Football kits Vs Rugby Kits, has one changed the o

Football kits Vs Rugby Kits, has one changed the other

The search for improved performance in any field of sport, whether it is football, running or swimming is an important part of the sports science field. Although huge improvements have been made in improving training standards by editing nutrition and training routines, a lot of money has also been put into trying to improve sports clothing to improve performance. New fabrics and the way a product is designed are some of the major focuses for sportswear designers. Sports clothing is now often tested under strict scientific protocols, such is the importance of improving performance. This scientific approach has seen some noticeable changes in the world of rugby and football, and some of the technology used in one sport has successfully been transferred to the other. Much of the design of rugby shirts owes its progression to football. New modern man-made fibres have meant that rugby shirts have now become much stronger than they used to be. However, another added benefit is the fact that some of the materials, such as polyester is much more difficult to get hold of in a tackle. Skin tight shirts also make it more difficult to get hold of a player. Modern round collar designs have replaced 'V' shaped shirts, which were essentially cheaper, but made tackling easier. The new trend for tighter fitting rugby shirts means that the kit absorbs less mud and moisture, and therefore reduces fatigue. These tighter fitting shirts have allowed manufacturers to develop compression type materials which allow moisture to be wicked away from the body. In the future, designers are intending to incorporate materials into shirts which will allow the players heart rate to be monitored, which will allow support staff to advise players to increase fluid during a game to try to reduce the negative effects of dehydration. Another technology which is has been tested in rugby, football and swimming is the use of 'ionised' shirts, which allow small improvements in performance by changing the electromagnetic field to produce ionisation - which is said to improve endurance.