What Rugby Clothing Do Junior Players Actually Need?
For most junior club players, the essentials are a match shirt, rugby shorts, and a baselayer layer for colder months. A training top - something durable enough for contact sessions - is worth having separately so match kit doesn't take the wear. Hoodies and track pants are popular for pre-match warm-up and for parents standing on the touchline trying to get their child back into something warm at half time. If your child plays mini or midi rugby, the kit requirements are the same as for seniors - clubs typically specify colours for shorts and socks, so it's worth checking before buying.
Kids Rugby Shorts - What to Look For
Rugby shorts for kids need to take a lot of punishment - scrummaging, tackles, and general grass-stain attrition. Reinforced seams and a drawstring or elasticated waist are the things to look for. Most junior players wear shorts in their club colours, so it's worth knowing what your club requires before ordering. White, black, navy and red are the most commonly requested colours. Sizes are generally listed by age or by junior S/M/L/XL - if your child is between sizes, go up rather than down as rugby kit is designed to be worn with a baselayer underneath.
Kids Rugby Training Tops and Contact Kit
Training kit for juniors takes more abuse than match-day clothing, so fabric durability matters. Contact tops - reinforced around the shoulders and collar - are worth the investment for players who train regularly, particularly forwards. For lighter training sessions or backs, a standard performance tee does the job. Long-sleeve training tops are popular through winter and work well over a baselayer on particularly cold mornings.
Junior Rugby Hoodies and Sideline Wear
Kids rugby hoodies are polular and it's easy to see why - junior rugby matches are often cold, muddy, and long, and getting a young player back into something warm between games matters. A rugby hoodie or sweatshirt also works as casual wear away from the pitch. Stadium pants and track pants are a practical partner for hoodies, particularly for players who travel to away games in kit.
Sizing Guide for Kids Rugby Clothing
Junior rugby clothing typically follows one of two sizing systems: age-based (5-6, 7-8, 9-10 etc.) or junior S/M/L/XL. Some brands use both, which can cause confusion. As a rule, age-based sizing from rugby brands runs true to size or slightly generous — a growing child is usually fine at their current age size. Junior S/M/L/XL maps roughly to ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14, though this varies by brand. Baby and infant sizing runs from 0-3 months up to around 4-5 years for most brands stocked here.
