England Spring/Summer 2018 Canterbury training range: Review

We've teamed up with Canterbury to review some select items from the new Spring/Summer 2018 England training range.

This new 2018 Spring/Summer England training range from Canterbury features the prominate, and much talked about 'Australian Yellow' colour (a jovial phrase coined by some of the rugby media, liking the striking colour to the Wallabies and a potential Eddie Jones' influence).

While we take the comment about the range's inspiration with a pinch of salt, the colour scheme shake up is certainly dividing opinions, with some enjoying the new-look and some believing it escapes tradition and resembles a certain Southern Hemisphere side too much.

As the palette runs throughout these designs, it's important to address that 'yellow' early here, otherwise it's in danger of clouding the rest of the attributes. Personally the heavy use of white and red is synonymous with England, and works extremely aesthetically so it's hard to look at this change as a good one...that being said we aren't against little highlighting and contrasting colours existing within the garments.

Mens England Vapodri+ Pro Training Jersey

The Training jersey is a slim-fit, tailored look, which has forward facing side and shoulder seams to reduce irritation. With the VapoDri+ technology we're used to from Canterbury, it's designed to react to your changing body temperature to keep you cool and dry.

With most training t-shirts from an elite level range, it's going to be tight, so don't expect this garment to be flattering on those extra pounds, but that being said it's ideal for the gym and training (adaptive cooling, quick drying, wicks moisture, breathable, boosts evaporation of sweat). It's been Finished with heat transfer sponsor logos and embroidered England rose and CCC logos, which is always a nice, tactile approach to a shirt.

This training tee is on the market at £58, which doesn't support the evening training session wearability...a little harsh on the wallet for a gym top.

Mens England Fleece Shorts

These casual shorts have been well recieved at TRU HQ, the England Fleece Short is constructed from a soft fleece fabrication with added comfort provided by the waistband with internal adjustable drawcord. The harsh colouring takes a back-seat with the shorts in this range, allowing the comfort and feel to shine through. They've been finished one again with embroidered logos for a more classic/minimalist look, along with side seam pockets that incoporate that yellow in the inner lining.

The grey shorts aren't overly ambitious in terms of the colour range, but they offer so much in the comfortable-slouchy department meaning the simple aesthetic can forgiven.

The shorts are retailing at £29 which we feel is a reasonable price for a pair of shorts you could wear to the gym, at home, at training or out and about.

England Bobble Hat

This England bobble has been heavily influence by the introduction of the new yellow colouring, with a bee-like effect that moves it's way down the hat. If you're ok with the colour, then this hat is hard not to like, designed for warmth and finished with embroidered logos it's a great addition to any England supporters arsenal.

The hat comes in one size, but has a snug and breatheable fit, not too claustrophobic and restrictive once on (speaking from an adulte male's head size perspective).

At £14 the England Bobble is a bargain, if you're over the colour rebrand, the hat is a cheap, warm way of showing your support.

Mens England Thermoreg Quarter Zip Top

The ThermoReg Quarter zip top has been designed for protection against the elements, whilst also maintaining freedom of movement and comfort. The embossed soft shell outer with bonded fleece liner offers you thermal regulation and heat retention. The quarter zip feature has a quick find zip pull for ease of adjustment during your workout, and giving you the options of heat regulation.

There are zip pockets for security and Pockets are zipped to secure valuables, and the top is finished with some of the consistant S/S detailing. The fit, like most of the England range, is very fitted, so if you're looking for a oversized, winter-snug to wear at games you're looking in the wrong place. The training range, as the name suggest, doesn't offer you a hybrid experience that you can wear more casually. The one potential negative is that, in terms of the t-shirt and this Quarter Zip top, is that they are designed to train in and not to lounge around the house with.

Retailing at £58 it's not the cheapest top on the market, but if you're after keeping warm outdoors whilst training this is a great option.

The new England Spring/Summer 2018 Canterbury training range is available online via: Canterbury.com and EnglandRugbyStore.com.