The global rugby apparel products market size was estimated at USD 2.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.4% from 2022 to 2030. The increasing popularity of the sport, particularly among young people, is driving the demand for rugby apparel products. Furthermore, the growing number of tournaments and sports leagues is expected to boost the market growth. For instance, the Rugby World Cup, held every four years, is one of the most popular rugby tournaments, and the 2023 edition will be hosted by France. Moreover, the rising number of sponsorships and endorsements of rugby players is expected to further boost the demand for rugby apparel products. For example, in 2021, New Zealand All Blacks player Beauden Barrett signed an endorsement deal with Adidas, a leading sportswear brand.

The increasing demand for quality products among consumers is expected to drive the growth of the apparel market. Market players are focusing on introducing innovative designs for their apparel products. For instance, in April 2021, Canterbury launched a new range of sportswear apparel for professional and amateur players. The new range of products consists of rugby jerseys, shorts, polos, and hoodies with advanced fabric technology and ergonomic fit. Furthermore, the rise in the trend of personalization and customization is driving the demand for rugby apparel with custom logos and prints.

Apart from that, the increasing popularity of online retail platforms is expected to fuel the growth of the market. For instance, the introduction of mobile applications and websites for purchasing apparel products has made it convenient for consumers to purchase rugby apparel. Furthermore, the availability of discounts and offers on these products are further encouraging consumers to purchase them. Moreover, the availability of these products in various sizes and colors is expected to further boost the market growth.

Furthermore, the growing participation of female rugby players is expected to fuel the demand for women’s rugby apparel. For instance, in 2021, the International Women’s Rugby Association (IWRA) announced the launch of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The increasing number of female participation in the sport, coupled with the rising demand for women’s apparel, is expected to drive the market growth. Additionally, the launch of new products, such as rugby boots and helmets, is expected to further bolster the growth of the market in the coming years.

The apparel segment led the market and accounted for a share of around 39.9% in 2022. Increasing demand for lightweight and quality rugby apparel has been driving the demand for rugby apparel products over the years. According to an article published by Rugby World, in May 2020, the demand for quality rugby apparel is increasing at a rapid rate. Furthermore, macro-level factors such as rising disposable income among consumers and mushrooming growth of distribution channels are bolstering the demand for rugby apparel products worldwide.

The protective gear segment is anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period. Growing awareness among players regarding safety and the emergence of various protective gear brands are some of the key factors driving the protective gear market growth revenue. According to an article published by the University of California, in January 2020, 86% of players agreed that protective gear is essential for playing rugby. In addition, increasing fashion trends and safety awareness among individuals is another factor driving the growth of the market.

The retail stores segment captured the major share of over 44.3% in 2022. The growth of this segment is attributed to the rising number of specialty stores, sporting goods stores, and departmental stores across the globe. For instance, in December 2022, the South African-based retailer, Mr Price, announced the opening of a new store in Johannesburg. The store will offer a wide range of rugby apparel, including jerseys, shorts, and shoes. In addition, the store will also provide a wide range of products from leading rugby apparel brands.

The online segment is anticipated to expand at the highest CAGR of 10.2% over the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the growing popularity of online shopping among consumers. In addition, the availability of discounted prices, free delivery, and easy return policies are some of the factors that are driving the online sales of rugby apparel. For instance, in May 2022, Adidas launched its online store in the UK, with a wide range of products, including rugby apparel. The online store offers discounts and free delivery, which has increased its sales.

The performance segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 66.2% in the year 2022. The increase in the number of rugby enthusiasts, along with the surge in the number of rugby leagues and tournaments, has increased the demand for performance apparel. The growing popularity of rugby in countries such as South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand is driving the demand for performance apparel. The availability of a variety of performance apparel, such as protective gear, jerseys, and shorts, along with the introduction of new technology, such as moisture-wicking fabric, is propelling the market growth of this segment.

The lifestyle segment is anticipated to expand at the highest CAGR of 8.3% over the forecast period. The increasing trend of wearing sportswear as casual wear is driving the demand for lifestyle apparel. The growing popularity of rugby-themed fashion apparel, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets, among youngsters is also driving the segment. Furthermore, the rising demand for sports apparel among women is also aiding the market growth of the segment. Companies, such as Canterbury, have expanded their product portfolio to cater to the needs of women customers.

Europe is expected to dominate the market, owing to the popularity and presence of rugby leagues in the region. For instance, in April 2021, the Premiership Rugby League announced a partnership with Adidas, which will see the German sportswear giant become the official apparel partner, supplying all 13 clubs with jerseys, training kits, and apparel from the 2021/22 season. Increasing number of rugby fans in the region is further expected to drive the growth of the market.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the second-fastest growth, as the number of rugby fans has been increasing in the region, coupled with the growing popularity of rugby sevens, particularly in countries such as Japan and China. Growing demand for customized rugby kits is expected to provide a boost to the growth of the market in the region. For instance, in April 2021, Japan’s leading sportswear brand Mizuno launched its new rugby shirt, the “Mizuno Kousei”.

In this part of the business plan, we will provide a detailed breakdown of all income and expense categories of the rugby apparel products business. These forecasts include cash flow projections and capital requirements for the business. Usually, these projections are drafted for a 5-year period.

Revenue Assumptions

The main source of revenues for a rugby apparel products business comes from direct sales, wholesale orders, and licensing agreements. Here you will find a list with a description of each of them and other possible sources of profit such as the sale of merchandise, fundraising, and partnerships.

Projecting Expenses

In this section, all the regular expenses related to keeping the rugby apparel products business running will be described. The list of operating expenses includes wages, rent, utilities, insurance policies, taxes, advertising, website development, and others.

Some of the key companies operating in the rugby apparel market are increasingly focusing on product launches and expansion of the distribution channel to gain prominent visibility among consumers. Some of the initiatives are:

– In October 2022, Canterbury of New Zealand launched a new collection of rugby apparel designed to provide better comfort and performance.

– In August 2022, Macron launched the Pro-Tech line of rugby apparel, comprising of shirts, shorts, and training wear.

– In September 2022, Gilbert Rugby launched the new range of performance rugby apparel designed to provide maximum comfort and protection.

Some of the prominent players in the rugby apparel market include:

– Canterbury of New Zealand
– Macron
– Gilbert Rugby
– Nike Inc.
– Adidas AG
– Puma SE
– Under Armour, Inc.
– Hummel International
– Kooga
– Mitre Sports International Ltd.

This report forecasts growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global rugby apparel products market based on product, distribution channel, type, and region:

1. Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 – 2030)

– Shirts
– Pants
– Shoes
– Socks
– Headgear
– Others

2. Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 – 2030)

– Online
– Retail Stores
– Others

3. Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 – 2030)

– Professional
– Amateur

4. Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 – 2030)

– North America
– Europe
– Asia Pacific
– Central & South America
– Middle East & Africa

[Q]: What Factors are Driving the Rugby Apparel Market?
[A]: The growth of the Rugby Apparel Market is driven by factors such as the increasing popularity of rugby as a sport, the rise in disposable income, and the increasing demand for fashionable and comfortable sportswear. Additionally, the growing popularity of the game among women and the increasing number of rugby tournaments and international competitions are expected to boost the demand for rugby apparel.

[Q]: Who are the Key Players in the Rugby Apparel Market?
[A]: Major players operating in the Rugby Apparel market include BLK, Canterbury, New Balance, Asics, Gilbert, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour, and Hummel.

[Q]: What are the Opportunities for New Players in the Rugby Apparel Market?
[A]: The entry of new players has been made easy by the availability of a wide variety of products and the introduction of new technologies in the production process. Additionally, the growing demand for eco-friendly and recycled materials is likely to offer potential opportunities for new players in the Rugby Apparel market.

[Q]: What are the Trends in the Rugby Apparel Market?
[A]: The Rugby Apparel market is characterized by the increasing demand for performance-enhancing materials, the rising popularity of compression garments, the high demand for customization, and the increasing focus on sustainability.

[Q]: What is the Potential of Product Innovation?
[A]: Product innovation is a key factor driving the growth of the Rugby Apparel market. Companies are incorporating advanced technologies such as moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable fabrics in their product development process to improve the quality and performance of their products. Additionally, manufacturers are focusing on developing lightweight and stylish products that offer better protection and comfort.