The Gallagher Chiefs and Classic unveil Tu Hono – a heritage jersey that connects past, present and future, our digital whakapapa.
Meaning “to connect”, Tu Hono acknowledges the past while looking firmly to the future. Inspired by the iconic 1997 Chiefs jersey, the design bridges three decades of history through a modern reinterpretation that retains the fierce character of the original while embracing contemporary craftsmanship.
At the heart of Tu Hono is a first of it’s kind digital innovation: QR technology permanently woven into the fabric of the jersey for the sole purpose of telling the club’s story. Each QR code represents a specific season, unlocking dedicated pages on the Chiefs website that capture that year’s defining moments, including matches, imagery, squads, statistics and stories. Thirty years. Thirty codes. A digital whakapapa woven into the jersey itself, with a 31st code marking the 2026 team.
While QR codes have appeared on sports kits before, the scale and storytelling has never been seen before. Tu Hono is believed to be the first club jersey designed with QR technology permanently embedded into the fabric to serve as a living archive of a club’s history.
Ross Smart, CEO Classic Sportswear “This project challenged us to rethink what a jersey can be. Tu Hono goes beyond design — it’s a living archive that connects players and supporters to 30 years of Chiefs history in a way that’s never been done before. It’s a powerful example of how heritage and innovation can coexist.”
The story of tu hono
Celebrating Three Decades of Chiefs Excellence
The 30th anniversary marks more than a milestone— it celebrates three decades of warriors who dared to dream. In 1996, rugby transformed forever. The Southern Hemisphere’s Super Rugby competition launched, and New Zealand boldly created five entirely new franchises. Boundaries were drawn, provincial teams allocated, and each franchise forged its unique identity through name, logo, and colors.
Twelve teams total—five from New Zealand, four from South Africa, three from Australia—would change rugby history. On 3 March 1996, magic happened. The Waikato Chiefs played their first official Super Rugby match, defeating the Canterbury Crusaders 27–26 on a scorching Sunday at Rugby Park in Hamilton. From that sweltering afternoon, a legacy was born.
Evolution Through Fabric
Over three decades, the Chiefs have worn more than 50 different jerseys—home, away, training, heritage, and special editions. This journey spans three apparel partners: Canterbury of NZ (1996–1999), Adidas (2000–2023), and Classic since 2024. The early cotton jerseys were limited by knitted processes, but they captured hearts and imaginations. Today’s sublimation printing allows unlimited design complexity, transforming vision into vibrant reality.
Beyond the Uniform
A jersey is never just fabric. It’s a canvas for storytelling— woven with themes, values, and history that creates connection and ignites pride. Our jerseys define who we are and what we stand for. By the end of the 2024 season, 376 players had worn the Chiefs jersey, alongside 68 for Chiefs Manawa. Each carried a unique story. Our mission: honour them all.
Bridging Past and Future
For our 30th anniversary, we demanded more than nostalgia. We needed a jersey that honoured yesterday while embracing tomorrow. Rather than simply replicating history, we drew inspiration from a standout: the iconic 1997 jersey. Its bold design and enduring popularity among collectors and fans made it perfect for modern reinterpretation. This jersey retains the original’s fierce character while updating it for today’s generation— bridging three decades of greatness.
Digital Whakapapa: The QR Revolution
Over the years, 444 players across both teams have left their mark, each carrying their own story. Our challenge was finding a way to honour every single one. That is where the QR code innovation comes in. Each code represents a specific year, linking to dedicated pages on the club’s website that capture that season’s essence, including stats, imagery, matches, squads, and defining moments. Thirty years. Thirty codes. A digital whakapapa at your fingertips. The 31st code marks the 2026 team.
This jersey is more than fabric. It is a living archive, interactive, dynamic, and deeply meaningful. Heritage meets innovation. Like an almanac woven into reality, it invites fans to discover, connect, and remember.
tu hono Design Elements
This Jersey Tells Our Story
Every QR code unlocks history. Every pattern carriesmeaning. Every thread connects our whānau. This jersey is our legacy—digital, dynamic, and deeply rooted in three decades of greatness.
Waterways (Wai Hononga) – The Rivers That Bind Us
Flowing through this jersey’s design, wai hononga connect our regions and communities. These elements represent unity, movement, and shared purpose. Each curve and swirl reflects river flow – a metaphor for game rhythm and shared energy between players.
“Waikato taniwharau, he piko he taniwha, he piko he taniwha”— Waikato of one hundred chiefs at every bend (of the river) a chief
This jersey carries this powerful whakataukī in every thread. At each river bend stands a chief, a protector, a presence. At every bend is your family. The reason you play. The challenge ahead. The connection to who you represent. The Chiefs whānau are bound by waterways – threads of life carrying our stories, our strength, our mana. These waters are watched over by taniwha, guardians whose presence flows through every current and whose spirit lives within us all.
Mangopare (Hammerhead Shark) – The Warrior’s Path
This jersey’s mangopare patterns symbolise strength, determination, and unwavering resolve against adversity. They embody warrior spirit while representing dynamic movement, fluidity, growth, and relentless progress – the essence of Chiefs’ high tempo rugby. Mangopare designs flow through all previous Chiefs jerseys, conveying perseverance that reflects collective team determination to neversurrender. This embodies the character trait of a rangatira – a true chief. This jersey’s mangopare reminds every wearer: we are warriors. We move with purpose. We never yield.
Provincial Unity – Our Collective Strength
The neckline graphic represents our provincial partners, highlighting collaboration and shared purpose. This jersey celebrates unity, togetherness, and solidarity – recognizing our people’s diversity while bringing us together as one.
This jersey stands for connection. For community. For the many who become mighty when united under one cause.
Tu Hono has been designed by long-term Chiefs jersey collaborator – Dave Burke.
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