Is this rugby's worst ever jersey?

BAD TASTE? French rugby club Stade Francais will wear these uniquely designed jerseys in this year's Heineken Cup tournament.

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High art, or high farce? You be the judge as the always colourful Stade Français club in Paris launches its latest rugby jersey on the world.

The trendy Parisian club has come up with a garish new design, launched to coincide with the start of this year's Heineken Cup competition, that is either brilliantly chic, or downright sick, depending on your point of view.

This year's design depicts the face of Parisienne 13th-century heroine Blanche de Castille, the wife of Louis VIII, in a multi-coloured design described by club publicists as "in the fashion of Andy Warhol".

Well, they're certainly getting their 15 minutes of fame, and then some.

The shirts made their debut in the weekend's 34-16 victory over Montauban that took the Ewen McKenzie-coached Stade Français eight points clear of Toulouse at the top of the French Top 14.

As usual, the latest designs under the always colourful ownership of the eccentric Max Guazzini have created plenty of chatter.

Some critics have described it as the worst rugby jersey in the game's history? Others love it.

One thing you have to give the club credit for, though, is consistency. Having started the trend with a fluorescent pink jersey that has become their signature look, they have continued to defy critics and fashionistas alike.

Last season saw a light brown number with turquoise stripes and pink flowers and was described by one critic as "reminiscent of an Hawaiian shirt fashioned from some 1970s caravan curtains".

There was also a pink, green and blue effort with tie-dyed blurred lines that drew unflattering appraisals.

Still, the club gets full marks for originality, and, who knows, maybe their persistence will finally see other rugby clubs join the trend.

Watch the video below to see the new jersey's stunning debut in France.

What do you think of the jersey? High art or high farce? Have you seen a worst design? Post your comments below.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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susan murphy sharpe   #52   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I love all the Rugby jerseys this team wear they look fantastic !!!! the colours are great, i am now a fan of the team !!!

lauren   #51   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I Luuuuuuuv IT. Guazzini is a flipping genius. I've been to a Paris SF home game and the atmosphere is like no other Rugby game i've ever been too, not even a RWC. Blokes in PINK everywhere, pink goal posts, and ball boys in full pink gear. They'll love it!!!

Tinus   #50   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

VERY VERY UGLY!!

fishboy   #49   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

What Mark @ #48 said. It's pretty cool but not as good as their brown with pink flowers number - I always swore I'd never wear a rugby jersey but I'm having to seriously reconsider for that one.

Mark   #48   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

It's very French. All these "pansy-boy" comments are a bit off, aren't they? French men have always been in touch with their feminine side, but weren't shy about packing us out of a couple of world cups, and we wear the most butch jersey in International rugby.

It's a jersey for rugby-players covered in pictures of an ancient French crumpet inspired by Andy Warhol.

They couldn't be more po-mo if they tried.

Not my personal cup of tea, but why the hell not?

Jamie M   #47   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Wack But Good. Will Attract Alot Of Different People To The Game. Not Just The Brutes That We Get At The Moment. As Long As The Game Is Being Played That's The Main Thing?

They Must Be Doing Something Right If There One Of The Top Teams In France.

James   #46   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Adidas have made worse.

The All Blacks 2007 Rugby World Cup away jersey for example.

Shawn   #45   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Our Canadian jerseys are at least steady -- This SF jersey is horrid - not the boys fault though; if they want to get paid; I guess they have to wear it.

steph   #44   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

A bit shocking at first but you get used to it. It's very creative and has plenty of "je ne sais quoi". I'd rather see Blanche de Castille than some ugly, intrusive sponsors'logo.

Dave   #43   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

hmmm, the only thing they are missing is tight denim cut off stubbies and the leather cap.

Then they could do a version of YMCA before each match in a challenge to the opposition...

horrible, truely horrible.

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