What is the difference between a waterproof and a showerproof rugby jacket?

A waterproof jacket uses taped seams and a fully sealed construction that keeps you dry through sustained heavy rain. A showerproof jacket has a DWR coating that repels light rain but will eventually wet out in sustained downpour.

What is a rugby sub coat?

A sub coat - also called a bench coat or dugout coat - is a full-length padded coat worn by substitutes and coaches standing pitchside during a match. Unlike a training jacket designed for movement, a sub coat is built for standing still in cold conditions - heavily insulated, long enough to cover the legs, and designed to retain heat over 80 minutes of inactivity. Essential kit for anyone who spends time on the bench in winter.

What is a rugby softshell jacket?

A softshell is a weather-resistant jacket that sits between a training jacket and a full waterproof. More wind and water resistant than a standard training top, but lighter and more breathable than a taped waterproof. Works well for matchday warm-up, travel and touchline use in mild to moderate conditions.

What is the best rugby training jacket?

For wet conditions, a Canterbury, Macron or VX3 Contact Top or Smock covers most needs at club level - water resistant and packable enough for the kit bag. For lighter conditions or warm-up use, a windbreaker or softshell is more practical. The right jacket depends on the conditions you train and play in most regularly.

Rugby Jackets | Waterproof, Training & Bench Coats

Rugby Training Jackets, Bench Coats & Outerwear

Rugby outerwear broadly splits into several categories and it's worth knowing which one you actually need before you buy.

Warm Rugby Jackets

Softshells, padded jackets, bomber jackets - are more of an off-field proposition. Canterbury & Macron produce jackets that work for travel days, the stands and the clubhouse without looking out of place in either setting.

Rugby Bench Coats and Sub Coats

The full-length bench coat - often called a sub coat or dugout coat - is for coaches, medical staff, and substitutes who spend long periods standing pitchside in cold conditions. Unlike training jackets designed for movement and exercise, a bench coat is built for standing still in the cold - longer cut to cover the legs, heavily insulated, often padded. If you're a coach who stands for 80 minutes in winter without warming up, this is the piece of kit you actually need. The long rugby coat and full-length dugout coat refer to the same product..

Rugby Softshell Jackets

A softshell sits between a training jacket and a full waterproof - more weather-resistant than a standard training jacket but lighter and more breathable than a fully taped waterproof. They work well for matchday warm-up, travel and standing on the touchline in mild conditions. A softshell is probably the most versatile jacket in the rugby range - useful enough on the pitch and smart enough off it.

Team Rugby Jackets

Several international nations and clubs produce training and travel jackets as part of their official kit range. If you're looking for a jacket in a specific team's colours, browse the individual team collection pages - Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales and others all carry jackets alongside their match and training kits.