Taking feedback and insights from elite and grassroots athletes, the adidas design team looked to understand what the forward of today needs from their boot. While stability remains key, given the extreme pressure forwards exert through their boots while pushing scrums, driving mauls and clearing out rucks, it became evident that the role of a forward in the modern game has changed – with the expectation no longer just on their responsibilities at the set piece, but also increasingly on their contribution to open play.

From those insights, adidas created the Kakari RS – with a focus on maintaining vital stability and durability but combined with a lightweight frame to allow for speed of movement in all directions. To achieve this, adidas returns to a one-piece construction for the soleplate – providing the ideal combination of flexibility, strength and foot stability, while reducing the overall boot weight. A forward-specific eight-stud tooling system remains, to offer the front five optimal traction when pushing.

Ben Herath, adidas VP of Design, Specialist Sports commented: “Rugby is evolving faster than ever, and with this, so is the adidas rugby boot portfolio. We listened to the feedback and understood what the modern forward needs in the form of footwear and have incorporated new and improved technologies geared towards a quicker-paced game – without compromising on the stability required for certain aspects of a forward’s game.

The introduction of Adizero RS15 dawned a new age for adidas, and the new Kakari RS brings both silhouettes together to deliver a boot room that supports the needs of rugby players, of all abilities across all positions.”

KAKARI RS key features:

-Lightweight frame – the lightest KAKARI model ever at 368g (based on a UK size 10.5), the silhouette has been streamlined with unnecessary weight removed – including the re-introduction of a one-piece soleplate - allowing for maximum speed, without compromising on stability.

-Fasttech material – Replacing the previous rip-stop material used on the heel of the boot, this microfibre-based synthetic leather - also found on the adizero RS15 - provides the perfect balance of performance and comfort, by adapting to the foot and providing heel support through the most powerful of movements, while also minimising weight.

-The boot’s upper features embroidered stitching for extra midfoot support and a return to standard lacing for optimal foot support during forward-specific movements.

The new Kakari RS will be worn by some of the leading rugby players in the world with adidas partners including Scott Barrett, Tadhg Furlong, Eben Etzebeth and Kyle Sinckler all set to wear the new model on pitch.

The KAKARI RS launches in two different colourways: a black and silver version which will be worn by all New Zealand Rugby teams; and a blue model with gold detailing. The Kakari RS will RRP at €220(~$240), while the Kakari Elite and KAKARI models will RRP at €130(~$142) and €90(~$98) respectively, with all models available in unisex sizing (4-14).

Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)