CLASSIC SPORTSWEAR UNVEILS "SUPER WĀHINE" PUTTING AUPUKI ATHLETES AND JERSEYS CENTRE STAGE

Classic Sportswear is marking a defining moment in its New Zealand journey and in the evolution of women’s rugby.

As the official outfitter of all teams in the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki competition, New Zealand’s premier women’s rugby union competition — Classic has unveiled Super Wāhine (“wāhine”, the Māori word for women, strength and identity), a landmark campaign designed to elevate the game, the athletes, and the jersey itself.

Super Rugby Aupiki represents the highest level of domestic women’s rugby in New Zealand and a key pathway to the Black Ferns. But while performance on the field continues to rise, visibility off it has not always kept pace.

Classic is working to change that.

Since entering the New Zealand market in 2023 as the apparel partner to Super Rugby with its ‘You Define Super. We Make It Classic’ campaign, the brand has been on a mission to write its own chapter. Proudly outfitting Matatū, Hurricanes Poua, Chiefs Manawa and the Blues, Classic is investing behind the game, putting the athletes and their jerseys front and centre.

At the heart of Super Wāhine is a simple belief:
these athletes have always delivered — now it’s about giving them the platform to match.

Visually, Super Wāhine is bold and uncompromising. A premium, high-impact shoot captures the strength, mana and identity of each athlete, positioning the 2026 jersey as more than apparel but a symbol of belonging, pride and empowerment.

The campaign features one hero athlete from each club — fierce, unyielding, and standing tall for every jersey that came before them.

Because this is more than a jersey.
It’s the armour of the Aupiki elite.

Each club is further represented by three players in individual features, celebrating the depth of talent and the heartbeat of each region.

Timed with a competition building strong momentum — including an expanded 2026 season, the campaign invites fans to do more than watch.

Show up.
Wear it.
Back them.

For Classic Sportswear, this is more than a launch.
It’s a statement of intent — not only to outfit the game, but to help shape its future.

Shop the 2026 Aupuki range here