7 Sporty gifts for rugby fans

A feat of some of the best sports photography and journalism from 36 years of the Rugby World Cup, this comprehensive volume celebrates the 100 most iconic moments in rugby league history.

Pairing rare archive photographs with articles from The Times and The Sunday Times, this book revisits the impossible tries, breathtaking drop-kick goals, surprise winners and tense controversies that have shaped the sporting event.

Some examples that fans may remember include the first ever Rugby World Cup in 1987, Jonny Wilkinson’s golden boot scoring a win in 2003, and the typhoon that hit the league in Japan in 2019. 

Encouraging review: A very enjoyable book for a rugby fan with a trip down memory lane back to that very first RWC in 1987. It certainly brought back a number of memories…and ones I wish could be buried! It was nice too to see that the women's RWC was featured too.

Your rugby fan is never far from home with this street sign inspired by the iconic hub of English rugby, Twickenham Stadium.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this plaque is printed onto aluminium with UV-resistant inks. The design is rust and fade resistant too, and it comes with pre-drilled mounting holes for no-fuss hanging on any wall around your home. 

For fans supporting Scotland, Ireland or Wales, you could also buy these Murrayfield, Aviva and Principality Stadium signs.

Encouraging review: Great quality sign. My Dad has put it on the wall in his den. He was very chuffed with his gift.

For the rugby follower who mustn’t be disturbed, these sassy socks will certainly get the message across when they’re glued to the TV.

Made out of cotton rich fabrics, these socks boast optimum comfort and durability, while the discreet sole-only design makes them suitable for everyday wear outside of match day.

Encouraging review: Gift for a friend for Christmas, was a perfect stocking filler

Take your rugby fandom one step further with this fun and active game, which helps you finesse your sportsman skills off the pitch.

Created for all ages and abilities, Shuffle Up shows you how to nail 70 essential skills for pro rugby players, with 14 games included to put your newfound technical prowess into practice.

Try out one of the cards on a spare evening in the garden, or whip out the box set at a family gathering or party for a unique group activity. This is a fantastic way to encourage fitness, even for the reluctant sports player. 

Encouraging review: There are lots of these to try out so it will not quickly become familiar. This is definitely aimed at younger players (I would say 15 and below) although if you are relatively new to rugby like me you may find it helpful. Every exercise is made clear to its context in rugby which I like. Not simply an exercise but something that helps when rolling across the try line. I also like how these cards are inclusive in their pictures by using a girl as well as boys demonstrating the movements.

Raise a glass to the best rugby team with this ornate engraved glass tankard. 

This sturdy tumbler comes with a flexible personalised design, meaning you can address it to any recipient for any occasion and commemorate any team of your choice. 

Why not give one to Dad for his 60th birthday, or address another to a rugby-obsessed couple on their anniversary?

Encouraging review: I ordered these on a Friday evening. They were shipped the same day and delivered the following day. Can't beat service like this. The glasses are great and good offer. Will definitely be ordering again.

The official rugby ball gift from Gilbert Rugby, this quirky lamp is an exact replica of the iconic rugby ball design that has come to emblematise the game in the UK. 

Suitable for all ages, this ball will look just as at home in your child’s rugby-themed bedroom as in the den or a prominent place in the hallway. 

Depending on your allegiances, you can choose between English, Scottish, South African or Australian colours (or go for a neutral model, if you have lots of different teams living under one roof). 

Encouraging review: Purchased for my brother who plays rugby, and it's incredible, looks just like a real ball and the light is nice and bright too, once it's lit up it easily lights a whole room. Definitely recommend for anyone who is a fan of England Rugby.

Each shirt tells a story at Ellis 1871 Rugby, which designs rugby apparel inspired by historic uniforms and teams.

This rugby shirt harks back to the 1923 Grand Slam, when Welshman Dave Davies led the English team against his native Wales in their first game. It was a tight battle, but Alastair Smallwood finally confirmed England’s win in the end with an adroit drop kick.

Made out of 100 per cent cotton, with the iconic English rose emblem stitched onto the breast. Available in multiple sizes. 

Encouraging review: Lovely fabric, good quality details. Came up bigger than expected but it will shrink over time as rugby shirts always do. Nice useful garment.

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