Vikings unveil new home kit for return to Super League (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Widnes Vikings unveil new home kit

11:02am Friday 2nd December 2011 in Vikings news

WIDNES Vikings have unveiled their new home kit for the 2012 season which will see the Super League new boys ‘dressed to impress’ after their six-year absence from the game’s top flight.

The new design was previewed for the first time by more than 300 Viking Stronghold members at an exclusive event held at the Stobart Stadium Halton last night.

Judging by the initial feedback of those in attendance, demand is expected to be high for the all-new replica.

Manufactured by O’Neills Irish Sportswear, the shirt utilises O’Neills' new KOOLITE fabric which has been developed to provide the ultimate comfort during performance.

The player-issue apparel also features a bespoke silicone grip to aid ball retention while in possession.

While embracing everything modern in terms of technology, the shirt also hints back to the club's proud and illustrious history through its striking V shaped detail, a characteristic of the kit worn by Widnes RLFC teams of yesteryear.

A golden star is also featured on the reverse, in reference to the club's World Club Challenge triumph in 1989, while the heritage crest brings together the ‘Industria Ditat’ Coat of Arms and the Vikings logo.

Since the arrival of Steve O’Connor as chairman in November 2007, the all-new Vikings have made giant strides forward both on and off the pitch.

Brand awareness for the club has also benefited from the introduction of a new club crest upon O’Connor’s tenure.

From day one, everything the club has done has been accompanied by the impressive ‘WV’ logo which features heavily in the new design.

The embedded ‘WV’ watermark proves further the togetherness and unity the club has with its Viking Stronghold members.

Predominantly white in colour with a black and gold trim, the 2012 home kit features Stobart as its main sponsor across the chest with the logos of each of the club's business partners; Halton Borough Council, Medicash, Hattons Solicitors, Ultimate Sports Nutrition, Malta Court, DW Sports Fitness, Reel Cinemas, ApolloBET.com and Elonex, also present. Further to this, the ‘Love Your Balls’ emblem of the Vikings’ 2012 Official Charity of the Year partner, The Mark Gorry Foundation, is also incorporated.

In what is believed to be a first in UK rugby league, a QR code is also noticeable on the front of both the playing jersey and replica items.

The QR code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background, and when scanned using an application downloaded from a whole host of smart-phones and other gadgets, opens up the Widnes Vikings official website on the device's browser.

O’Neills Irish Sportswear has created a unique collar design for the new Vikings shirt.

From behind, the Norse words ‘Dirfstu ad Dreyma’ are clearly visible, while on the inside of the collar the ‘Dare to Dream’ translation is featured.

It is hoped, the Vikings players who are face to face with this statement as they take down their jersey from its hanger in the home changing room in 2012, will use the words as a motivational tool before they run out onto the ‘i-Pitch’ at the Stobart Stadium Halton.

The new shirt will be accompanied by black shorts with gold and white detailing, plus black and white socks, incorporating the words ‘Viking Stronghold’.

Commenting on the 2012 design, Vikings head coach Denis Betts said: “Speaking on behalf of the club, we are all really pleased with the new playing kit and we’ve had no complaints whatsoever with the quality or range of O’Neills uniform we’ve been provided with.

“The players have offered a massive thumbs-up all round and I’m sure the club's supporters will also enjoy wearing the new range of replica items and leisurewear as soon as they can get their hands on it!”

The initial batch of 2012 ‘Home' kit will be available to buy, alongside a whole host of other Vikings' merchandise and products at the Vikings Superstore situated on Liebig Court in Widnes from 10.00am tomorrow, Saturday.

Throughout the day, a selection of Vikings players will be in attendance to meet and greet you upon your arrival.

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Prices are as follows...

Toddler replica kits: Age 1-2 up to 5-6 = £36.49

Junior replica shirts: Age 7-8 up to 13-14 = £34.99

Adult replica shirts: Extra Small up to 5XL = £44.99

Junior replica shorts: Age 7-8 up to 13-14 = £14.99

Adult replica shorts: Extra Small up to XXL = £19.99

Junior replica socks: £5.99

Replica socks: Shoe Sizes 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 = £8.99

Note: the 10% discount previously offered by O’Neills is no longer available. However, there will be a number of Viking Stronghold initiatives unveiled throughout the coming season.