All Blacks players put Orlando Pirates’ new kit in global spotlight

Orlando Pirates’ 2026/27 away jersey has attracted international attention after All Blacks players were seen wearing it on their arrival in Scotland for the Nations Championship on Saturday.

Ethan de Groot and Saula Ma’u were pictured in the club shirt, with the All Blacks’ choice of attire linking one of rugby’s most recognisable teams with the South African football club.

The connection was helped by Orlando Pirates and the All Blacks sharing Adidas as their technical sponsor. The timing added further significance, as the players wore the jersey on the same day Pirates met arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.

Pirates extended their unbeaten start to the league season with a 2-1 victory over Chiefs. They have now recorded eight wins and one draw, leaving them second on the log with 23 points.

They trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by one point, although Sundowns have played a game more.

Pirates make impact beyond the pitch

The club’s growing profile away from football follows its debut on the South African Fashion Week runway, making Pirates the first PSL club to take part in the event.

The appearance came under the theme ‘Field to Fashion’ and was used to launch the club’s third kit for the season.

A number of current and former Pirates players took part as models. The current squad members included Neo Rapoo, Andre de Jong, Sebastian Pedersen, Zoey Monyepao and Christian Derbyshire.

They were joined on the runway by former players Fortune Makaringe, Linda Mntambo, Brighton Mhlongo, Happy Jele and Innocent Maela.

The third jersey has a dark maroon base, with geometric designs drawing inspiration from the rooftops and urban landscape of Soweto. Red, dusty orange and light purple are incorporated into the pattern, giving the shirt a distinctive appearance while preserving Orlando Pirates’ identity.

The club’s relationship with Adidas has therefore extended beyond its role as a technical partnership. Pirates continue to compete near the top of the league while also developing designs that reflect the character of the club.

The All Blacks’ appearance in the away jersey has provided another international platform for that work, with the shirt being worn by leading rugby players during their arrival in Scotland.