New Brains Welsh rugby shirt unveiled

The new Wales rugby shirt, sponsored by Welsh brewer SA Brains, was unveiled yesterday at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Brains, which began its sponsorship in 2004, recently agreed a new shirt sponsorship deal with the national rugby union team until September 2009.

The arrangement is part of a wider four year deal which gives Brains dispensing rights to serve SA Smooth at the Millennium Stadium until 2012, alongside Brains Smooth and its continental lager 45.

Brains head of marketing Stewart Dobson hailed the new design as "fantastic".

He said: "The deal gives us so much more than advertising, it links us emotionally to the people of Wales.

"This continues our plan to grow the Brains brand organically from its highly respected position of traditional values in Cardiff to one which is recognised throughout Wales."

The new state-of-the-art shirt, designed by Under Armour, was unveiled by Wales coach Warren Gatland and captain Ryan Jones.

"The Welsh national team jersey holds a unique place in the mindset of players and fans alike throughout the country," said Gatland.

The Welsh team will first wear the shirt in the match against World Champions South Africa on 8 November.