Leinster Rugby vs Benetton Rugby

Our People, Our Home
TWELVE COUNTIES. ONE SHIRT.
Aaron Craig
From a lad wearing Leinster blue to the RDS, to
designing this season’s shirt. Aaron Craig’s journey has
been amazing. The adidas Designer talks us through
his design and what it means to create the shirt for his
boyhood club.
How did you begin working with adidas?
When I was at the National College of Art and Design Dublin, I learned
of adidas’ intern program. A lifelong fan of the brand, I knew it was an
amazing opportunity. Luckily, I got to join adidas as an intern in 2016
and I’ve been in Herzogenaurach (adidas HQ) ever since. I’m now a
licensed apparel designer for some of the biggest teams in the world.
What drew you to this project?
Leinster asked if there were any Irish designers at adidas HQ they
could collaborate with. For a lad who comes from Leinster that grew
up supporting the team, this was a massive bucket list moment. My
grandfather even worked the entrance gates the RDS and Donnybrook
for years.
What was your inspiration for the design?
The inspiration came quite naturally. Each county of Leinster was to be
represented equally with their heraldic crests – instantly recognisable
symbols. I wanted to recount my own Leinster memories too. That
meant introducing the darker blue sleeves and the collegiate gold
detailing. To me, it’s a design that could be worn by players from any
generation, from O’Driscoll to Sexton.
How do you keep designs fresh year on year?
We work closely with clubs to find authentic and fresh stories. At
adidas, we also want to be at the forefront of performance technologies
and sustainability. So every year we work to combine the two.
Which design excited you the most?
On a professional level, I designed the Spanish national team kits for
the World Cup this season. The biggest sporting event there is. But,
on a personal level, being part of the first adidas Celtic jersey in 2020
and now seeing the framed Leinster kits in my parents’ home in Dublin
might just be level with the World Cup.
How does it feel to see your designs worn by thousands of fans?
Seeing your jersey enjoyed by fans is definitely one of the most
rewarding aspects of our jobs. Seeing people of all ages around Dublin
on game day. Outside the pubs and cafés around the RDS. It’s a real
pinch yourself moment for sure.