New badge, new identity, new kit for Edinburgh

On the last day in May, Edinburgh Rugby announced a complete rebrand of the club, changing their colours (previously black & red) to a bright and eye catching navy blue and lava orange. Along with this, their badge was given a new look, with a sharp outline of Edinburgh Castle's turrets, which sits famously in the city centre.

The rebranding for the new season seems appropriate given the successful changes at the beginning of last. The introduction of head coach Richard Cockerill, previously of Leicester Tigers and Toulon, saw a massive change in on-field fortunes for the side, who ended the 17/18 Pro14 season with their highest placed finish, and were narrowly beaten in the play-offs by Munster. The club seem to be heading in the right direction, and it has been a while since any supporter could say that, but what has brought on the rebrand?

There is heritage behind the colour change, with navy being the colour the side wore when they were a district side, starting back in 1872 right through until 1995, when Edinburgh became a fully professional club. The burnt orange added to the 2018 rebranding is inspired by the cities volcanic beginnings at Castle Rock and Arthur’s Seat.

Along with colours and badges changing, Edinburgh have also announced that they will be moving grounds, although not too far. The back pitches of Murrayfield will host Edinburgh Pro14 matches from the start of the 2019/20 season, with temporary stands being added, for a much closer-to-the-action and atmospheric feel. European and 1872 Cup games will be hosted in the BT Murrayfield stadium, to allow for higher attendances.

Managing Director Jonny Petrie, said: “The proposed new playing venue is a transformational development for this club, and with Richard Cockerill’s ongoing transformation of the team on the field, it feels like the perfect time to relaunch the club’s brand.

In July, the first batch of Edinburgh’s new training and leisure kit was released, and it’s already made quite an impression. We must say, the new design looks very slick. The gym tee, training shirt, hoody, polo, first layer ¼ zip, snapback cap and scarf are now in stock at First XV Rugbystuff.com.

Get your hands on the new merchandise quick, and you’ll look the part come kick-off for the new season!