Black Friday on rugby

Club or national team shirt: choose according to the supporter

The shirt remains the first purchase for a fan, and the choice starts with the team. A Top 14 club shirt is worn every weekend, at the stadium or watching the match, while a national team shirt makes the most sense during the Six Nations Tournament and the November tests. Then comes the version: supporter, which is looser and easy to wear over a sweatshirt, or authentic, fitted and stretchy like the players'. Home shirts keep the historical colours; away shirts and pre-match editions, which are rarer in the stands, appeal to collectors who already own their team's main kit.

The relevant areas

The Black Friday features:

• Shirts.
• Nations.
• Clubs.
• Shoes.
• Equipment.
• Children.
• Lifestyle.
• Top brands.

Also find good deals and clearance sales.

Shoes, ball and protective gear for the club player

For the player, the equipment is chosen first according to the pitch and position. Studded shoes grip well on the wet grass in winter, moulded soles are suitable for dry ground and synthetic pitches; forwards prefer stability, while backs favour lightness. The ball is size five for adults, size four or three for youth categories, depending on the rugby school's guidelines. In terms of protection, a mouthguard is essential, and a helmet or shoulder pads are only accepted in matches if they carry the World Rugby certification label stitched onto the tag.

Dressing a young player: sizes and gift ideas

Products for children are chosen based on body size rather than the age on the label: height and chest size are measured, then compared to the sizing guide, allowing for reasonable growth without opting for something too big, which can hinder movement in contact. For a gift, a shirt in the colours of their favourite club, a mini ball to get signed or a hoodie from the lifestyle rugby line are sure bets. Those who play also appreciate everyday gear: a bag with a compartment for studs, training socks or gloves for the January sessions.

Other good deals

Outside of Black Friday, good deals can be found in good deals, clearance sales, sales. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The key events of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

How do you choose the size of a rugby shirt?

You start with your usual t-shirt size for a supporter version. For an authentic version, which is very fitted, go one size up if you prefer a bit of room, especially to wear it over a sweater in the stands.

What’s the difference between a standard mouthguard and a thermoformable one?

The standard model is used as is, with a rough fit. The thermoformable one softens for a few seconds in hot water and then moulds to the teeth by biting: it fits better, is less restrictive on breathing, and offers more protection.

Is a helmet required to play rugby?

No, a helmet is not mandatory, but it is recommended for young players to protect their ears and scalp from friction. It does not prevent concussions, and only a helmet certified by World Rugby is allowed in matches.

What gift for a supporter who doesn’t play?

A pre-match shirt or a polo from their club, easy to wear daily, a scarf for winter matches, or a ball in their team colours to display. A hoodie remains a reliable choice, suitable for year-round wear.

How do you wash a rugby shirt without damaging it?

Inside out, at a maximum of thirty degrees and without fabric softener, which clogs the technical fibres. Avoid the tumble dryer, as the heat can peel off prints and heat-bonded badges, and let the shirt dry flat.