Pretoria - PUMA has unveiled a dramatic new away kit that the Bulls will sport in the 2012 Super Rugby competition. The striking colour marks a significant image shift for the Bulls and is inspired by the purple Jacaranda trees that characterise their hometown of Pretoria.

Bulls captain Pierre Spies says: “PUMA have certainly changed the pace since their arrival at the Bulls and the team feels that our away jersey, a complete contrast from our traditional kit, is a great way to celebrate a new partnership."

The away shirt, as with the home shirt launched in December 2011, has a dramatic “smash” design inspired by the phrase “bull in a china shop” and expresses the Bulls’ powerful playing style. The complexity of the design, which combines a chevron-like effect, is designed to distract opposition players.

PUMA South Africa’s Marketing Director Brett Bellinger says: “In designing the new away shirt PUMA wanted to create a statement on the field, so we have opted for a striking colourway inspired by the purple Jacaranda trees that are synonymous with Pretoria.”

PUMA has a long-term deal to supply full technical kit to both the Blue Bulls and Bulls teams, and is the official distributor of the teams’ match replica gear.

The Super Rugby replica away shirt will be available in stores on February 24, 2012 and will retail for R599.