Republic of Ireland will not change to darker shorts

The Republic of Ireland women's soccer team will not be switching to darker shorts after discussions with senior members of the squad.

The Ireland women's rugby team have made a permanent switch from white shorts to navy to address period concerns.

They have been sporting the kit, supplied by Canterbury, throughout this year's Six Nations.

The Ireland soccer team, who face the USA in Austin this Saturday night [live on RTÉ2 from 7pm], had discussions about a potential colour change but they have opted to continue wearing white shorts.

An FAI spokesperson said: "The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that, following discussions with the Ireland Women's National Team players, that the team will wear the traditional green jersey, white shorts and green socks as part of the new Castore home kit.

"The FAI consulted with the senior leadership group within the squad and with management on the possibility of switching the colour of the shorts but with the supply of protective underwear the players felt that staying with white shorts was the preferred option."

The decision comes just after the New Zealand women's team confirmed they will swap their home kit's white shorts for teal blue.

The World Cup co-hosts will wear the kit in friendlies against Iceland on Friday and Nigeria next week and at the Women's World Cup, which they will co-host with Australia from 20 July to 20 August.

Last October Manchester City announced they'd be changing the colour of the shorts on their women's kits from the 2023-24 season onwards.

That announcement followed decisions from West Brom and Stoke to switch to navy and red shorts respectively for their women’s teams, following consultation with the squads.

Watch USA v Republic of Ireland on Saturday