Windbreakers and waterproof jackets

Windbreaker or waterproof jacket: two levels of protection

The windbreaker is a lightweight polyester jacket, often water-repellent: it blocks the wind, allows a shower to slide off, folds into a corner of the bag and can be worn during warm-ups without getting too hot. The waterproof jacket goes further, with a coated fabric or membrane and sealed seams, to keep you dry during an hour of rain on the edge of the pitch. The choice therefore depends on the amount of time spent stationary: the player who runs prioritises lightness and breathability, while the coach or substitute waiting in the rain needs true waterproofing, even if it means accepting a heavier jacket.

Other accessories

Accessories are also varied:

• Gloves.
• Socks.
• Compression tops.
• Compression leggings.
• Beanies.

All accessories are gathered on the accessories page.

Vaposhield, Atom, Atlantic: what distinguishes the models

The Canterbury Club Vaposhield relies on a ripstop polyester coated with polyurethane and treated to be water-repellent, lined with breathable mesh that makes it easy to wear over a sweatshirt. The Gilbert Atom, designed by the oval ball specialist, opts for a waterproof and breathable material, elastic cuffs that prevent water from running up the arms, and zipped pockets. The Macron Atlantic with a full zip adds an adjustable hood, high collar and vents in the back, while the Macron Coral, with a quarter zip, slips over the head like a warm-up top and protects the neck from the wind.

Children's sizes, women's cuts and team jackets

For a club, jackets are ordered in the same colour for the whole group: the Stanno Prime all seasons, water-repellent, with a full zip and elastic cuffs, is available in both adult and children's versions, just like the Givova jackets lined with mesh. Female players find women's cuts at Joma, with the Trivor and the Galia, and at Weather Report with the Tulson. You should go up a size from your usual size if the jacket needs to go over a warm-up sweatshirt. To maintain the water-repellent effect, wash at low temperatures, without fabric softener, and reactivate the treatment with a suitable product when the water no longer beads.

Bargain deals

Good deals can be found in bargain deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a consistent order: the Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days of spring, then the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

What windbreaker should I choose for a child at rugby school?

A lightweight and water-repellent model, with a hood, that rolls up into the bag and can be quickly put on between two sessions. Choose a size that allows for a sweatshirt underneath, and a bright colour makes it easier to spot in a group.

What does the waterproof rating of a jacket mean?

It is measured in water columns, in millimetres: the higher the value, the more the fabric resists the pressure of rain. Around eight thousand millimetres, a jacket can withstand heavy rain, while a windbreaker that is only water-repellent can only handle a shower.

Does a windbreaker keep you warm in winter?

On its own, very little: it blocks the wind but does not insulate. In cold weather, it should be worn over warm layers, as the jacket blocks outside air while what it covers keeps the body's heat.

How should I store a wet windbreaker after a session?

Shake it out, then hang it up open as soon as you get back so it can dry in the air, away from a radiator. If left rolled up wet at the bottom of the bag, it will quickly develop a musty smell and its treatment wears off more quickly.

Do you need a hooded windbreaker for rugby?

For the coach and the supporter, a hood is invaluable in the rain. For the player, it gets in the way very little during warm-ups, but a high collar is often enough, as the jacket is taken off before intense exercises.