Stade Francais 'Warhol' Kit: What is the psychology of team colours and outfits?

I had an interesting call yesterday from a journalist yesterday. In the run-up to the Heineken cup, French rugby team Stade Francais released yet another in a line of 'garish' kits.

The Adidas shirt depicts the face of Blanche de Castille, the wife of Louis VIII, in a multi-coloured design described by the club as "in the fashion of Andy Warhol."

Stade's shirt for 2008-09 follows three previous designs that mixed pink, brown and blue. Last year, the club went for pink lilies to continue the distinctive designs that were started for the team's away kit.

The shirts are down to owner Max Guazzini's promotion of a club that up until six or seven years ago, played to a small, fashionable crowd, and his attempt to challenge the 'macho' image of rugby.

Could there be any positive or negative psychological effects of wearing kits like this? Perhaps it helps to unite the team, as part of a coherent brand or identity? Or if players do not feel comfortable could that harm performance?

What do you think? Please share any insights or opinions.


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Rob Robson
Co-founder, iStadia.com