Ethan de Groot and Saula Ma’u (right) pictured during their tour of Scotland for the Nations Championship, with Ma’u sporting the Orlando Pirates away jersey.

Image: All Blacks / Instagram

Orlando Pirates have continued to make strides both on and off the pitch, with several All Blacks players spotted wearing the club’s 2026/27 away jersey upon their arrival in Scotland on Saturday for the Nations Championship.

The decision to wear the jersey was influenced by the two teams sharing Adidas as their technical sponsor. However, what made the gesture even more special was that the All Blacks players wore the shirt on the same day Pirates faced arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.

Pirates did what they have been doing best since the start of the season, beating Chiefs 2-1 to maintain their unbeaten start to the league campaign after recording eight wins and one draw. They sit second on the log with 23 points, one behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game more.

Dominating not only on the pitch but also off it is fast becoming the norm for Pirates. Just recently, they became the first PSL club to make their debut on the South African Fashion Week runway under the theme 'Field to Fashion'.

Featuring current players such as Neo Rapoo, Andre de Jong, Sebastian Pedersen, Zoëy Monyepao and Christian Derbyshire, alongside former players Fortune Makaringe, Linda Mntambo, Brighton Mhlongo, Happy Jele and Innocent Maela as models, the club used the occasion to unveil their third kit for the season.

The jersey features a dark maroon base with geometric patterns inspired by Soweto's rooftops and urban landscape. Shades of red, dusty orange and light purple feature in the design, giving the shirt a distinctive look while retaining the club's identity.

Pirates' partnership with Adidas appears to be benefiting the club greatly. They are not only maintaining their status as a powerhouse on the pitch but also producing striking jerseys that capture the club's identity and are embraced by some of the finest sportsmen and women across the world, including in rugby.