10 Tips for Designing a New Rugby Club Uniform

Designing a new rugby uniform is an exciting opportunity for your club to refresh its identity, unite players, and boost pride both on and off the field.  For community rugby union clubs across Queensland and Northern NSW, getting the design right is about more than just colours, it’s about creating a uniform that performs well in local conditions, looks professional, and represents your club’s spirit.

Here are 10 practical tips to guide your club through the process.

1. Start with Your Club Identity

Your uniform should reflect who you are as a club, your history and future. Incorporate your traditional colours, logo, and heritage into the design. Small touches, like sleeve trims, custom collar styles or adding in your club’s established date, can make a big difference in maintaining your club’s character.

2. Involve Players and Members

Engage your players, coaches, and committee members early. Getting their input on design ideas and preferences helps build excitement and helps your club community feel connected and represented in the final design.

3. Choose Fabrics for Queensland and Northern NSW Conditions

Rugby is tough enough without battling the heat and humidity. Choose durable, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabrics that perform well in the region’s warm climate, particularly for summer sevens and pre-season sessions.  Talk to your supplier about the different fabric options they have available. 

4. Prioritise Durability

Rugby uniforms face more wear and tear than most sports. Reinforced stitching, stretch panels, and high-quality sublimated prints ensure your kit lasts the full season, and still looks good at presentation night. 

5. Think Beyond the Jersey

A full uniform set includes shorts, socks, training tops, and off-field gear. Consistency across these items creates a strong, unified brand image for your club, especially when teams travel to carnivals or regional competitions.

6. Keep Sponsors in Mind

Sponsorship logos are an essential part of community sport. Plan space on your jersey for sponsor placement without crowding the design. Your uniform supplier can help mock up different layouts that balance visibility and style.

7. Consider Player Fit and Inclusivity

Rugby clubs have players of all shapes and sizes. Offering both men’s and women’s cuts, as well as inclusive sizing, helps everyone feel confident and comfortable.  Leading suppliers will offer flexible size ranges in sublimated products to help with this.

8. Work with an Experienced Supplier

Choose a supplier that understands rugby-specific needs, from fabric stretch to collar reinforcement. Local suppliers in Queensland and Northern NSW are often best placed to provide reliable communication, faster delivery, and in-person design support.

9. Plan Your Order Timeline

Allow at least 6 weeks from design approval for production, and delivery. Ordering early in the off-season avoids last-minute stress and ensures your teams take the field looking sharp from round one.

10. Future-Proof Your Design

A timeless design will help your club maintain consistency year after year. Keep the base design classic and update small elements like trims or sponsor logos as needed.

Final Word

A well-designed rugby uniform is more than just apparel, it’s a symbol of your club, history, unity, and performance.  By taking a thoughtful approach and working with the right supplier, your rugby club can create a uniform that players love to wear, and supporters are proud to cheer for. 

For help designing your next rugby jersey, contact our Customer Service team, or check out some of the designs on our  custom design pages.