You’d think buying a notre dame rugby jersey would be as easy as walking into the Hammes Bookstore and grabbing one off the rack. It isn't. Honestly, if you’ve ever tried to hunt one down, you know the frustration of seeing endless racks of football mesh and basketball pinnies while the actual rugby kit is nowhere to be found.
Rugby at Notre Dame occupies this weird, legendary middle ground. It’s not an NCAA varsity sport; it’s a club sport. But don’t let that label fool you. The program has been around since 1961, founded by the "Founding Father" of Irish Rugby, Bob "The Whale" Mier. Because it’s a club, their gear doesn’t always follow the same mass-production cycle as the Under Armour gear you see on Saturdays in the fall.
This creates a bit of a scavenger hunt for fans. You aren't just looking for a shirt. You're looking for a specific piece of South Bend subculture.
The Weird History of the Notre Dame Rugby Kit
The look of the jersey has shifted more times than a scrum-half on a breakaway. In the early days, they wore basic cotton heavyweights. They were scratchy. They stayed wet for hours. They were basically armor made of rugs.
Most people expect the jersey to be navy blue or maybe that iconic "Green Jersey" shade. However, the rugby club often leans into the "Fighting Irish" identity with more grit than the varsity teams. You'll see versions with the shamrock on the chest, but the real ones—the ones the players actually wear—often feature the crossed-hammers or specific crests that signify the club's independent streak.
Under Armour currently handles the "official" licensing, but the club often does limited runs with dedicated rugby brands like Canterbury or Rhino. Why? Because football jerseys are designed to look good on a couch. A real rugby jersey has to survive a thirty-man pile-up without the collar ripping off. If you find a jersey with a rubberized button or a reinforced neckline, you’ve found the real deal. If it feels like a standard t-shirt, it’s just fan gear.
Why the Gold and Blue Matter Differently Here
The colors aren't just for show. In rugby, the heritage of the "Blue and Gold" is a point of massive pride. While the football team famously wears those shimmering gold helmets, the rugby team often utilizes a more matte, "working class" aesthetic.
I’ve seen designs that incorporate the traditional Kelly Green, which actually dates back to the club's 1960s roots. It’s a nod to the guys who used to play on the muddy fields behind Stepan Center. You’ve probably noticed that the most sought-after vintage jerseys are the ones with the thick horizontal hoops. Those "Hoops" are a rugby staple globally, but seeing them in Notre Dame colors is something special. It bridges the gap between Indiana and the Six Nations.
Where the Gear Actually Comes From
You won't find the high-performance match-day notre dame rugby jersey at a big-box retailer. Usually, the club partners with a specialty vendor like Rugby Outlet Mall or WorldRugbyShop for a "team store" window.
These windows only open for like, two weeks a year.
If you miss that window, you're basically stuck scouring eBay or hoping a former player is cleaning out his closet. It's a supply and demand nightmare for the casual fan. But for the "rugger," that scarcity is part of the appeal. It’s not just merchandise. It’s a badge of membership.
Interestingly, the University has strict rules about how the "ND" monogram is used. Because the rugby team is a club, they sometimes have to get creative with their branding. This is why you’ll see some jerseys that say "Notre Dame Rugby" in a specific font that looks slightly different from the football jerseys. It’s a subtle "if you know, you know" distinction.
The Under Armour Era and Performance Tech
When Under Armour took over the university-wide contract, the quality of the club gear jumped. We're talking about "Grippy" textures on the chest to help hold the ball in the rain.
- HeatGear Technology: Helps with the South Bend humidity in September.
- Reinforced Seams: Prevents the jersey from becoming a crop top during a tackle.
- Sublimated Designs: The logos are dyed into the fabric so they don't crack or peel.
But here is the catch: the "Authentic" match jersey is tight. Like, "I can't breathe" tight. It's designed that way so an opponent can't grab the fabric and pull you down. If you’re buying one to wear to a tailgate, for the love of everything holy, size up. Twice.
Identifying a Fake vs. a Club-Issue Jersey
Don't get scammed by those "cheap" versions on random international sites. They use thin polyester that feels like a plastic bag. A real notre dame rugby jersey has weight to it.
Look at the collar. A real rugby jersey has a "mandarin" or a reinforced "twill" collar. If it’s just a V-neck like a soccer jersey, it’s a knock-off or a low-tier training tee. Also, check the crest. The embroidery on the authentic Irish Rugby club gear is dense. You shouldn't see gaps in the stitching.
The "Alumni" Factor
There is a huge secondary market for the "Old Boys" jerseys. Every year, the alumni return to campus for a match. They often get custom kits that are even cooler than the ones the current students wear. These usually have a more classic, "throwback" vibe.
They are heavy cotton. They have white collars. They look like something out of a 1970s sports movie. If you ever find one of these in a thrift store near Mishawaka, buy it immediately. It’s a piece of history.
What to Look For When Buying
If you’re serious about getting one, you need to check the official Notre Dame Rugby social media accounts. They usually announce when the "public" store is open.
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- Check the brand: Is it Under Armour, Canterbury, or a specialty rugby brand?
- Material: Is it 100% polyester (modern match play) or a cotton-poly blend (lifestyle/vintage)?
- Fit: Is it "Athletic Fit" or "Classic Fit"?
- The "Shield": Does it have the official Notre Dame Club Sports shield?
Most people don't realize that the club actually has two sides—the Men's team and the Women's team (NDWRFC). Both have their own distinct kits. The Women's team has been incredibly successful lately, often sporting designs that are a bit more modern and aggressive.
Maintaining Your Jersey (Don't Ruin It)
Rugby jerseys are tough, but the dryer is their natural enemy. The heat kills the elasticity in the "gripper" zones and can cause the sublimated colors to fade over time.
Basically, wash it cold. Hang it up to dry. Treat it like the $90 piece of equipment it is. If you've got a grass stain from actually playing in it? Leave it. It adds character. But if you’re just wearing it to the Backer, maybe keep the beer spills to a minimum.
The notre dame rugby jersey is more than just apparel. It’s a bridge between the American Midwest and a global game. It represents a group of athletes who play for the love of the game, often without the scholarships or the fanfare of the varsity stars.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to secure an authentic kit, stop looking at general sports retailers. Your first move should be visiting the official Notre Dame Club Sports website to find the current rugby team contact or their designated "Team Store" link. Follow the "Notre Dame Rugby" and "ND Women's Rugby" pages on Instagram; they post "Flash Sales" for jerseys once or twice a year to fund their travel to tournaments like the NCR (National Collegiate Rugby) championships. Lastly, if you're looking for a vintage look, search for "Cotton Traders" or "Canterbury" combined with Notre Dame on resale sites—these older brands captured the classic rugby aesthetic better than any modern "fan" apparel ever could.