CANTERBURY UNVEILS BATTLE OF BRITAIN 75TH ANNIVERSARY SHIRT FOR RAF SPITFIRES RUGBY 7s
Canterbury and the RAF Rugby Union have unveiled a Battle of Britain 75th anniversary shirt alongside the brand new kit for the RAF Spitfires Rugby 7s for 2015.
The team, who take their name from the iconic Royal Air Force Spitfire aircraft used in World War II, is made up of serving RAF personnel and they will next be seen in the kit at ‘Sevens and the City’ being held at Allianz Park, London, on the 4th and 5th July 2015.
The design of the shirt represents one of the surviving members of “The Few” climbing out of a spitfire, who is now a retired Royal Air Force Officer. The reverse of the shirt references “The Few”, who were the allied airmen of the RAF who fought the Battle of Britain in World War II.
In addition to the Battle of Britain 75th anniversary shirt, Canterbury and the RAF Rugby Union have also unveiled the new home shirt which is in traditional RAF cronulla blue with contrasting red and white detail and also holds the Battle of Britain 75th anniversary logo proudly on the chest.
Due to popular demand, there will also be a casual range available consisting of a hooded jumper, polo shirt and tee.
£5 from each shirt sold will go to the charities supported by the RAF Rugby Union, including the RAF Benevolent fund and Khelo Rugby.
In September 2015 the Spitfires will be completing an arduous fundraising cycle around London and the South East coast, visiting numerous sites of significance in the Battle of Britain, in commemoration of those who fought 75 years ago. The ‘Ride 75’ event will finish at Twickenham stadium on 18th September as England open the RWC against Fiji.
Khelo Rugby is a tag rugby project for disadvantaged children in India and the Spitfires have been involved in coaching children in disadvantaged areas of Bengal and Bangalore for over 18 months. Khelo is expanding within India and other countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Vietnam, which is helping grass roots rugby in developing rugby nations.
The RAF Benevolent Fund is also a charity close to the RAF’s heart, which raises money to help RAF personnel and their families, past, present and future, in times of need. Their recent projects include funding for youth workers and play parks on numerous RAF stations across the UK through the Airplay scheme.
Squadron Leader Nick Monahan, Deputy Director RAF 7s, said; “”We are really excited about embarking on a new season, particularly with RAF rugby in the ascendency after a historic Senior XV Inter Services Championship victory. It’s an important year for the RAF in terms of honouring the Battle of Britain and Spitfire legacy, and with the home RWC to look forward to it promises to be a memorable season.”
The RAF Rugby 7s shirt and casual range is available now from www.canterbury.com and selected online retailers.
