Leeds Rhinos back in the pink as alternative shirt unveiled
Leeds Rhinos will be back in the pink next season after unveiling their alternative jersey for 2027.
The design is mainly pink - a colour previously used from 2011-2013 and most recently four years ago - with navy ‘bubbles’ rising from the bottom. Rhinos managing director Rob Oates enthused: “I think the new kit looks fantastic.
“We have got very traditional Leeds colours for our principal kit this season so it was important we did something very different for the alternative. We have had a number of pink shirts down the years which are always very popular and it is brilliant at away games to see all the fans stand out on their way to the ground and behind the sticks.”
The latest strip was influenced by an unexpected source, according to a club statement. It explained: “While Leeds is famous for its rugby league heritage, it can also lay claim to being the birthplace of something rather more refreshing thanks to the pioneering experiments of 18th-century Leeds-born scientist Joseph Priestley, [who] was busy experimenting with gases in Leeds during the 1760s.
“Living next door to a brewery, Priestley became fascinated by the mysterious ‘fixed air’ produced during the beer fermentation process. His curiosity led him to suspend a bowl of water above a fermenting vat, allowing it to absorb the carbon dioxide and create what we now recognise as carbonated water.
“In 1772 Priestley published his findings in Directions for Impregnating Water with Fixed Air, effectively giving the world its first recipe for fizzy drinks. More than 250 years later his discovery has provided the inspiration for the Rhinos’ latest alternative shirt, bringing a little scientific sparkle to the club's 2027 kit collection. The design pays tribute to Priestley's ingenuity and Leeds’ contribution to the world of refreshments, proving the city has always had a knack for producing something with a bit of fizz.”
Theo Telford, head of marketing for Elite Pro Sports, added: “We work closely with the Rhinos to come up with new ideas and designs. Our design team wanted to reflect something unique about the city of Leeds in the new shirt and it is always great to celebrate a city’s heritage, as well as the team.
“We hope everyone likes what we have come up with. It feels vibrant and fresh and we can’t wait to see the teams run out in it in 2027.”
The price of replicas has been frozen from last year with adult and women’s shirts costing £54.99. Junior and toddlers’ versions are £39.99. Replica shorts and socks are also available.