Last Updated on 13 May 2026 by Colette
This post is written in collaboration with adidas
When your child decides to play rugby union, they are signing you up to many hours of standing around outside during the coldest, wettest, bleakest months of the year.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid of bad weather but standing around for several hours every Sunday in the wind and rain in support of your child’s passions can definitely be made more comfortable if you invest in the right bits of kit.
1. A decent coat
I have two coats that I wear for rugby-mum duty depending on the weather. If its just cold and windy I go for a full-length sleeping bag affair from Long Tall Sally (you can get a similar one from Superdry) or for when the rain is torrential, my Xtreme Robes dry robe keeps me warm and dry from head to toe without needing to worry about an umbrella. Is it my most glamorous look? No but neither is looking like a drowned rat so here we are.
2. Waterproof boots
I always wear my walking boots for watching Ben play rugby. I know they’ll keep my feet warm and dry and provide me with a bit of extra support on uneven fields.
3. Rechargeable hand warmers
Last time I got one of these out pitch side it was being passed up and down the other mums, who were all adding it to their shopping lists. Whilst it’s a bit of an investment, it is easily rechargeable and can be turned on and off making it much easier than those ones you have to stick in a pan of hot water to rejuvenate.
4. A decent mug
My YETI mug filled with a Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser hot chocolate brings a bit of joy to those freezing cold mornings watching a game – the cup is super insulated so it doesn’t keep my hands warm but it does meant that my drink stays warm for the full match!
5. Layers
Base layer, gaiter, wrist warmers, woolly hat – I’m all about layers that can easily be removed if the sun happens to come out and you find yourself getting a bit too warm. As we’re always telling the kids, its much easier to stay warm than to get warm (and I must admit to getting full caught out with this at the start of this season – I wore the wrong coat and no layers and the weather was far worse than anticipated!)
6. A hat
I always have a hat in my pocket for rugby – either a cosy one for extra warmth or a cap to keep the rain off my face or the sun out of my eyes!
And a couple of things I’ve found useful for Ben too –
1. Boot bananas are absolutely brilliant for dealing with stinking rugby shoes
2. Boot Buddy – A decent brush to get the worst of the mud off his boots rather than him banging them against the walls and leaving mud everywhere
3. Extra towels for cleaning off excess mud / protecting your car
I’d love to know if you have any suggestions of kit for making standing on the sidelines more comfortable?
Have a read of these posts next:
Reasons to keep moving during the exam period
Huawei smart watches to suit the whole family
1:1 training session with Go Forward
If you have enjoyed this post and found it helpful, here are a few ways you can say thanks and support We’re going on an adventure:
Click here to buy me a virtual coffee – it’s like a little tip jar but with caffeine!
I’d love for you to tag me in any photos of your adventures on Social Media if one of my posts has inspired you to visit
Click here to leave We’re going on an adventure a Google Review
Share this post with your friends – you’ll be helping me and them!
Follow We’re going on an adventure on Facebook or Instagram
