In a landmark move for female athletes and women’s sport as a whole, the Ireland women’s rugby team has made the call to permanently replace their traditional white shorts with navy alternatives, in response to player concerns of wearing white while on their periods.

Led by kit supplier Canterbury of New Zealand and the IRFU, they’re the first home nations team to make the switch and will debut the new kit in their opening game of the Women’s Six Nations on 25 March.

But it’s not just the pro team making the change. The IRFU has confirmed Canterbury will be offering teams and players at all levels who initially bought white shorts the opportunity to claim a free pair in a different colour.

Speaking of the switch, Ireland international Enya Breen said: “The top way to ensure we perform to our best on the field is by removing any unnecessary distractions. Wearing navy shorts instead of white is such a small thing, but for us it’s a big step from Canterbury and the IRFU.

“This will remove the stress of worrying about being on your period while you’re playing in a match. Our hope is that it will help women at all levels of rugby feel more comfortable on the field so they can get on with performing at their best in the game that they love.”

Victoria Rush, director of the film No Women No Try, said: “As women, we are given a multitude of reasons why we shouldn’t play rugby before we’ve even started.

“This decision by Canterbury and the IRFU is a first step in a much more important conversation about choice for women in sport. It shows how brands, clubs and governing bodies can make sure that every woman on the pitch feels comfortable, heard and respected.

“Here’s to many more decisions like this that make women feel welcome in rugby, and in sport.”

Elsewhere in sport, Manchester City women last year announced they will switch to burgundy shorts to help players “perform at their highest level”, and during last year’s Euros, the Lionesses raised concerns about playing in white shorts, too. Here’s hoping for a future where women can play sport without kit concerns.

Images: IRFU