Training trousers and rugby shorts

Jogging for warming up, shorts for playing

The bottom half of a rugby kit is chosen according to the session. The jogging trousers cover the legs during warming up, instructions, and training from November to February, when cold muscles are more prone to injury. The rugby shorts then take over: shorter than running shorts, they leave the thighs free for support and pushing in scrums, and their elastic waistband with an inner drawstring stays put even when an opponent grabs it. Both pieces complement each other in each player’s bag.

By brand

Training trousers come in various brands:

• adidas.
• Nike.
• Under Armour.
• Puma.
• Le Coq Sportif.
• Canterbury.
• Kappa.
• Gilbert.

Also find training tops, jerseys, and tracksuits.

Cotton twill or polyester: two schools of shorts

Two families of shorts share the fields. The Gilbert Kiwi Pro stays true to tradition: a thick cotton twill, angled cut legs, and offset seams that limit chafing, reinforced pockets for keeping a mouthguard, and sizes ranging from XXS to 6XL. In contrast, the polyester shorts, like those from Macron or Craft, are lighter, dry faster, and wick sweat better, at the cost of being a bit less rigid. The choice depends on the position and personal preferences: the durability of cotton for forwards who are in contact, and the lightweight synthetic for those who run a lot.

Team joggings and protective shorts

For warming up, the Proact joggings, a teamwear brand from the Kariban group born in rugby, come in men's and women's cuts and can be easily ordered in bulk to outfit an entire club. The Force XV Force Plus jogging and its matching shorts, like the Joma Suez jogging, also target teams wanting a uniform appearance. Separately, the Shock Doctor Ultra Pro ShockSkin is a protective short: made from stretchy fabric, it includes padding at the hips, thighs, and tailbone, along with an inner lining for a cup, and is worn under the playing shorts.

Good deals

Good finds can be had in the deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

What size rugby shorts should I choose?

Start with the waist measurement indicated by the brand, keeping in mind that the inner drawstring allows for fine adjustment. A short that is too big slips in rucks, while one that is too small hinders support and pushing in scrums.

Are there rugby shorts for women and children?

Yes, several models exist in women's cut, which is more fitted at the hips, and in children's sizes, like the Hummel Core and Blaze shorts or the Force XV shorts for women. For a child, measure the waist instead of relying on age.

Should you wear jogging trousers during games?

It’s best to avoid them: the fabric provides an easy grip for the tackler and the studs can catch at the bottom of the legs. They are kept for warm-ups, technical drills, and cooling down, before switching to shorts for contact.

How do you clean a muddy rugby short?

First, let the dirt dry and brush it off, then soak the shorts in cold water. Hot water sets dirt and grass stains, especially on a white cotton short: washing is then done at a moderate temperature.

Tapered or straight training trousers?

The tapered style, which is narrower at the ankles, doesn’t hinder movement during warming up and doesn’t get caught in the studs. The straight fit, being more generous, is reserved for movements or on the sidelines, when comfort takes precedence over mobility.