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Had enough of freezing on the pitch? Winter rugby training doesn’t have to be a battle against the elements. With this 2025 essentials checklist, you’ll have everything you need to train smarter and stay warm, whatever the weather throws your way.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in!
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#1. Rugby Boots
Heading onto the pitch without the right boots? Not a chance!
Winter training demands boots that can handle the elements, while helping you to perform at your best.
There are two main types to consider: Soft Ground (SG) and Firm Ground (FG). Understanding these options is the key to enhancing your performance in the colder months.
When do I need Soft Ground (SG) Rugby Boots for Winter Training?
Soft Ground (SG) boots, like the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV’s from the Mizuno Frontier Pack below, are top-notch for playing on Soft-Ground fields.
Specifically made for wet and muddy pitches that tend to get waterlogged, soft-ground boots have longer studs (the pointy things on the bottom) giving you extra stability.
When the field becomes tricky due to rain, SG boots keep you steady, ensuring you feel confident and agile even in tough weather. That’s why they’re a must-have for winter training!
When do I need Firm-Ground (FG) Rugby Boots for Winter Training?
Firm Ground Rugby boots, such as the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 below, work differently—they feature bladed studs designed to dig into the ground, creating more contact points between your foot and the pitch.
This setup boosts traction, making quick takeoffs and sprints a breeze during winter training.
Tailored for firm, natural grass surfaces, these boots excel in cold weather, ensuring stability even on frozen grounds.
The key difference lies in their ability to navigate challenging winter conditions effectively, making Firm-Ground Boots the perfect pick for training on those days where the pitch has frozen over.
#2. Base Layers
When winter bites, base layers are your first line of defense.
Specifically made to keep you warm and dry, these essentials provide a snug fit that moves with you, offering comfort and flexibility in even the frostiest of training conditions.
Base Layer Tops
Think of these as your second skin. Base layer tops trap your body heat, keeping you warm without weighing you down.
The Under Armour ColdGear Rush Mock is a standout, with sweat-wicking tech that keeps you dry, no matter how intense the session. Say goodbye to shivering on the sidelines!
Thermal Leggings
Cold muscles? Not on our watch. Thermal leggings lock in warmth and keep your legs limber, ready for every sprint, tackle, and sidestep.
The Under Armour HeatGear Leggings are perfect for training sessions that don’t let up, no matter the temperature.
#3.Training Wear
Winter might want to slow you down, but with the right training wear, you’ll be unstoppable. From cozy jackets to flexible training bottoms, here’s your cold-weather armour.
Training Jackets
A good training jacket is essential for winter rugby, keeping your body insulated, reducing the risk of cold-related injuries, and ensuring comfort during intense sessions.
The Canterbury 1/4 Zip Thermal Fleece offers all this with a lightweight, flexible fit, making it ideal for chilly days on the pitch. Its balance of insulation and flexibility allows for a full range of motion, so you can train without restriction.
Available now for £46 (was £64.99) at Lovell-rugby.co.uk, this jacket is a must-have for preventing muscle tightness, promoting comfort, and maintaining peak performance in colder conditions.
Training Tops/ Midlayers
Training tops are the MVPs of any rugby workout. They’re not just stylish gear – these tops keep players cool when the action heats up and provide a comfy fit for those intense drills.
In winter, they’re like a cozy shield against the chill, making sure players stay focused on the game, not the weather.
Training Bottoms
When your rugby shorts just aren’t cutting it, training bottoms step in with their snug fit and durable design, becoming the go-to choice for serious rugby action.
They bring the comfort and flexibility needed to ace those killer moves on the field, handling everything from sprinting drills to tackling the cold in winter.
It’s time to play smarter, not harder!
Waterproof Jacket
Prepare for the toughest winter training sessions with the Canterbury British and Irish Lions 2025 Waterproof Jacket.
Whether you’re braving the rain during drills or gearing up for the excitement of the 2025 Lions Tour, this jacket combines performance-driven features with the bold design of rugby’s most anticipated range.
Built for unpredictability, the jacket features a full zip, long sleeves, and a hooded neckline to provide dependable protection without limiting movement. Its lightweight shell construction keeps you dry and comfortable, making it just as useful for post-training recovery as it is for tackling winter weather.
Priced at £150 at Lovell-rugby.co.uk, this waterproof essential showcases the signature flora of the four nations and the iconic CCC branding, ensuring both quality and style.
When rain or wind tries to throw you off your game, this jacket ensures you stay focused—on the pitch or in the stands—as we count down to the 2025 Lions Tour.
#4. Winter Accessories
Snoods
Designed to snugly embrace your neck like a second skin, snoods effectively replicate the comfort of a scarf while performing the crucial function of wicking sweat away during intense winter workouts. This ensures you stay dry when it truly matters.
Take the Nike Strike snood as a prime example, featuring Nike’s signature Dri-Fit technology. This innovation not only enhances the snood’s fit but also keeps you performing at your best by efficiently managing moisture, making it an ideal companion for winter training sessions.
Gloves
Ever wondered how to maintain a solid grip on the ball while wearing gloves? Look no further – Kooga has the perfect solution!
Introducing the Men’s Kooga Rugby Gloves, designed for both matches and training sessions. With a fingerless design and a touch tape fastening strap at the wrist cuff, these gloves ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
The silicone grip pattern significantly enhances your grip, giving you the confidence you need on the field.
To top it off, the Kooga branding on the back of the hand adds a stylish finishing touch.
A must-have addition to your winter training regime!
Grip Socks
Tired of the constant slipping and sliding in your boots? Say goodbye to the struggle with Grip Socks!
Grip Socks, like the ones offered by TapeDesign, go beyond the ordinary.
Engineered to not only provide comfort but also to minimize and reduce ankle and knee injuries, these socks enhance the player’s grip within the shoe, eliminating any unwanted slippage and ensuring greater traction and stability on the pitch.
Equipped with strategically placed rubber knobs on the base of the sock, you’ll never have to worry about slipping again. Invest in Grip Socks for a game-changing experience and step onto the field with confidence and control!
#5. Must-Have Winter Equipment
Training Bibs
Stay ahead in the game with our durable and breathable Training Bibs – a necessity for clear identification on the field. The best part? They provide additional warmth without sacrificing mobility!
Crafted for easy identification and unrestricted movement, these bibs guarantee peak performance even during chilly workouts. Don’t let winter hold you back – power through the season with Rugby Training Bibs and conquer the field in style!
Training Balls
Meet the Gilbert G-TR 4000 and its durable design, featuring a higher proportion of synthetic rubber than traditional Match Balls for superior toughness.
These training balls are your go-to for winter training sessions, built to withstand the demands of the pitch.
With a resilient construction, they guarantee reliability and top-notch performance, even in colder weather.
Training Cones
In winter rugby sessions, Training Cones are like secret weapons for conquering the cold.
They help players tackle the frosty challenges by boosting agility and footwork on slippery fields. Coaches use these markers to create fun drills, making sure players stay sharp and adapt to the unpredictable winter conditions.
It’s not just about skill improvement; cones make the whole training game-plan smoother, so players can rock the field no matter how chilly it gets.
Winter or not, these cones keep the rugby vibe alive!
Agility Ladders
What’s a training session without one of these bad boys?
Whether you’re perfecting your drills, practicing for side-stepping your opponents, or want to set a personal best, then Agility Ladders are the way forward for you!
Our top pick is this seamless “Quick Ladder Pro” by SKLZ that doesn’t tie you down with tricky webbing, or cheap plastics, but makes your sessions more convenient with its unique constuctrion that makes it easy to fold and unfold.
Ball Pumps
As a game that revolves around the egg, the last thing you need is a flat ball to cut your training sessions short!
That’s why we’d reccommend you keep one of these Ball Pumps handy in your kitbag, and with a price of just £5 on Lovell-rugby.co.uk , it’s a no brainer!
Whistles
Are you a coach who enjoys challenging your team to perform at their best? You’ll definitely want one of these if you expect your players to be fully engaged!
Perfect for drills involving frequent starts and stops, penalty simulations, conditioning exercises, or refining player techniques, a referee’s whistle is an essential piece of equipment for winter training!
#6.Off Pitch Essentials
Hoodies
Transition seamlessly from the game to the stands in anticipation of the 2025 Lions Tour with the British & Irish Lions 2025 Everest Hoodie.
This hoodie isn’t just for match day—it’s a cold-weather essential for fans who want to stay warm while supporting their team. The vibrant Dahlia colourway, iconic Lions Crest, and bold “CCC” logo make it unmistakably part of the official 2025 Lions range, while its premium construction offers durability and warmth for any occasion.
Whether you’re heading to the stands, relaxing after training, or layering up against winter weather, this hoodie delivers on both practicality and style. Available now for £65 (was £79.99) at Lovell-rugby.co.uk, it’s a must-have for anyone gearing up for the Lions Tour.
Water Bottle
Sweat does more than cool you down—it carries essential electrolytes like calcium and sodium that support muscle function, lubricate joints, and transport nutrients for energy.
Dehydration leads to fatigue and cramps, so staying hydrated is key.
The Under Armour Playmaker 32oz Bottle is designed for convenience, with a leak-resistant lid, removable nozzle, carry loop, and non-slip grip to keep you fueled and ready during every session.
Towel
Going to a training session without a towel is like expecting to weather a storm without an umbrella—essential for staying dry, comfortable, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
You’ll want to have one of these handy in your kitbag, that’s for sure!
First Aid Kit
Are you a coach who prioritises the safety and well-being of your team, especially during winter training sessions? Having a well-stocked first aid kit is an absolute essential for anyone looking out for their players!
Designed to address minor injuries and unexpected situations, a first aid kit is indispensable for quick response and care.
Whether it’s tackling the cold weather challenges or handling the occasional bumps and bruises from intense drills, a readily available first aid kit ensures that you can promptly attend to any injuries and keep your team in top shape throughout the winter training season.
It’s a must-have companion on the field for coaches who prioritize both performance and player safety.
Like what you see?
Be sure to check out our full range of Winter Rugby Training Essentials to find your fit to brave the cold!
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