The Plus500 Brumbies are pleased to unveil our 2021 Pasifika Jersey which will be worn this Saturday for Pasifika Round against the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium.
The jersey, titled ‘Warrior over the Waves’, is designed to share parts of the 2021 Brumbies Pasifika players common ancestry and journey, to showcase what’s important to them as individuals, as representatives of their people, and as Pasifika members of the Brumbies family.
Designed by Angelique Sloss, the jersey’s concept has been driven by Pasifika players in the Brumbies group with the design process beginning at the start of the 2021 season.
The central image of the jersey is a warrior of the pacific, setting out on their waka (boat) across the Pacific Ocean in search of kai moana (seafood), new lands, and freedom; to support, sustain, and protect their whanau (family).
The warrior is armed with the Maori Taiaha (spear) representing the many weapons used by warriors to defend, protect, and conquer their enemies, and carries with them the memory and spirit of their ancestors portrayed in the Tataus (tattoos) carved into their body.
The design of the Warrior’s tattoos is personal, telling of their deeds or depicting symbols and stories of their lands and oceans.
The Warrior bares the Maori ta moko on their chin; with the Tongan tatau on their left forearm; the Fijian samuqawe on their right shoulder; the Samoan soga'imiti on their waist and legs; and the Niuean tatau etched into their calf and lower leg.
Some symbols are unique like the fern prong of Aotearoa while others are common across nations, including the waves, sharks’ teeth, and the spearhead.
Each symbol shown in the arm bands and tattoos of the jersey portrays an important aspect of Pasifika heritage and culture. Symbols of courage, fearlessness, endurance, power, leadership, and protection.
The back of the jersey lists the surnames of the 2021 Pasifika players, followed by the home villages of their parents, or, for players of Maori heritage, their iwi (tribe).
They are listed here to recognise, honour and pay respect to the Pasifika players ancestors.
Plus500 Brumbies centurion and proud Samoan Australian Scott Sio said: “The 2021 Brumbies Pasifika players and the entire squad are extremely proud to unveil this jersey.”
“Every Pasifika member of the group has contributed to the design and concept of the jersey and we would like to thank Angelique for bringing our ideas to life with this jersey.
“On behalf of the playing group, we would like to thank the entire Brumbies organisation for allowing us to represent our culture and our heritage with this jersey and with Pasifika round this Saturday against the Hurricanes.”
Plus500 Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson said: “We are tremendously excited for everyone to see our new Pasifika jersey.”
“It is a truly unique jersey, one which has been guided and inspired by the Pasifika players in the 2021 squad.
“Having their input into the design was crucial for us as an organisation because it's their story to tell, and as a club we will be proud to see that story represented on the field at GIO Stadium.”
The 2021 Pasifika Jersey will be available to purchase at GIO Stadium on Saturday night before being sold online from Monday next week.
The Plus500 Brumbies will play the Hurricanes in Round Four of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday June 5 at 7:45pm AEST. LIVE and AD FREE on the new Home of Rugby, Stan Sport and simulcast on Nine Gem. Tickets available here.
