Super jerseys carry an extra bit of pride

The Highlanders Super Rugby jersey will have a bit of extra local pride stitched into it for 2013.

Each team's jersey will carry the names of the provincial unions that join forces to form the franchise.

They have also included images to feature on the front of the jerseys, to reflect their tribal pride.

The Crusaders chose to emphasise their medieval theme, with an icon featuring chainmail and the 'sword of success'.

The Highlanders decided to do something slightly different, with the words 'Pride of the South' running around the collar, with the franchise districts that make up their territory watermarked onto the front of the jersey.

The Blues have also made a change, the Rangitoto volcano motif is incorporated on the front of the jersey but the volcano is not lying dormant for 2013.

Adidas' Rugby Pacific merchandise manager AJ Moriarty said the teams were happy to pay homage to the provincial unions.

"The teams were keen to add the names of their provincial unions and catchment areas to the jerseys as a tribute to their roots, and to their support base," he said.

"The jerseys reflect who the teams are, and where they're from. And when the players run out onto the field, the loyal followers from New Zealand rugby's heartland will be right there with them."