Queensland Reds back in maroon for 2019
- 1308
In recognition of 125 years of rich history, the St.George Queensland Reds have gone back to the future by announcing Queensland will play in maroon jerseys for the entire 2019 Super Rugby season.
The Reds officially unveiled their new-look maroon playing kit at today’s QRU Long Lunch at Brisbane City Hall.
Queensland Rugby Union Interim CEO David Hanham said: “It’s important for us to reconnect with our roots.
“Queensland has enjoyed some of its finest moments playing in a maroon jersey over the decades.
“In speaking to Brad, the QRU Board and our wider stakeholders, it was an easy decision for us to return to maroon full-time – the colour we first wore in 1894.
“Brad is doing a great job of building the culture at Ballymore and running out in maroon jerseys will fill the players and our fans with a pride shared by all Queenslanders, wherever they may be in the world,” said Hanham.
Queensland played its first representative game in 1882 against New South Wales and had adopted maroon socks to go with a white playing jersey and shorts by 1887. In 1894 the QRU changed the jersey colour to maroon to reflect the colour of Queen Victoria’s robes – and the jersey remained maroon until 2006.
In the past 12 years the jersey became increasingly red, although over the last two seasons Queensland has worn maroon in three matches against New South Wales.
A proud Queenslander and former State of Origin representative with the Queensland Maroons, Reds Head Coach Brad Thorn said he was excited about the change.
“When you think about representing sport in Queensland, you think about maroon. It’s great to recognise our history and be back in the maroon jersey again,” said Thorn.
Also unveiled today at Brisbane City Hall was the “History of the Kit” – a visual exhibition by QRU archivist Conor Feehely that showcases the 136-year history of Queensland Rugby’s representative uniform which will be on display at Reds home games during the 2019 Super Rugby season.
