Best Rugby Shorts Brands in South Africa (2026)
Best Rugby Shorts Brands in South Africa
South Africa has a thriving rugby sportswear market with options ranging from international brands to proudly local manufacturers. If you're searching for the best rugby shorts brands available in South Africa, here's what you need to know in 2026.
Top Rugby Shorts Brands in SA
Untamed Gear — A South African sublimated rugby shorts brand known for bold designs. All designs are locally manufactured using advanced sublimation technology, meaning prints are embedded into the fabric and resist cracking, fading and peeling. Available in sizes from 7-8 years to adult 2XL. Known for fearless, eye-catching designs like Pink Surge, Comic Clash, and Night Raid. Free shipping on orders over R1,000 via PUDO.
Gilbert Rugby — International brand with a strong SA presence. Offers professional-grade shorts with reinforced seams. Higher price point (R400-R600+). Available at Sportsmans Warehouse.
Canterbury — Premium rugby brand popular with club teams. Good durability but limited design variety. Screen-printed logos that can crack over time.
Nike/Adidas — Offer official Springboks replica kits. Premium pricing (R500-R800+) and mass-produced overseas.
Why Sublimated Rugby Shorts Are Better
Traditional screen-printed rugby shorts have a thick ink layer on top of the fabric that cracks and peels after repeated washing. Sublimated rugby shorts like those from Untamed Gear have the design permanently bonded into the polyester fibres — they stay looking sharp wash after wash.
Key advantages of sublimated rugby shorts:
• Resists cracking and peeling
• Full breathability maintained (no ink blocking airflow)
• Unlimited full-colour designs (edge-to-edge)
• Lighter weight than screen-printed alternatives
• UV-resistant colours for South African conditions
Price Comparison: Rugby Shorts in South Africa
• Untamed Gear: sublimated, locally made, bold designs (view our shop for current pricing)
• Gilbert: R250-R600 (plain colours, reinforced seams)
• Canterbury: R400-R700 (club-style, screen-printed)
• Nike Springboks: R500-R800 (replica, imported)
• Budget brands: R100-R250 (basic, no performance features)
Where to Buy the Best Rugby Shorts in South Africa
For sublimated rugby shorts with unique South African designs, shop directly at untamedsportsgear.co.za. Orders ship nationwide via PUDO with R100 flat-rate shipping or free on orders over R1,000.