The Queensland Reds Indigenous jersey for 2026 has been unveiled as a striking collaboration between self-taught artist Kane Wright and Canterbury of New Zealand.
The 15th Reds Indigenous jersey is a milestone of its own and a unique representation of the long history of Queensland rugby.
Wright, a proud Dharug man, feels a strong connection to the state with family living in Queensland.
Winning the Reds’ annual Indigenous Jersey Design Competition gave Wright the chance to connect community and rugby.
“In this jersey, I’ve tried to capture the story of Queensland rugby and the story of my people,” Wright said.
“Throughout the jersey, you’ll see 144 dots representing each year of rugby in Queensland that builds up to what it is today. Through the middle, you’ll see the Brisbane River and the meeting places where people come together to share stories and connect with one another as cultures and communities do throughout Queensland.
“It’s the same on the field which brings together players, spectators and the club to, basically, become one. Around that I’ve tried to capture the land, sea and sky with kangaroo footprints along the river and our guiding elders, representing people of wisdom, in the corners.”
Wright has been delighted with the jersey design process and the expertise of Canterbury.
“Canterbury have been great. It’s very hard sometimes to create a design and convey that to a jersey,” Wright said.
“It’s been a two-way street, open and honest, about what we could achieve. As an artist, you want to tell a story. Canterbury have captured all the elements very well to celebrate our culture and rugby together.”
Seeing the Reds running out in the jersey against the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium on May 29 for Indigenous Round will be another experience altogether, Wright said.
The Reds women’s team will also wear the jersey during the Super Rugby Women's season.
“The pride I’m going to feel is something I can’t yet put into words,” Wright said.
“I have family from south-east Queensland to the top end of the state so Queensland has a special place in my heart.
“It’s pride, not just for me but for our culture, our mob, my father, my grandfather.
“As young Indigenous adults, we are trying to pass on and teach that culture in schools and through organisations like the Queensland Rugby Union.
“It’s good to see an organisation like the QRU allowing us this very important platform to share these stories.”
The design of the Reds Indigenous jersey over the past 15 years has embraced school-age artists, young Indigenous leaders, former Reds player Madi Schuck, adult community artists and others.
Wright has high regard for that history.
“Queensland rugby has been producing an Indigenous jersey for 15 years and spreading the stories within those jerseys,” Wright said.
“They are the top of the pedestal, not just ticking boxes. It’s not the first Reds Indigenous jersey and it won’t be the last. It’s great to see Queensland rugby leading from the front.”
Canterbury have produced an eye-catching jersey celebrating culture, community and 144 years of rugby history.
This jersey is a tribute to the Reds and the strength, cultural richness and enduring spirit of First Nations peoples across Queensland.
The regular fit polyester replica jersey features:
- VAPODRI fabric technology
- Woven elastic crew collar with open placket
- Classic CCC triple bartack detail at base of placket
- All branding sublimated into design
