England rugby kits are a hot ticket item for supporters,despite their overall design not varying too much from one year to the next.
Each season brings a different pattern or aspect of the shirt which is different to the year before. Their results continue to be unpredictable though.
The team have not won the men’s Rugby World Cup since 2003 and last got their hands on the men’s Six Nations silverware in 2020. Despite the dip in form, the team continue to produce world class players.
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Players like Ben Earl, Owen Farrell, Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson have worn the jersey over the years.
in 2025, Manchester-based Castore took over the partnership from Umbro.
There have been many different eras of England shirt. But which has been the best? Here are the England rugby kits ranked all the way back to 1987.
England rugby kits, ranked
2025
England rugby Castore home shirt 2025 (castore)
England rugby announced its partnership with Manchester-based sportswear manufacturer Castore in 2024 to produce both on-field and off-field performance wear. This marked a shift from their previous partnership with Umbro, as Castore initially acquired the manufacturing contract in 2024.
The inaugural Castore-labelled jersey draws stylistic parallels to Nike kits from the early 2000s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans. Castore also outfits several teams within the English Premiership, including Saracens, Bath, and Harlequins, solidifying its presence in the rugby landscape.
2024
Introducing England Men’s 2024/25 home kit 🌹
Shop all the latest ranges now ⬇️
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 23, 2024
Announced in August, the 2024/25 England jersey maintains the traditional simplistic white design, prominently featuring the iconic red rose. However,a modern touch is added with red,blue,and white stripes adorning a navy blue panel on the sleeves and sides of the shirt. This pattern extends to the shorts,creating a cohesive and unified look.
Editor’s verdict: While the attempt to introduce a new element to the shirt is commendable, the execution falls slightly short of perfection. A score of 6/10 reflects a decent effort that doesn’t quite fully realize its potential.
2023
Owen Farrell on the pitch (Getty Images)
The 2023 England shirt epitomized simplicity, featuring a completely white design accented only by the Rugby World Cup logo, the red rose emblem, and the Umbro logo. This marked the first Rugby World Cup shirt produced by Umbro after the company secured the contract from Canterbury in 2020. England achieved a commendable third-place finish at the tournament.
Editor’s verdict: A crisp and clean design that prioritizes functionality and tradition. The understated aesthetic earns a solid 8/10.
2019
Billy Vunipola in England kit (Getty Images)
The 2019 rugby World Cup shirt mirrored the 2023 design in its simplicity, but incorporated subtle detailing. Red stripes adorned the bottom of the shirt, and the collar featured a pointed V-shape. This marked the final RWC kit produced by Canterbury before losing the RFU contract in September 2020.The team reached the final but ultimately fell to a dominant South Africa.
Editor’s verdict: A well-executed kit with a touch of flair thanks to the red stripes. A solid 8/10.
2017
2017 England rugby kit (Getty Images)
The 2017 kit largely adhered to the classic England aesthetic – predominantly white with the red rose on the left and the O2 sponsor. However, it distinguished itself with a unique sleeve design. The sleeve ends featured a dark blue color that gradually faded into the white of the shirt, offering a subtle yet stylish touch.
Editor’s verdict: A clever twist that pays homage to past designs without drastically altering the current formula. A respectable 7/10.
2015
Chris Robshaw with a ball in his hand (Getty Images)
the 2015 kit featured a distinctive white V-stripe across the chest, serving as its primary design element. Or else, the shirt adhered to the traditional England aesthetic.This kit held particular importance as it was worn during England’s home Rugby World Cup, a tournament that sadly ended in disappointment with a group-stage exit – a first for a host nation.
Editor’s verdict: The V-stripe feels somewhat unnecessary and detracts from a generally accomplished kit formula.A score of 5/10 reflects this sentiment.
2012
Toby Flood carrying the ball (Getty Images)
The purple away kit, first introduced in 2009, proved exceptionally popular with fans, leading to its continued use in 2012. This iteration featured a swirling pattern across the shirt, a collarless design, and gold lettering for the manufacturer and sponsor logos. The shorts and socks were coordinated to complete the striking ensemble.
Editor’s verdict: A fan favorite and a standout design. A well-deserved 8/10.
2011
Jonny Wilkinson kicking the ball (Getty Images)
The 2011 kit holds a special place in England rugby history, as it was the last designed by Nike before Canterbury took over in 2012. It was the shirt worn by Jonny Wilkinson in his final Rugby World Cup.The design was classic and understated – a white shirt with white shorts, devoid of excessive detailing.
related: The Premiership rugby jerseys for the 2024-25 season,ranked
Editor’s verdict: A traditional and reliable kit that embodies the spirit of English rugby. A solid 8.10.
2007
Josh Lewsey, Lewis Moody and Nick Easter singing the anthem (Getty Images)
The 2007 kit was arguably the moast audacious in England rugby history. Featuring a bold red stripe across the front of the shirt and extending onto the shorts, it was a notable departure from the traditional aesthetic. While a statement piece, it proved divisive among fans.
Editor’s verdict: A daring design that ultimately misses the mark. A low score of 3/10 reflects its questionable execution.
2003
Ben Cohen reaching with the ball (Getty Images)
The 2003 kit is iconic,representing the year England lifted the Rugby World Cup. Red stripes featured on the sides and shoulders, while the red rose appeared slightly faded due to the design choices made by Nike. It was also England’s first RWC shirt to feature a tight fit and lack a collar.
Editor’s verdict: While not the most aesthetically pleasing design, its ancient significance elevates it to a 9/10.
1999
Neil Back running with the ball (Getty Images)
The 1999 kit was characterized by its baggy fit, notably noticeable in the oversized sleeves. It featured a collar with a red stripe on the right side and maintained a traditionally white color scheme.
Editor’s verdict: While a product of its time,the baggy fit doesn’t translate well to modern rugby standards. A 6/10 reflects its nostalgic appeal but functional shortcomings.
1995
Jon Callard about to kick the ball (Getty Images)
The 1995 kit deviated from the traditional St. George’s Cross aesthetic, incorporating more blue reminiscent of the Union jack. This unconventional choice led to comparisons with the French away jersey. The kit also featured long sleeves and thinner blue stripes compared to the 1991 version.
Editor’s verdict: An experimental design that ultimately falls flat. A score of 4/10 reflects its questionable aesthetic choices.
1987
Wales v England in the 1987 RWC (Getty Images)
The 1987 England rugby kit was notable for its inconsistency in sleeve length, with some players sporting short sleeves while others wore long sleeves.The rest of the shirt adhered to a simple white design,lacking any manufacturer logos.
Editor’s verdict: Despite the sleeve inconsistency, the kit’s simplicity earns it a respectable 7/10.
