Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks unveil jersey for Japan tournament

The All Blacks have officially unveiled their new-look jersey for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The jersey pays homage to both Māori and Japanese cultures, along with the three World Cup they've won in 1987, 2011 and 2015.

A select group of players - including Aaron Smith and Sonny Bill Williams - modelled the jerseys at an event in Auckland.

"This jersey is pretty special," Williams told the AM Show "It is cool that sports and fashion has interlinked for this.

"They intertied and New Zealand and Japanese culture which makes it even special."  

Designer Yohji Yamamoto said bringing the two cultures together was crucial in making the jersey stand out. 

"We wanted to create a jersey that brought together the Japanese and Māori cultures," he said.

"The design bears hand-drawn koru and fern motifs in a celebration of Māori culture. It has been a privilege to work on such a major project and I wish the team the best of luck in the tournament."

The Rugby World Cup logo is on the right of the chest, shifting the Adidas badge move to the centre of the jersey. The All Blacks silver fern logo remains on the left-hand side of the jersey, while the all-black collar returns for the World Cup.

New Zealand's previous successes are noted on the right sleeve.

Fans can purchase a replica version of the jersey from $110 while a high-performance jersey will cost $200.  

The All Blacks will wear the jersey for the first time in their opening RWC2019 match against South Africa on September 21.

Newshub.  

Watch the video above as the AM Show speaks to Sonny Bill Williams and Aaron Smith about the new All Blacks jersey