2000/01 Ireland Track Jacket (XXL)

Condition: 9/10 Superb

Size: Adult XXL

Chest Measurement: 51-53 Inches / 130-135 CM

Manufacturer: Canterbury

Colour: Black, white & green trim

Material: Polyester

Seasons: 2000/2001 & 2001/2002

Player: N/A

Patches: N/A

Official Canterbury Ireland full zip, long sleeved track jacket from the 2000/01 international season. Complete with zipped pockets on the lower front.

The condition of this original rugby jersey is 9/10 – Superb (see photos).

The start of the professional era was disappointing for Ireland, who finished bottom of the Five Nations Championship three years in succession (1996, 1997 and 1998). Warren Gatland took over as coach in 1998, but was unable to produce immediate success. 1999 was the first time Ireland failed to reach the quarter finals at a Rugby World Cup. The 1999 World Cup was staged primarily in Wales, though Ireland played all their pool games in Dublin. In a play-off, Ireland were beaten 28–24 by Argentina and failed to reach the quarter finals.

From this nadir, however, Irish rugby improved rapidly. With the advent of professionalism, the Irish Rugby Football Union converted the four representative provincial sides into de facto club sides, with the financial capacity to retain Irish talent, and retaining strong links with Irish amateur clubs and schools. The later formation in 2001 of the Celtic League (now called the Pro12) ensured that Irish provincial sides had regular competitive rugby.