Samurai launch new Iconix 220S jersey

By Mark Stevens
1/7/20

Samurai Sportswear are resuming their pre-COVID product innovation with the launch of the new Iconix 220S rugby shirt.

After three years of research, experimenting & evaluating feedback from customers, the new Iconix 220S match shirt is available to professional and amateur teams world-wide.

Capable of carrying literally any unique design graphics, the Iconix product has an enhanced functional and performance profile as a result of new design features and technical gains.

The earlier Iconix model is already in use by Premiership Rugby teams Exeter Chiefs, Sale Sharks & Wasps Ladies, along with Bay of Plenty (NZ), South China Tigers, China Lions and British Army Rugby Union teams all of whom will be upgrading to Iconix 220s.

In addition, Iconix 220S has been selected by Leicester Tigers for their 20/21 Premiership season. An important principle of Samurai’s business model is that amateur and semi-pro teams can access the very same shirt performance as elite professional teams.

The performance increase of the new Iconix 220S shirt derives from a harder-to-scrag collar, more specific compression zones for better muscular control and endurance, increased flat seam stitching and saddle sleeves for reduced drag, new under-arm panelling to prevent pinching, and increased breathability & wicking from the Kohino 4DX fabric and Performex moisture management system exclusive to Samurai. The Iconix 220S retains the industry-leading 800 Newton seam strength of its predecessor.

Samurai Sportswear creates unique sportswear identities for teams, using high-performance fabrics & designs. Samurai products are developed using recent industrial research, exceeding international standards wherever possible, backed by independent laboratory testing. They routinely performance test our products against leading competitor products.

Having end-to-end ownership & control of their supply chain puts them in a unique position to take visual customisation of playing, athleisure & supporters' kit to an unmatched depth & breadth. They are not restricted to using stock items from a limited range of colours & patterns which may give the appearance of a unique team identity but which in reality is being used by dozens or hundreds of other teams. Samurai’s supply chain control lets them assure fabric performance, design quality, training & continuous compliance with evolving technical standards. They don’t manufacture products for any other company.

To celebrate the launch of the Iconix 220S, Samurai are offering £5 off the Teamwear Price of every Iconix 220S Match Jersey for all grass roots clubs below level 4.

Terry Sands, CEO of Samurai Sportswear, said: “We have a strong track record of investment in garment research and development and had already committed to completing the Iconix 220S programme prior to COVID-19 coming along. With rugby either restarting or about to restart worldwide, and as a modest family-run business, we’re delighted to bring a positive development to the sport after some months of uncertainty and anxiety for rugby teams everywhere.

“We sincerely and with humility believe that Iconix 220S is the best performing match-day rugby shirt in the world at the moment and we have the data to prove it. We’re humbled and grateful that Premiership clubs agree with us on that and look forward to seeing the first Iconix 220S appearances this coming season.”