Leinster Rugby have apologised to a number of fans after their Jerseys arrived late and without the province's logo, in a mishap that has left fans without the European Jersey just days before Leinster are set to take on Clermont in the Champions Cup.
When Castore initially announced they would be taking over from Adidas as Leinster's new kit manufacturer in June 2023, the decision was met with much apprehension.
However, when the official jersey was released that July, fans were pleasantly surprised - a sentiment which has continued into this season.
While the English kit manufacturer enjoyed its fair share of controversy and criticism for the quality of their sportswear since entering the market, Leinster and their fans have had very few reportable issues, with the company delivering an aesthetically pleasing product for two seasons now.
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Castore under fire for Leinster jersey mishap
However, Leinster fans were left miffed on Tuesday, when several newly-ordered Leinster European Kit jerseys showed up two weeks after being ordered without the province's logo on the front.
While both the Bank of Ireland logo and the Castore logo were in situ, it appears as though the Leinster crest was never attached to the kit, with fans taking to X to air their frustrations.
One wrote: "Firstly, it takes over 2 weeks for delivery, and then the jersey arrives without the crest? Leinster x Castore—what a disaster", while another joked that he'd "gotten Bank of Ireland jerseys".
Firstly, it takes over 2 weeks for delivery, and then the jersey arrives without the crest? Leinster x Castore—what a disaster 🤦🏻♂️@leinsterrugby @CastoreEngland @OLSCRugby @LeinsterClub pic.twitter.com/JsT7OCpi0C
— Peter O'Neill (@PONeill188) December 2, 2024
@leinsterrugby @CastoreEngland surely a Leinster jersey should have a crest???? By the looks of things this isn’t a once off and there’s a lot of supporters unhappy with this blooper. I think it’s time for @leinsterrugby to really consider a new supplier pic.twitter.com/Ka3QfGHsE7
— Paul Donnelly (@pauldonnelly21) December 2, 2024
Leinster Rugby have now issued an apology to their supporters, saying in a statement posted on their website that Castore will be offering affected fans a full refund, replacement jersey and a token of goodwill, with fans invited to submit pictures of the defaults through their website.
Leinster Rugby is aware of an error with a number of our European jerseys, which have been shipped to supporters over the last number of days, and would like to apologise to those supporters affected.
We have been in touch directly with our kit supplier, Castore, and the orders impacted have been identified.
A full refund (including post and packaging costs), a replacement jersey, and a token of goodwill from Castore, will be offered to those supporters that purchased the jersey through the Leinster Rugby online store.
In fairness to Leinster Rugby, they wasted little time addressing the issue, responding to fans directly on X with their apologies and offers of support, before the broader statement appeared on their website.
While several fans appear to have been affected this time around, this isn't the first time crest-less jerseys have affected the kit manufacturer's standing with Leinster fans, with similar reports emerging in April when fans also reported receiving crestless jerseys.
The mishap comes at a bad time for both Leinster and Castore as the Christmas holidays approach. As it stands, the adult size of the Leinster European Kit will set fans back €90, a price at which fans would be expecting a high-quality piece of kit.
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