Rugby Apparel Global Market Report 2025

The rugby apparel market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.23 billion in 2024 to $1.38 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the increasing participation in rugby, the rising popularity of international tournaments, the growing youth engagement programs, the expansion of professional leagues, the increasing sponsorship deals, and the rising media coverage.

The rugby apparel market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.11 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to the growing demand for sustainable materials, the increasing adoption of athleisure, the rising influence of digital marketing, the expansion of e-commerce channels, the growing fitness and wellness trends, and the increasing focus on personalized merchandise. Key trends in the forecast period include technological advancements in smart fabrics, innovations in wearable technology integration, developments in eco-friendly materials, research in moisture-wicking designs, advancements in durability and lightweight construction, and innovations in injury-prevention gear.

The increasing sports participation is expected to drive the growth of the rugby apparel market in the coming years. Sports participation refers to the involvement of individuals in physical activities, games, or organized sports for recreation, fitness, skill development, or competition. The rise in sports participation is fueled by growing health awareness, as more people recognize the physical, mental, and social benefits of engaging in regular athletic activities. Rugby apparel supports this trend by providing athletes with comfortable, durable, and performance-oriented gear that enhances confidence, safety, and overall engagement in the sport. For example, in May 2024, according to Sport Ireland, an Ireland-based statutory agency, rugby participation increased from 1.75 million in 2022 to 1.97 million in 2023, marking a 4 percent rise. Therefore, the growing sports participation is contributing to the demand for rugby apparel.

Key companies operating in the rugby apparel market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as connected jerseys, to improve player performance tracking and fan engagement. Connected jerseys are smart rugby shirts embedded with sensors that monitor players’ performance, including heart rate, speed, and movement, in real time. For instance, in November 2024, Canterbury of New Zealand, a New Zealand-based garment company, launched the Heritage British & Irish Lions rugby jersey. The jersey features a deeper red hue with a classic jacquard pattern woven into the fabric, honoring the four unions: England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, and includes a fan-inspired grandad collar. It integrates Canterbury's Vapodri technology for enhanced player comfort and an embedded NFC tag that allows fans to access exclusive digital content via the Lions Clubhouse app.

In September 2023, Fourex Clothing Pty. Ltd., a United Kingdom-based sportswear manufacturer, acquired Ellgren for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Fourex Clothing aims to expand its portfolio, strengthen its presence in the rugby apparel market, and offer both contemporary and retro kit options to a wider customer base. Ellgren Ltd is a United Kingdom-based sportswear manufacturer specializing in rugby apparel.

Major players in the rugby apparel market are Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Decathlon SA, Puma SE, Pentland Brands Limited., Under Armour Inc., Asics Corporation, Mizuno Corporation, Castore Sportswear Ltd., O’Neills Irish International Sports Co. Ltd, Macron S.p.A., Canterbury Of New Zealand., Kukri Sports Ltd., Barbarian Sports Ltd., Grays of Cambridge Limited., Rhino Rugby Ltd., Fourex Clothing Pty. Ltd, Scimitar Sports UK Ltd, Webb Ellis Ltd., Vortex Rugby Ltd.

Europe was the largest region in the rugby apparel market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in rugby apparel report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the rugby apparel market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The quick escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting strain in trade relations in spring 2025 are considerably influencing the Paper, Plastics, Rubber, Wood And Textile sector by inflating costs for imported pulp, resin, synthetic rubber, lumber, and cotton key inputs with limited domestic substitutes. Packaging manufacturers, for example, now pay more for plastic films and corrugated materials, squeezing margins in an already price-sensitive market. Textile producers face similar challenges, as tariffs on imported yarns and dyes compound pressures from rising labor costs. Some firms are shifting to recycled materials or biodegradable alternatives, while others consolidate suppliers to negotiate bulk discounts.

The rugby apparel market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides rugby apparel market statistics, including rugby apparel industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a rugby apparel market share, detailed rugby apparel market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the rugby apparel industry. This rugby apparel market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Rugby apparel refers to specialized clothing and gear designed specifically for playing or supporting rugby, including jerseys, shorts, socks, and protective equipment. These garments are crafted to provide durability, comfort, and performance while meeting the physical demands of the sport.

The key product types of rugby apparel are upper wear, bottom wear, accessories, and protective gear. Upper wear includes clothing items worn on the upper body, designed specifically for rugby players to combine durability, comfort, and performance features suitable for training and matches. These garments are made from various materials, including synthetic, natural, and blended fabrics. They are used in multiple applications, from professional to recreational settings, and are distributed through both online and offline channels. Rugby apparel caters to a diverse range of end users, including men, women, and children.

The rugby apparel market consists of sales of scrum caps, shoulder pads, neck guards, compression shorts, base layer tops, and shin guards. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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