'Landers confirm jersey change

THE HIGHLANDERS will unveil their 2012 playing strip as part of a farewell to Carisbrook.when they take on the Western Force in Dunedin on Friday.

The new strip will not be revealed until the team emerges from the changing sheds for its must win clash.

However, it will not involve the traditional blue, gold and maroon colours which represent the provincial unions – Otago, North Otago and Southland – that are part of its catchment area.

It is believed to be light green with a dark blue strip down the side.

“We believe the time is right for change,” said Highlanders general manager Roger Clark.

“We have a new coach, new players, new expectations, new and renewed fans, and next year, we will have a new home stadium.

“We have chosen colours that we believe represent the physical characteristics of the whole franchise region. The colours will make a clear statement about the geography of our region and will stand out in the Super Rugby international competition.”

Since news of the change became public on Friday, opposition in the deep south has been fierce, with social media sites Twitter and Facebook buzzing with criticism.

A group on Facebook 'Keep the Highlanders in Blue, Gold and Maroon' had almost 1900 likes (as at 2.30pm Monday) since being set up on Friday night, while the Highlanders official Facebook page has been bombarded with criticism.

An Otago Daily Times website poll has 90 percent of 1473 votes (as at 2.30pm Monday) opposed to changing the team's colours away from the team’s traditional colours.