Wiktionary
n. A shirt of the kind worn by rugby players. It is usually short-sleeved and has a buttoned opening at the top, like a polo shirt, but the collar is stiffer.
Wikipedia
A rugby shirt is a shirt worn by players of rugby union or rugby league. It usually has short sleeves, though long sleeves are common as well.
Rugby shirts have a buttoned opening at the top, in a similar style to polo shirts but with a stiffer collar. Modern rugby shirts often have a very small collar so as to provide less material for a potential tackler to latch onto (even though such an action is illegal in a game). Due to the nature of the game, the fabric is generally strong, and traditionally rugby shirts have rubber buttons so that they would, if pulled on in a game, come undone rather than pop off.
A traditional design of rugby shirt consists of five or six horizontal stripes or "hoops" in alternating colours. Rugby league shirts often have a large 'V' around the neck as part of their design. Football shirts by contrast, traditionally generally have vertical stripes. Rugby shirts, like most sport shirts, will usually have a number on the back, though shirts not meant for competitive play will usually forgo this. Logos and labels of sponsorship are now common, and generally appear on the abdominal area of the shirt.
Rugby shirts were traditionally made out of cotton, but as synthetic fabrics became cheaper they have become incorporated into rugby shirts. The two most common materials are a mix between cotton and polyester (many of these shirts are meant for supporter use, though they can be used in a rugby game), and pure polyester (these shirts are generally designed for game use).
The reason for the preference of polyester in a game situation is twofold: firstly, polyester is harder to get hold of in a tackle situation, as it is inherently more 'slippery' than cotton or a cotton-blend. In addition, the increasing use of skin tight shirts further enhances this effect, as there is no loose material for a tackler to get a grip of. The other benefit of man-made fibre over cotton is that it absorbs less water and mud. As rugby is a sport played mainly in winter and/or bad weather, a cotton rugby kit can weigh around when wet. This extra weight has to be carried by the player, in addition to running in wet, heavy ground.
The rugby shirt has, in numerous cultures, become a popular fashion item, with many clothing manufacturers producing rugby styles shirts, with the distinctive collar and hooped or squared design, which do not represent an actual club.
Usage examples of "rugby shirt".
And then theres Julian standing in the doorway, his suntanned body bulging out of his black rugby shirt and a dopey expression on his face, staring at my mum.
His clothing really was casual, an old pair of jeans and a well-worn blue rugby shirt.
He was wearing a red and green striped rugby shirt and coffee-coloured shorts.
She'd been lying next to him, snuggled against his chest, spoon fashion, holding tight to his arm, and now as he got out of bed, she watched almost furtively as he pulled on his jeans, and brought the tight long-sleeved rugby shirt down over his head.
He wore a cheery grin, his usual ratty jeans, and another rugby shirt, also in bad repair.
Gwen murmurs, as she slides her hands down my chest, caressing, tugging off my rugby shirt .
Josh was crouched next to the sofa wearing sweatpants and a big, faded rugby shirt.
He nodded, pushed up the sleeve of his old rugby shirt to scratch his arm.
She was wearing a pair of jeans and a baggy washed-out Harlequins rugby shirt.
Blue jeans and a red-striped rugby shirt materialize out of the thickening soup.
Even now she could see Sam sprawled in the brown leather reclining chair looking endearingly handsome in his faded blue jeans and navy blue rugby shirt.