thirty years after Nelson Mandela united a nation with a rugby jersey and a dream, the Springboks have done it again… unveiling a new kit that celebrates our past while boldly stepping into the future.
South Africa (24 June 2025) – Exactly three decades after Nelson Mandela handed over the Webb Ellis Cup to a Springbok captain for the very first time, SA Rugby and Nike have given South Africans something else to celebrate… a jersey that doesn’t just represent a team, but carries the pride of a nation.
Unveiled on Tuesday, the 2025 Springbok kit collection feels like a visual journey through history, heritage and heart.
At the centre of the release is a beautiful tribute to that unforgettable 1995 Rugby World Cup win. A recreation of the iconic jersey from the 15-12 Ellis Park victory against New Zealand, made from traditional cotton and complete with the legendary Springbok badge leaping over a wreath of proteas, will now form part of the heritage range. It’s the kind of shirt that makes you feel something before you even put it on.
And while the heritage kit celebrates where we’ve come from, the new playing jersey speaks volumes about where we’re going.
The updated design keeps the classic green and gold but introduces a striking collar inspired by South Africa’s national flower: the King Protea. Its petals crown the neckline in a detail that feels both regal and rooted. Inside, four subtle stars mark the Boks’ four Rugby World Cup wins, alongside the words, “Forever Green Forever Gold”.
The alternate kit is a crisp, all-white jersey… clean, elegant and equally proud with that signature Protea collar in traditional bottle green. A warm-up jersey features a striking overhead graphic of Protea buds bursting into bloom, a nod to resilience, growth, and unity.
And while the jerseys turn heads, they also bring the heat when it comes to performance. Nike’s cutting-edge sportswear tech is integrated throughout: breathable, lightweight, flexible and durable materials that keep the players cool under pressure. Literally.
“Nike has done a superb job to produce a kit range that both honours the traditions of the Springboks while giving it a modern design edge,” said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer.
He added: “We also chose to honour the 30th anniversary of the 1995 victory that was such a watershed moment for rugby and for South Africa.”
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Supporters will be able to get their hands on the home and alternate jerseys, plus a wide lifestyle collection and fan accessories, from 25th of June via Nike stores, major retailers and online platforms.
Whether you wear it on Bok Fridays or frame it on your wall, this one’s made for the memory and the moment.
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