New Springbok Jerseys Revealed for 2025, Featuring Iconic 1995 Edition
In a powerful blend of heritage and modern flair, the Springboks have officially unveiled their 2025 playing kit. It comes with a special nod to one of the most treasured moments in South African sporting history.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Springboks’ unforgettable 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph, Nike has released a commemorative replica of the jersey worn during the historic 15-12 victory over New Zealand at Ellis Park. The reimagined jersey celebrates the unifying moment. It saw Francois Pienaar and President Nelson Mandela lift the Webb Ellis Cup, signalling hope and a new era for the nation.
Honouring a Historic Legacy
The commemorative 1995 edition is crafted from classic cotton and retains the original look — featuring the leaping Springbok above a wreath of proteas. While it mirrors the traditional design, it now incorporates a modern slim-fit cut. This is in contrast to the original loose-fitting style typical of the amateur era. One noticeable addition is the Nike swoosh on the chest, a sign of the times now that rugby operates in the professional era.
This special jersey pays homage to more than just a match — it represents the spirit of unity that swept across the country in the wake of the 1995 victory. Mandela’s choice to wear the once-divisive Springbok jersey played a huge role. It transformed its symbolism from one of exclusion to inclusion.
A Fresh Look for the 2025 Season
Alongside the heritage kit, the Springboks’ official 2025 playing strip introduces a fresh aesthetic while preserving national symbols. The most eye-catching element is the incorporation of the King Protea in the collar design. It’s a subtle yet striking addition that ties in cultural and national pride.
Inside the collar, four stars have been added to symbolise the Boks’ World Cup successes — in 1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023. It’s a powerful touch. This encapsulates the team’s rich history on rugby’s grandest stage.
The alternate jersey offers a cleaner aesthetic, presented in all white with the same protea-detailed collar in traditional bottle green — a nod to tradition. It has a sleek, modern twist.
Rugby and Retail Collide
The full kit range — including the home jersey, the alternative strip, and a wider lifestyle collection — officially launched on 25 June. It is available online, at Nike stores and major retail outlets. The heritage 1995 replica jersey has been priced at R1799.95.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was among the first to showcase the new jersey. This underscored the union’s efforts to blend nostalgia with performance innovation.
“Nike has done an excellent job in crafting a collection that both honours the traditions of the Springboks and introduces a fresh, contemporary edge,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “We also felt it was important to mark the 30th anniversary of our 1995 victory — a defining chapter for rugby and for our country.”
A Symbolic Weekend Ahead
The kit launch couldn’t be better timed. The Springboks will open their 2025 season on Saturday with a high-profile clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town. To add to the nostalgic theme, SA Rugby has priced tickets behind the poles at R950. It’s a clever tribute to the ’95 legacy.
With the blend of memory and modernity, this jersey drop does more than just dress the team. It reminds fans of how far the Boks and the country have come since that pivotal June day three decades ago. The new jerseys are more than just attire; they’re a statement of pride, legacy, and unity.
Related article: Springboks vs Barbarians: Historic First Match on South African Soil This Weekend