About Canterbury of New Zealand
Canterbury of New Zealand has been producing sportswear since 1904, originally as a supplier of playing kit to rugby clubs across New Zealand before expanding into a global clothing brand. The CCC logo is recognised across rugby-playing nations worldwide, and the brand's clothing range sits alongside its technical kit offering as one of the most widely worn in the sport.
Canterbury tracksuit bottoms and joggers
Canterbury tracksuit bottoms or Stadium Pants have been a fixture in rugby and beyond for decades, and right now they're riding another wave of mainstream fashion as wider, baggier fits come back around - something anyone who's been selling them for 25 years has seen happen several times over. The range covers three distinct styles: open hem for a straight, relaxed leg; cuffed for a more tapered ankle; and the Uglies, which have their own story entirely and their own page. All three come in men's, women's and kids sizing - and if someone asks for "Canterburys", this is what they mean. Full range, size guides and colourway options are on the dedicated Canterbury tracksuit bottoms and joggers pages.
Canterbury Uglies
The Canterbury Uglies started in the 1970s as a practical solution to waste. Canterbury's factories were generating large amounts of leftover fabric from rugby kit production, so rather than discard it, they stitched the remnants together into training jerseys. No two were identical - mismatched colours, random panels, patchwork construction. Players called them Uglies, and the name stuck.
What began as a factory floor workaround became one of the most recognisable items in rugby kit. The Uglies moved from training pitches to changing rooms to streets, becoming as much a casual wear staple as a rugby piece - particularly in New Zealand, where the brand's roots run deepest. Canterbury have continued the sustainability thread: in 2019, 12,000 metres of excess fabric were repurposed into a new Uglies range, keeping the original premise alive fifty years on.
The modern Uglies range has expanded well beyond the original training jersey. At Rugbystuff.com the range covers tracksuit bottoms, hoodies, polos, shorts and more, all carrying the bold CCC logo in contrasting colours that has become the modern signature of the line. Available in men's, women's and junior sizing. Full Uglies range is on the Canterbury Uglies page.
Canterbury Shorts
Canterbury shorts cover rugby match shorts, training shorts, gym shorts and the two-tone Harlequin design across cotton and technical fabrics. Available in a wide range of colourways and in adult and junior sizing. Full Canterbury shorts range is on the dedicated shorts page.
Canterbury Baselayer
Canterbury baselayer covers compression tops, leggings and shorts across the Thermoreg cold-weather range and standard compression options. Used widely at club and professional level under match and training kit. Full range on the Canterbury baselayer page.
Canterbury t-shirts and training tops
Canterbury t-shirts and training tops sit alongside the heavier clothing range and cover the VapoDri technical fabric options as well as standard cotton tees. Popular for gym sessions, warm-ups and general training use where the full tracksuit isn't needed. Available in men's and junior sizing across current colourways.
Canterbury Headguards
Canterbury headguards are stocked alongside the clothing range at Rugbystuff.com. Full model breakdown, sizing guidance and position recommendations are on the dedicated Canterbury headguards page.
About Canterbury of New Zealand
Canterbury of New Zealand was founded in 1904 by three English immigrants — John Lane, Pringle Walker and Alfred Rudkin - who set up a garment factory in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. The brand made military uniforms during the First World War before being approached to produce kit for the All Blacks, which set the direction the company has followed ever since.
The CCC logo is more layered than it looks. The three letters stand for Canterbury Clothing Company, but look closely and each C is formed by the silhouette of a kiwi - one for each of the three founders. It's one of the more quietly clever pieces of sports branding anywhere in the game.
The brand is now owned by Pentland Group, who acquired the European arm from JD Sports in 2012, with global headquarters based in London and the New Zealand operation headquartered in Auckland. The tagline is "Committed To The Game" - which, given the company has been doing exactly that since 1904, is one of the few instances in rugby where a brand's marketing line is genuinely earned.
Canterbury clothing and boots are available at Rugbystuff.com across the full current range. Rugby boots are on the dedicated Canterbury rugby boots page, and headguards are on the Canterbury headguards page.
