Best Christmas Boy Toys for a Rugby Fan

We aren’t on the countdown just yet, but we really want to help you get ahead of the Christmas shopping game—if you pardon the pun. For all we know you might be one of those last minute shoppers who dash out on Christmas eve and come home with the last thing left on the shelf. At least this way we can get you on the right tracks looking for a proper rugby-lovers present to bring home for Christmas, it’s that simple. So, keeping that ethos in mind, we have put together a little list of possible options for you to choose from when you are hunting for the ideal gift for Christmas.

For the budding fan

Budding fans can be anything from new born to about 6, in our estimation. That’s when they start to get old enough to get what the game is about and learn to appreciate it. After age seven, there’s every chance they are going to be a fan for life. So, getting them on the road to fandom we have a little onesie that we love. Available in red the suit is small enough to fit a newborn and enough to go up to 24 months. If you are an All Blacks family get your little ‘un this dinky little jersey and shorts kit, which goes up to 18 months in age.

Buying for older kids

As they grow they will want some of the proper team garb, so how about a winter wear hoodie for those chilly evenings out on the rugby field? And, just to make sure their growing legs don’t freeze, how about a neat pair of trackie bottoms to finish the set?

Adults and big Kids

It doesn’t matter how old your rugby fan is, most of them are big kids at heart, and the love of the game will keep them young spirited. If your rugby lover wants something neat for Christmas try our equipment page to see just what we have to offer in the way of bags, balls, backpacks, holdalls and other brilliant items. Go one, take a look, it’s all here, waiting for you. 

The Autumn Internationals

 

Always an eagerly anticipated event, the Autumn Internationals offer an exclusive opportunity for the home nations, as well as France and Italy, to take on the South’s rugby elite. The likes of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia make their annual visits to the Northern hemisphere in what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the rugby calendar. A fiercely contested encounter, the Autumn Internationals offer rugby fanatics the chance to see their idols from far away and those closer to home lock horns in battle. 

Come Saturday the 9^th of November, Scotland will host Japan – home to the 2019 Rugby World Cup – in a cap test match. Having recently emerged from a clean sweep in this year’s HSBC Asian FiveNations Championship, the ‘Cherry Blossoms’ will be eager to continue their impressive record going into the match. Scotland’s second encounter, the following Saturday the 17^th, will see the sheer might of South Africa grace Murrayfield in what’s sure to be a momentous clash. With the Springboks having been narrowly beaten to the Rugby Championship by New Zealand of late, they’ll be looking to vent their frustration…

Finally, the series will draw to a close come the 23^rd of November as Australia pay a visit to the capital. Certainly, the Wallabies will be seeking revenge having being beaten by the Scots on their previous two encounters. Following a courageous victory in Australia the last time the two sides met, Scotland will be equally determined to stand their ground and retain the much revered Hopetoun Cup.

Rugby Plus will be able to serve your every need by providing a wealth of rugby clothes and replica rugby shirts. If you want to show your support during this season’s Autumn Internationals don’t hesitate to browse our fantastic range of Scottish rugby jerseys and a whole host of your other favourite teams’ kit.

The Rugby Initiation – Friend or Foe?

 

Scores of alcohol, boyish pranks, humiliating rituals and devilish games are just snippets of the general debauchery which rugby initiation ceremonies have become notorious for in recent times. Over the coming weeks, as blissfully unaware students-to-be take the plunge into the next stage of their young lives; many will endure a range of gruelling tasks and other missions to guarantee that much desired sport’s position.

Considering the hyper masculinity associated with rugby in particular, it’s of no surprise that horror stories constantly filter through the grapevine of naïve freshmen feebly attempting to prove their worth. From being bound to trees naked to consuming every shot known to man, the variety and harshness of tasks imposed on willing candidates by power-drunk seniors truly astounds. Constantly trying to outdo one another, these fresh-faced contenders are relentlessly put through their paces in a bid to cement their peers’ respect.

Even the word ‘initiation’ brings with it a wall of secrecy so strong, that, more often than not, even the members of the club have no knowledge concerning details of the event. Of course, it is these mysteries that act as such an enticing factor, creating a shroud of excitement around a team and support network that many can only strive to be a part of.

However, although these decadent traditions have come under much scrutiny – particularly for their glorification of a binge drinking culture – they do serve to play an important role. Feelings of empathy shared amongst peers who have suffered equally helps facilitate a sense of camaraderie which is vital to immersing oneself into university life. Such friendships soon play an effective role in life both on and off the pitch, creating a close-knit community which provides a valuable sense of belonging at a rather daunting transitional point in life.

Regardless, rugby clubs have become so integrated into modern university culture that to take away their initiation ceremonies would be to remove the very foundations of their culture. Of course, to secure your position in such a tight-knit community it’s essential to behave as well as look the part. Rugby Plus can provide you with everything from flamboyant under armour to battle-worthy boots, as well as a range of other rugby gear to kit out that eagerly awaiting sports bag. With that being said, the very best of luck to all rugby freshers for this coming year…

Leicester Tigers Rugby Competition

Leicester Tigers Rugby Competition 

As the dust settles following the Lion’s majestic triumphs this summer, it’s now time for the nations’ pride-soaked rugby following to return their focus to the nitty-gritty of national leagues. Indeed, with the Aviva Premiership having recently kicked off, the nations’ eyes have fast shifted to the country’s elite battling it out on a weekly basis.  

Much to anyone who isn’t their fan’s annoyance, it’s somewhat difficult to picture anyone other than the Leicester Tigers finishing top – subsequently cutting through that increasingly familiar path to the playoffs. Considerable competition will undoubtedly come from Northampton who - with the likes of North and Corbisiero at their disposal - will certainly pack a punch upfront. However, many have criticised Saints for a recurring fragility in the furlong, an aspect which Tigers certainly don’t possess. Other challenges will come from the likes of Saracens whose consistent determination has served them well in recent years, whilst Harlequins possess the ambition but lack the necessary quality to make a serious contention.

Regardless, it’s Leicester’s intuitive attack, unbreakable defence and steely fortitude which have acted as cornerstones for the team’s domination in recent years – aspects which many contenders can only strive to match.

Alas, in order to celebrate the Aviva Premiership and a year of rugby triumph, Rugby Plus is delighted to announce the opportunity for one lucky fan to win a signed Leicester Tigers home jersey. The competition will run from the 17^th to the 30^th of September with the winner being chosen at random. Follow Rugby Plus on Twitter and Facebook for more information and let the games commence!

Another Update from Callum Murray: Introducing Rugby to Kids in Zambia this Summer

Our lad Callum Murray, a P.E. student based in Stirling, has now returned from his stint in Zambia this summer, where he was taking part in an IDEALS initiative. Callum had the experience of a lifetime, introducing touch rugby to kids out there. The children took to rugby like a duck to water, and he describes the experience as immensely rewarding, commenting on the passion and enthusiasm they exhibited for the sport.

It wasn't all hard work for Callum, who managed to fit in some sight-seeing around his rugby coaching. The picture below shows him flying the flag for Scotland and posing in his rather dashing kilt at the Victoria Falls. Love it!

Callum Murray flies the flag for Scotland at the Victoria Falls

We'll get a full report from Callum soon about his experiences, so watch this space...

In the meantime, I regret to announce that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties with the Rugby Plus site. Never fear though, our happy customer service team in Aberdeen will be delighted to help with any queries or orders you may have in the meantime. So please contact us on +44 1224 647347 or email us at aberdeen@rugbyplus.com to place your orders!

Rugby Plus at the Royal Highland Show

We are looking forward to having a Rugby Plus stand at this year’s Royal Highland Show 20-23rd June. The annual show is Scotland's farming and countryside showcase. Each year more than 1,000 exhibitors, 4,500 livestock, and close to 185,000 visitors descend on the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston so it is set to be another fantastic event for the Rugby Plus team. 

This year we will have a theme each day so come along daily for something different and get the chance to meet the team. We will be on hand to chat about our full range of rugby products and to enjoy a bit of banter as well. 

Thursday - Opening

Friday – Scrum Magazine

Saturday – Samurai

Sunday – Canterbury

We will have a number of signed rugby jerseys at the show which will be involved in a free raffle. Simply ask at our stand for more details and be sure to check out our Rugby Plus facebook page and twitter account for more information on the jerseys and regular updates from the show. 

There is also currently a Canterbury Giveaway competition on our facebook page. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a great prize is like us here.

If you wish to contact us before the event then please do so on 01224 647347 or home@rugbyplus.com