THE red and white stripes of Gloucester Rugby will disappear during pre-season 2017-18 when the team dons special tweed rugby shirts for the club tour.

The idea has come from the club's link with bespoke tailors and shirt maker, Barrington Ayre – who already make the Gloucester Rugby Club’s match day tailoring.

“They will look as good on the pitch as they do off it,” said Tom Wharton, of the Cirencester based tailors.

“I have picked out a specific tweed that reflects some of the red in the old and more traditional kit. It is symbolic of our area and should fit well with the ‘Glawster family’,” he added. 

Already known for producing the clothing for sports stars such as footballer Robbie Savage and ex-England cricketer Michael Vaughan, this will be Barrington Ayre’s first sporting strip.

However, he does supply bespoke golf wear to Your Golf Travel and a European golf pro.

Mike Turner, Commercial Manager and Gloucester spokesman, said: “It’s great for the club to be working with Barrington Ayre and I really like the kit that we have chosen.

“The players at the club cannot wait to be dressed in the new clothing.”

UPDATE AT NOON: We hope everyone enjoyed our April Fool - Gloucester Rugby will not be reverting to tweed shirts next season, but we definitely think they should consider it!