He has already been to previous Rugby League World Cups with Australia and Fiji, now Petero Civoniceva will travel to England on the uniform of surprise newcomers Brazil.
Brazil’s history-making women’s rugby league team, also known as the Stake Amazonas, will proudly wear apparel from Civoniceva’s company Pacific Custom Sportswear (PCS) for their World Cup debut.
The deal continues a lengthy relationship between PCS and ground-breaking teams from Latin America.
“Unfortunately, the apparel industry is one swimming with sharks, so we’re relieved to be back working with a trusted brand like PCS, producing great quality gear, on time and to specification for our players, fans and sponsors,” Brazil World Cup manager and Latin American Rugby League co-founder Robert Burgin said.
“I’ve always maintained there is a perfect ‘sweet spot’ when it comes to sports uniforms, that is, a company which can deliver quality, affordability, and service in equal measure.
“Lots of brands promise you the world, but very few fulfill all three criteria – and that’s what I find has consistently been the difference with PCS.
“Petero has several great assets on his team, none more so than co-directors Manny Artango and Ben Tooker who have always been a pleasure to deal with, honest, and will go above-and-beyond for client service.
“We had a situation several months ago where a shipment was late arriving to Australia and Manny offered to catch two flights and take a five-hour car ride in pouring rain to get it to me in time. There have been several examples like that.”
Also influential in the decision to reunite with PCS for the World Cup were the delivery timeframes Civoniceva’s company was able to maintain during the COVID pandemic.
While timelines blew out for many clothing companies, PCS was completing orders in 25 per cent or less of the time taken by rivals.
“When it’s a big occasion like a World Cup, trust is the biggest factor of all,” said Burgin.
“We’re hugely excited to see PCS bring to life the creations of our talented Brazilian-born-and-bred designer Liam Piacente, who is famed in South America for his sporting concepts.
“Predictions are for the opening game of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup – contested between Brazil and England – to attract the largest crowd for a women’s rugby game in the northern hemisphere.
“To have confidence our players will be outfitted splendidly, looking sharp and hopefully performing in front of plenty of supporters wearing the same outfit provides a huge sense of anticipation.
“Brazil’s first Rugby League World Cup, beamed around the globe on BBC, Fox Sports and other partners… we cannot wait to do this with PCS in our corner.”
Brazil’s primary playing kit, alternative kit, caps and beanies are now available for purchase via www.loxtonberg.com , with further items to be added in coming weeks.
