Jerseys

Collar Options

Full Collar

(example)

     Traditional rugby shirts come with a full collar which consists of a large fold-over collar with a button up front. This gives a jersey a nice classic look. Some feel that the collar adds unnecessary material which makes it easier for other players to high tackle by “collaring”. This also makes the jersey less form-fitting. Many top level teams still use this design because it provides the classic rugby style that many prefer.

Athletic Collar

(example)

     The athletic collar is marked by its real lack of a collar. It looks much like the collar of a regular t-shirt, although many still have a button-up front. It takes material off the neck resulting in more ventilation, and can allow the jersey be more form fitting around the shoulder/neck area. Also, some players feel that it makes it more difficult for opposing players to high tackle by “collaring”.

Material Options

100% Cotton Jerseys

     The original material for rugby jerseys, cotton gives the jersey a very clean, classic look and provides excellent warmth in cold environments. The 100% cotton jersey is also normally very thick which tends to make them very durable jerseys. The downside is that in hot weather the cotton is not very good at managing moisture. Therefore, the jersey can become very hot, wet, and heavy as you sweat. 100% cotton is a very stylish and durable choice, but not the most cutting-edge in terms of performance and moisture management.

50/50 (PolyCotton blend)

     This blended fabric provides a great bridge between the traditional 100% cotton jersey and the new entirely synthetic jerseys. The 50/50 still provides a traditional look while having improved moisture management and providing a typically lighter weight. However, it is still not as lightweight or quite as moisture managing as some of the newer synthetic materials.

Sublimated (100% Polyester)

     Sublimation refers to a special process for dyeing fabric. During the sublimation process, a design is stamped onto the fabric using dye. Unlike screen-printing and other heat transfer methods, sublimated jerseys feel perfectly smooth because the print has been permanently bonded onto the fabric of the jersey and will not crack or fade. Thanks to the 100% Polyester material, sublimated jerseys have excellent moisture management capabilities, breathe very well, and are quite light. The material is also surprisingly durable despite its light weight. Because of the material, the sublimated jersey can normally be made with a wider range of designs than more traditional fabrics, and many teams that want a more unique look choose this material for that reason. The downside for many teams is that this material does not normally have the traditional rugby jersey look, and can be too shiny or glossy for many players’ tastes.

Adidas ClimaCool

     ClimaCool material used to produce this jersey is 100% polyester, and is an excellent moisture management fabric, pulling moisture away from the skin and allowing better ventilation and breathing. The material is very light and very durable and has a sharp look with an athletic collar. ClimaCool also does not look too shiny or glossy like other 100% polyester sublimates.

Barbarian ProFit

     This jersey is a blend of both polyester and spandex and is designed for serious rugby competition. The material it is made of is very form-fitting and is also a very good moisture management fiber. It is 35% lighter than cotton, and though it contains no cotton, it maintains the look of traditional rugby jerseys better than many of the other purely synthetic jerseys. It is also constructed with an athletic collar and “athletic cut” meaning it is overall more form fitting, which helps eliminate annoying “shirt” tackles.

For other examples of jerseys that can be purchased at World Rugby Shop, click here, choose the brand you are interested in, then select "jerseys".

For more jerseys that can be purchased in bulk for your entire team, click here.

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