It's Rugby Time Again

Have you been bitten by the rugby bug?

The Rugby Union season is just starting again and its set to be a cracking year. Now is the time to take advantage of this rugby ferver by buying your loved one some authentic rugby gear.

Are rugby clothes really fashionable?

Rugby clothing has come along way since the days when replica jerseys were the staple diet of the average rugby fan. There is now a wide range of rugby clothing available, from sweaters to underwear. At the forefront of rugby fashion are Cotton Traders.

Who are Cotton Traders?

Cotton Traders was founded in 1987 by former England rugby captains Fran Cotton and Steve Smith. They began working from a single small room next to Altrincham Railway Station, supplying quality rugby shirts via mail order using adverts in the Sunday papers. Using the same standards and commitment they had applied to their playing careers, they soon grew the business to £2million turnover in just two years.

Today, 16 years on, the business has grown to a massive £50million a year, with over 500 employees across the UK and many more employed worldwide by its suppliers. Cotton Traders Mail Order business, now has over 800,000 customers on its database, and produces 27 different editions of the catalogue each year, resulting in the dispatch of over 50,000 parcels a month.

The range too has expanded somewhat from those original rugby shirts. It now covers quality leisurewear and casual clothes for both men and women, plus footwear, household textiles, accessories and more - all created to the same high quality and unbeatable value as those first few rugby shirts.

Are the products any good?

The Cotton Traders products are of a very good standard. The prices are very good as well and there are some real bargains to be found. Somewhat suprisingly the womens range is also very good and is much the same as the mens, with an emphasis on casual but with smarter clothes and coats also available. The Cotton Traders site also includes a small range of dresses and skirts and again prices are superb.

The company are still very active in the rugby world, providing a range of 'tough as the game' rugby Teamwear, and as official suppliers to the Leicester, Gloucester, Sale Sharks and Barbarians rugby teams, among others.

All in all Cotton Traders provide some great value fashion at a time when rugby is the coolest thing on the planet.

Good Gift Guide Recommendation : 4/5