Australian Rugby Union has signed sports apparel company Kooga to design, manufacture and launch a new Qantas Wallabies playing kit in 2010.

Former partner Canterbury had supplied the team kit for 10 years.

The new four-year Kooga contract includes supplying the Wallabies with a unique, high-performance jersey for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

“We are delighted to have Kooga on board and look forward to the first public showing of the Qantas Wallabies jersey they have been working on for some time,” said ARU managing director and chief executive John O’Neill.

“The launch is planned for January and, until then, it will be a matter of wait-and-see with a sense of anticipation for everyone.

“From an ARU perspective, we are already delighted with the levels of commitment and creativity shown by the Kooga management and staff, and appreciate the utmost importance they are placing on this relationship.

“I would also like to thank Canterbury for their long service to Australian Rugby. It has been a beneficial and enjoyable partnership on both sides.”

Kooga chief executive Kim Brant added: “The winning design will not only give the Wallabies a distinct performance edge on the field, it is also a design that embodies the tradition of this famous jersey.”

“I can’t tell you how proud we all are to be given this honour. Our respect for the history of the Wallaby jersey is immense. To be part of its future is our company’s dream come true.”

Kooga has also recently signed as the official kit sponsor of the QR Reds and Queensland Rugby Union.