Breyton Paulse endorses Stormers’ new black away jersey for new season

Former Springbok winger Breyton Paulse has given his backing to the Stormers’ new black away jersey, linking it to the franchise’s celebrated 1999 Men in Black era. The Stormers and Adidas launched their new playing range ahead of the new season.

The home shirt carries the blue-and-white hoops long associated with the Cape Town side. It was first shown publicly during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, when the Stormers played the All Blacks at DHL Stadium on 7 August 2026.

The black alternative has made the strongest impression on Paulse, who was part of the 1999 Stormers squad before moving to France to play for Clermont Auvergne. He recalled the sense of unity within that team and its connection with supporters in Cape Town.

Paulse believes the design can provide an additional lift for the current Stormers group. His reaction to seeing the shirt was emotional, and he said the squad had the ability to make the team’s supporters proud through their commitment and passion.

Adidas had hoped to use the black kit against New Zealand, but that plan was abandoned because the colour would have conflicted with the All Blacks’ strip. The company returned as the Stormers’ technical apparel partner before the 2025-26 campaign, ending an eight-year separation.

The partnership resumed after a season in which the Stormers placed third in the United Rugby Championship standings and reached the semi-finals. Adidas South Africa senior brand director Tom Brown said the company had already seen value from its renewed involvement with the franchise.

Stormers loose forward Evan Roos also described the shirt as meaningful. He said its importance becomes clearer with time at the club, particularly when players see the pride of teammates, coaches, families and young supporters. The black jersey’s connection to the 1999 side is especially significant for Roos because players from that team were among his childhood heroes.