The new four-year partnership with the Blues will see Canterbury of New Zealand supply all team kit - on-field, training and leisure wear - and an extensive range of Blues merchandise including t-shirts, polo-shirts, rain jackets and supporters rugby jerseys.

Canterbury of New Zealand was established in 1904 to manufacture and supply rugby jerseys to the New Zealand All Blacks. The company is now the world's largest rugby dedicated brand and provides official playing strips to over 100 of the world's top rugby union teams including Australia, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Japan and Fiji. In Europe, Canterbury of New Zealand partners London Wasps, London Irish, Munster, Ulster, Leinster, Connacht, and Castres. Canterbury of New Zealand also sponsors Super 12 teams the Brumbies, Reds, Waratahs, Bulls and the Sharks.

A number of top International players are also sponsored individually by Canterbury of New Zealand. These players include new Blues recruit Robert Sidoli, Six Nations 'Player of the Tournament' Gordon D'Arcy and All Blacks legend Christian Cullen, all of whom wear Canterbury of New Zealand's extensive range of body-armour, training and leisure gear.

Visit Canterbury Online at www.canterburynz.com>>

On the morning of the Cardiff Blues kit launch at Red Dragon FM, cardiffblues.com spoke to Mostyn Thomas, Marketing Manger for Canterbury, about some of his favourite rugby memories.

1) What was the first ever rugby game you watched?

My first memory of watching a live game was Pontypool v Cardiff at Pontypool Park in 1980/81. In the same season I watched my first game at the Arms Park, Cardiff v Barbarians on the traditional Barbarians Easter tour of Wales.

2) And your favourite all time player?

Gerald Davies - the best finisher the game has seen

3) Favourite Cardff Blues player?

Of the current team, Craig Morgan is exciting to watch and Tom Shanklin is one of the most under-rated players in Welsh rugby.

4) Best try you have ever seen?

Scott Gibbs' last minute winning try for Wales against England at Wembley in 1999 - for sheer drama and occasion it doesn't get any better than that.

5) Most memorable match?

Wales v England at Wembley in 1999 - what better way for the last ever Five Nations Championship to end.

6) Cardiff Blues player to watch for the future?

Rob Sidoli - because he wears Canterbury boots!