The Queensland Reds have unveiled their 2022 Indigenous jersey, with the Queensland Super W side set to wear the design in all of their away games this season.
It marks the 11th Queensland Reds Indigenous jersey, while this season will be the first time the women’s team have worn a jersey with an Indigenous design.
The jersey features a piece of artwork designed by Queensland Rugby Union Future Indigenous Leaders Program (FILP) participant Taleisha Harrison, who hails from Woorabinda in Central Queensland.
The design depicts a river splitting First Nation men and women as they meet and discuss their business as they would have over history.
The pink and purple represent the women and the red and black the men, while the kangaroo prints beside the river signifies Harrison’s home of Woorabinda, which means Kangaroo Sit Down.
Harrison said: “I’m very excited to have my artwork on the Queensland Reds jerseys this year.
“The stories my mum has told me inspired the art and I think it looks great. I can’t wait to see the jerseys on the field.”
Madi Schuck, Caity Costello and Renae Nona have been confirmed as QRU Indigenous Program Ambassadors for 2022, with the trio set to be involved in the program this year.
“Words cannot describe what it feels like to wear this jersey and represent my family, culture and state," said Schuck.
“In previous representative programs, I’ve had to chose to be either part of the Lloyd McDermott team or Queensland, where as I can now represent my culture and my state at the same time.
“Ever since Indigenous Rounds and jerseys have been introduced in men’s sport, I’ve been waiting for it to cross over to the women’s game as well, so to wear this jersey, designed by Taleisha, and share the moment with my team mates - it’s truely special."
The Queensland Super W side will wear the jerseys in their away games against the Force (4 March), the Brumbies (18 March), and Waratahs (9 April).
The Reds will wear the design in Round 14 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition against Moana Pasifika. Members and supporters will be able to purchase this year’s Indigenous Jersey featuring Taleisha’s artwork in Men’s, Ladies and Junior sizes from late April online at shop.redsrugby.com.au.
