Training tops Nike
This page presents training tops Nike for rugby, when the brand offers them: half-zip drill tops, long-sleeve Dri-FIT tops, and Therma-FIT models for the cold. It outlines the brand's history in detail and its place in international rugby, then gives our tips for choosing the right fit, the right size, and caring for these tops.
The training tops signed by Nike.
From Blue Ribbon Sports to the Springboks
Nike was established in 1964 under the name of Blue Ribbon Sports, founded in Oregon by runner Phil Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman. The company took on the name of the Greek goddess of victory in 1971 and adopted the Swoosh, designed by student Carolyn Davidson, in the same year. In rugby, Nike outfitted the French national team until 2012, then partnered with the Springboks, whom it had already equipped from 1996 to 2003 and has been working with again since July 2023, in a contract that covers all South African teams. The Springboks' training tops thus feature the swoosh.
The other brands
Training tops are also available from:
All training tops are gathered on the training tops page.
The drill top, the iconic training top from Nike
The drill top is the typical training top from Nike: a long-sleeved top with a half-zip closure, fitted at the bust, designed for exercises and warming up. It uses Dri-FIT technology, which moves sweat to the outer face of the fabric, where it evaporates, to keep the skin dry. For winter sessions, the Therma-FIT range uses fabrics that retain body heat, often with a brushed interior. These two families complement each other: a Dri-FIT drill top during exercise, a Therma-FIT top on top for waiting and cooling down.
Slim or standard fit: choosing the right size for Nike
Nike indicates the fit of each top: slim, close-fitting, or standard, looser. A slim-fit drill top should be taken in your usual size if worn directly on the skin or over a thin base layer, and one size up for a player with a broad chest. The standard fit allows for more room to layer up. For care, wash Dri-FIT fabrics inside out at thirty degrees, and avoid fabric softeners, which leave a film on the fibers and slow down sweat evacuation; air drying also preserves the heat-sealed logos.
Good deals
Good deals can be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, 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 come in a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back to school.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name Nike come from?
From Niké, the Greek goddess of victory. The brand, founded in 1964 under the name of Blue Ribbon Sports, adopted it in 1971, along with the Swoosh, its famous comma-shaped logo.
What is a Nike drill top?
A long-sleeve training top with a half-zip, fitted, designed for exercise and warming up. The zip allows for heat regulation during the session without needing to take off the top.
Does Nike outfit rugby teams?
Yes, notably the Springboks since July 2023, after a first collaboration from 1996 to 2003. The brand also outfitted the French national team until 2012.
What’s the difference between Dri-FIT and Therma-FIT?
Dri-FIT moves moisture away to keep the skin dry during exercise. Therma-FIT retains body heat and is used in cold weather, for warming up or on the sideline.
Is a drill top worn under a jersey?
More often over: it is kept on during warm-ups and exercises, then removed for the play. Under the jersey, a thin base layer is more suitable.
