Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium, to collaborate with clothing brand Eden Park Paris

What do an iconic stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, and a lifestyle clothing brand in Paris have in common?

Until this week, Eden Park and Eden Park Paris shared very little aside from a name. However, as of Friday 14 July, the two brands have launched a collaboration founded on history and with a view to the future.

Eden Park Paris was created by Franck Mesnel, a former French National Rugby team first five-eighth who played in the 1987 Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium.

The stadium, well-known in rugby circles as the Fortress, had such a deep and enduring impact on Mesnel that when he and fellow French rugby great Eric Blanc established their premium clothing line years later, they would name it Eden Park Paris. Eden Park Paris has gone on to become a global lifestyle brand, mixing the fun-loving flair of its founders with an unequivocal commitment to quality and style.

The new alignment between Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium, and Eden Park Paris will allow the clothing brand to operate in New Zealand and pave the way for future collaboration between the two brands.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner gave his thoughts on the relationship.

“Eden Park is an iconic stadium and we’re delighted to collaborate with premium lifestyle clothing brand, Eden Park Paris.

Over 120 years of history have taken place here at the Fortress, including some of New Zealand’s most significant sporting moments: hard-fought battles, thrilling victories, and unforgettable moments.

We are looking forward to collaborating with Franck Mesnel and the Eden Park Paris team, bringing this association to life.

The relationship between Franck and the stadium is special. We’re aware of how revered our venue is globally, and for the stadium to share a name with a French clothing company halfway across the world speaks volumes about the impact that Eden Park has on the individuals who are fortunate enough to experience our hallowed turf.

We are excited about the future possibilities for collaboration between New Zealand’s national stadium and Eden Park Paris.”

56-cap Les Bleus veteran Franck Mesnel also could not be happier about the new association.

“Personally, I am very proud,” said Mesnel.

“It is a huge honour to cement this partnership with Eden Park. For me, this ground represents an indelible memory – that of the final of the first Rugby World Cup against the greatest players in the world, the All Blacks. Today, Eden Park is still with me on a daily basis.

“Since the very inception of our company, which now numbers 200 people and a worldwide network of some 600 points of sale, we remain totally committed to the values of rugby and to showing our utmost respect for the name of your iconic stadium.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner and his team for being so welcoming as to make us part of the Eden Park family,” added Mesnel, who starred in three World Cups for France.

Plenty of history has taken place since the Rugby World Cup 1987 nearly four decades ago. With a new association in place between Eden Park Paris and Eden Park, New Zealand, both brands are looking forward to the next shared chapter of the Eden Park story.

At a glance:

• Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium and Eden Park Paris, a French lifestyle clothing brand, have agreed to an association from 17 July 2023

• The new alignment will allow Eden Park Paris to operate in New Zealand and pave the way for future collaboration between the two brands.

• Eden Park Paris was founded by Frack Mesnel, a former French National Rugby team first five-eighth who played in the 1987 Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park. His relationship with the stadium dates back 36 years.