Written by Mike Carter, Hull KR Shirts
On 14th January 2024, the day before Blue Monday (the most depressing day of the year) Hull KR added some pizzazz into their supporters by revealing their Matchday Range for the 2024 season and it should certainly be described as saving the best (non-playing range) until last. There had been some online chatter about the lack of red in any of the revealed ranges, and this range can certainly put a stop to that.
As we know, our home shirt is predominately white in 2024, with the players’ and coaches’ training range being marble inspired in baby blue. Partnered with the success of the electric pink range, it left some fans wanting something red, and oh boy, did they get it…
Inspired by the double winners of 1983/84, each garment features two gold lines, one each to represent the successes in winning the First Division Championship and Premiership trophies. The design of the garments is taken from the 1983/84 home shirt, where the club worn a red shirt with a blue band for the first time in almost 100 years. We have seen this design used on quite a few occasions since, with variations used for the home playing shirt in 2007, 2015, 2018 and 2022, but in my opinion none of those have been as well executed as this.
Hull KR 1983/84
Similarly with how good the Clive Sullivan warm-up shirt was in 2023, the inclusion of only one sponsor really makes these garments aesthetically pleasing on the eye. I am so glad that this was done as part of a training range, and not as a playing shirt, for this very reason.
Academics features across the tee and sweatshirt, which has been consistent of the last few years for the club’s warm-up range. It looks to me like these two units will be used onfield by the playing squad for warm-up routines for games during the 2024 Super League and Challenge Cup campaigns.
What is included in the Matchday Range?
The full range consists of 9 garments; a tee, a polo, a sweatshirt as well as a standard hoody, full zip, and quarter zip hoodies. It also includes a quarter zip pullover and a pair of shorts, all in predominantly red with a blue band across the front and gold detailing. On Wednesday 17th January, another item appeared on shop.hullkr.co.uk that wasn’t included in the initial launch. A full zip anthem jacket, which could arguably be the pick of the range! More on this later…
I’ll have a Tee, Hoody & Sweatshirt, please!
Immediately after the reveal, I already had three items in my basket, to the point where I was trying to checkout quicker than the website would allow me. I decided on purchasing the tee, standard hoody, and sweatshirt, and that was after limiting myself. I considered the polo shirt and shorts too, but I did show some level of restraint.
After being slightly critical of the Players and Coaches Ranges, I am so glad that I instantly loved this range. As predicted, I did end up getting a few pieces from the ‘Players and Coaches Range’ as it has grown on me, but it wasn’t anywhere near this immediate feeling of “I need this now” that has come to me with the ‘Matchday Range’.
It will be interesting to see how popular the 2024 Matchday Range is, in comparison with the 2023 Matchday Range. When I think back to the 2023 season, I recall seeing a lot of this range both in the streets and on the terraces. It was the first range to feature just the icon and not display a club crest. I know of quite a few people who were critical of this, but it looks like it has a place on at least one of the ranges.
I think it was the right move to incorporate the crest into the 2024 Matchday Range design over the icon, though. Especially in gold. We’ve seen gold features on retail garments for the last three years now, and it is clearly a popular choice. The crest has been embroidered on 6 out of the 7 garments, with just the sweatshirt featuring a sublimated crest and Oxen’s branding.
The gold lines on the sweatshirt are also sublimated into the design, making them a bit thicker than on the other garments, something that most people might not even notice. From a supporters perspective, other than personal preference, it really doesn’t matter. Myself, I love an embroidered crest, so I am very happy this is a feature across the majority of the lines.
Anthem Jacket, you say?
One item that wasn’t listed immediately for sale was the latest anthem jacket! For one reason or another, it wasn’t part of the launch, and it just randomly popped up on the online store three days later.
Hull KR have had some absolutely belting anthem jackets in the last few years. The all red jacket in 2022 was brilliant, as was the white jacket with a red band that we wore at Wembley in 2023. Well if this isn’t worn in before a major final in 2024 it will be a huge shame. Having spent £125 on this range already, is there any wriggle room in my merch budget for it? I think they will have to be…
Thank you Oxen…
One final word goes to Oxen and Elite Pro Sports. More often than not, they’ve smashed everything they’ve supported the club with out of the park. Not everything will be for everyone, but I can’t see many people having much negative to say about this range… Thank you, Oxen, and thank you, Hull KR!
The 2024 Matchday Range can be purchased by clicking here or can also be purchased from the Hull KR store at Sewell Group Craven Park. Ranges like this are usually sell out quickly in the popular sizes, so make sure you don’t miss out if you really want something!
Hull KR Shirts 