Training tops Canterbury

Born in 1904 in the province of Canterbury

Canterbury was established in 1904 in the New Zealand province of the same name, founded by three English immigrants, John Lane, Pringle Walker, and Alfred Rudkin, who initially made woollen garments. During World War I, they produced uniforms for the military and built a reputation for sturdy clothing, to the point that the All Blacks entrusted them with their playing kits. The logo featuring the three intertwined Cs recalls the historic name of the company, Canterbury Clothing Company. More than a century later, the brand remains one of the few that has been almost entirely built around rugby.

The other brands

Training tops are also available from:

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

All training tops are gathered on the training tops page.

Vapodri and Vaposhield: the materials of Canterbury

The training tops from Canterbury rely on two families of materials. The Vapodri technology is used in performance pieces, quarter zips, and long-sleeve tops: it wicks sweat away from the fabric, where it evaporates, keeping the player dry during drills. The Vaposhield range covers outer layers: fabrics treated to resist wind and rain, such as the coated ripstop used in club jackets, with a mesh lining that allows breathability. Combining a close-fitting Vapodri top with a Vaposhield jacket on top creates a complete outfit for winter sessions.

Ireland, Bordeaux-Bègles: tops worn at the highest level

Canterbury has dressed the Ireland team since 2000, with a break between 2009 and 2014, and its green training tops have become familiar sights in the Six Nations Tournament. In France, the brand equipped the Union Bordeaux-Bègles from 2018 to 2023. To choose a Canterbury top, one should refer to the brand's guide by measuring the chest circumference: the performance cuts are close-fitting, and a larger size is advisable if the top needs to go over a thick base layer. Washing at thirty degrees without fabric softener or tumble drying maintains the treatment of the Vapodri and Vaposhield fabrics.

Good deals

Great bargains can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a regular order: Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, spring's French Days, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Is Canterbury a New Zealand brand?

Yes, it was born in 1904 in the province of Canterbury, New Zealand, under the name of Canterbury Clothing Company. Its outfits were quickly adopted by the All Blacks, tying the brand to rugby.

What does the logo with the three Cs of Canterbury mean?

The three intertwined Cs represent the initials of Canterbury Clothing Company, the historic name of the business. This logo appears on the chest of most of the brand's tops and jerseys.

Which national team wears Canterbury tops?

Ireland, which the brand has supplied since 2000, with a break between 2009 and 2014. Irish players wear its training tops and jackets before matches.

Does a Canterbury Vaposhield top protect against rain?

It can withstand wind and light rain thanks to its treated fabric, which is sufficient for warm-ups or sessions in light showers. For extended periods of standing still in heavy rain, a truly waterproof jacket is preferable.

Do Canterbury tops run small?

The performance models are cut close to the body, which can sometimes give that impression. The best approach is to measure one's chest circumference and take a larger size if the top is worn over another layer.