Castore Expands Global Rugby Presence with Major Australian Partnership
Manchester-headquartered sportswear brand Castore has significantly expanded its international rugby portfolio by securing a substantial five-year partnership with Rugby Australia. The landmark agreement, announced on Friday 23rd January 2026, will see Castore become the official kit supplier for Australia's national rugby union teams starting from January 2026.
Comprehensive Team Coverage
The new partnership represents one of Castore's most comprehensive national team agreements to date. The deal covers multiple Australian rugby programs including:
- The Wallabies men's national team
- The Wallaroos women's national team
- Australian men's and women's sevens teams
- Australian pathways and development teams
This extensive coverage ensures that Castore branding will be visible across all levels of Australian rugby, from elite international competition through to emerging talent pathways.
Strategic Timing and World Cup Presence
The timing of this partnership is particularly strategic, with Castore set to brand the Wallabies for two upcoming Rugby World Cups hosted in Australia. The men's tournament in 2027 and the women's competition in 2029 will both feature Australian teams wearing Castore-designed kits, providing the brand with significant global exposure during these premier rugby events.
Castore founder and chief executive Tom Beahon expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: "We're proud to join forces with Rugby Australia and support the next chapter of the Australian national teams. Our mission is to make athletes better and give them a competitive edge through advanced engineering, precision manufacturing, and a world-class retail programme."
Partnership Scope and Retail Strategy
The agreement extends beyond just matchday kits, encompassing a comprehensive range of apparel and retail opportunities. The partnership includes:
- On-field playing kits for all teams
- Training wear and equipment
- Travel apparel for touring squads
- Extensive fan retail merchandise
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh highlighted the alignment between the two organisations, noting: "We're aligning with a brand that shares our high-performance mindset and can deliver genuine innovation for our athletes and supporters. This partnership strengthens every layer of our sport and puts the fan experience at the centre."
Growing Sports Portfolio
This Australian rugby deal represents another significant addition to Castore's expanding sports portfolio. The Manchester-based brand has been building an impressive roster of partnerships across multiple sports, including agreements with:
- Red Bull Racing and Alpine in Formula 1
- Everton Football Club
- England Rugby Union
- England Cricket Board
The Rugby Australia partnership comes just six months after Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos group acquired a stake in Castore through an agreement involving heritage brand Belstaff. This investment has provided additional resources for Castore's international expansion and partnership development.
The five-year agreement positions Castore as a major player in international rugby apparel, with the Australian partnership complementing their existing England rugby deal and creating a strong presence in two of rugby's traditional powerhouses. The brand's focus on technical innovation and performance enhancement aligns with Rugby Australia's ambitions to rebuild their competitive standing in world rugby following recent challenges.
With the first Castore-designed Australian rugby kits scheduled for unveiling ahead of the 2026 season, both organisations are anticipating a successful partnership that will benefit athletes, support staff, and rugby fans across Australia and internationally.
