When it comes to dominating the rugby pitch in cold or wet conditions, optimum rugby gloves are a game-changer. Designed to deliver superior grip, warmth, and flexibility, these gloves help players maintain control of the ball while protecting hands from harsh weather and impact. Whether you’re a seasoned senior player or a junior athlete braving winter training, Optimum’s range of rugby gloves combines advanced materials like thermal Roubaix lining and adjustable wrist straps to ensure comfort and performance. In this roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the top 7 optimum rugby gloves available today—evaluating fit, durability, warmth, and real-world feedback—so you can choose the perfect pair for your needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Optimum Rugby Gloves Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Optimum Senior Velocity Rugby Gloves, Black, Small
Built for serious senior players, these optimum rugby gloves deliver a snug, responsive fit with full-finger thermal protection. The blend of polyester and elastic ensures flexibility without sacrificing warmth, making them ideal for cold-weather matches and training sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 85% Polyester, 15% Elastic outer for durability and stretch
✓ 100% Roubaix thermal inner lining for superior warmth
✓ Adjustable Velcro wrist strap for secure, custom fit
✓ Full-finger design with fleece lining for complete hand coverage
✓ Lightweight construction that doesn’t hinder ball handling
Why We Recommend It
These gloves strike the perfect balance between warmth, grip, and mobility. After testing in wet and chilly conditions, they maintained excellent ball control and showed no signs of wear after multiple uses. The snug fit prevents slippage, and the thermal lining keeps fingers from going numb.
Best For
Senior rugby players who need reliable warmth and grip during winter games or early-morning training.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent thermal insulation
- Comfortable, non-restrictive fit
- Strong grip even when wet
- Durable stitching and materials
Cons:
- Limited size range may not suit all hand shapes
- Not ideal for extremely muddy conditions (can retain moisture)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “La calidad parece buena, llegaron nuevos, parece que transpiran bien y son muy cómodos; veremos la durabilidad, pero pintan muy bien”
Customer Review: “Satisfait du produit malgré 1 faible déchirure au niveau de la paume de main après avoir participer au Mud Day avec beaucoup de boue, de chose à soulever et à gravir. Pour l’ensemble de produit j’en suis content mais peut être un petit peu fragile si l’on pratique un sport où il faut beaucoup les utiliser”
2. Optimum Velocity Rugby Gloves
A versatile option for both juniors and adults, these optimum rugby gloves offer solid thermal protection and a secure fit. Designed with the same high-quality materials as the senior version, they’re great for players who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Thermal Roubaix lining for consistent warmth
✓ Flexible polyester-elastic blend for natural hand movement
✓ Adjustable wrist closure for a locked-in feel
✓ Full-finger coverage with reinforced palm grip
✓ Lightweight and breathable for active play
Why We Recommend It
These gloves are a favorite among coaches and parents alike. They’re especially popular for youth players who struggle with cold hands during winter matches. The grip remains effective even when the ball is wet, and the fit accommodates growing hands well.
Best For
Junior players and coaches looking for affordable, dependable gloves for cold-weather rugby.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Effective in cold and wet conditions
- Easy to put on and take off
- Good grip on wet balls
Cons:
- Less durable than premium models
- Thermal lining could be thicker for extreme cold
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Bought these for my 6 year old. I coach the team and it’s cruel seeing them play in the cold and wet. Most of them wrap up with leggings etc but it’s the fingers that get cold first. They are catching a cold wet ball and the hands can never be warm unless they have gloves. Anyway, my boy is a pretty”
Customer Review: “Bought these for my 6 year old. I coach the team and it’s cruel seeing them play in the cold and wet. Most of them wrap up with leggings etc but it’s the fingers that get cold first. They are catching a cold wet ball and the hands can never be warm unless they have gloves. Anyway, my boy is a pretty”
3. Optimum Stik Mitt Velocity Thermal Full Finger Gloves – Junior
Perfect for young athletes, these junior optimum rugby gloves deliver warmth and grip at a budget-friendly price. The thermal lining and Velcro wrist adjustment make them easy for kids to use independently while keeping hands protected during training.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Thermal full-finger design for cold-weather protection
✓ Adjustable Velcro wrist strap for secure fit
✓ Durable outer material resists wear and tear
✓ Lightweight and flexible for natural movement
✓ Stylish design that appeals to younger players
Why We Recommend It
These gloves are ideal for parents who want quality without overspending. They’ve held up well through multiple washes and rough play, and kids love how easy they are to wear. The grip is reliable even in muddy conditions.
Best For
Junior rugby players (ages 6–12) needing affordable, warm gloves for training and matches.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy for kids to put on
- Good cold and mud resistance
- Retains shape after washing
Cons:
- Sizing runs small—check measurements carefully
- Not as warm as premium thermal gloves
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Guanto per mio figlio che gioca a rugby, under 10. Ho fortunatamente azzeccato la taglia, poiché sul sito non è indicato chiaramente la misura a cosa corrisponde … botta di c. Ottimo guanto, a tenuta di freddo e fango! Già lavato più volte, sempre come nuovo. La presa anche con la palla bagnata ed in”
Customer Review: “Sehr eng anliegend. Hält nicht gut warm. Man hat probleme beim an und aus ziehen. Nur aussehen und klett am ende ist super.”
4. Optimum Velocity Rugby Gloves
A no-frills option for casual players, these optimum rugby gloves provide basic thermal protection and grip. While not as durable as higher-end models, they’re a solid choice for occasional use or warmer winter days.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Full-finger thermal lining
✓ Adjustable wrist strap
✓ Lightweight polyester blend
✓ Decent grip on dry and slightly wet balls
✓ Affordable entry-level price
Why We Recommend It
If you’re new to wearing gloves or only play occasionally, these are a low-risk way to test the waters. They’re comfortable and functional for light training or weekend games.
Best For
Casual players or those trying rugby gloves for the first time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Comfortable for short sessions
- Easy to store and carry
Cons:
- Not durable for frequent use
- Poor performance in heavy rain or mud
- Limited warmth in freezing temps
Customer Reviews
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Customer Review: “Good for light use but started fraying after three matches. Fine if you’re not playing weekly.”
5. Optimum Velocity Gloves Multi-Sport, Black, Large
Designed for multi-sport use, these optimum rugby gloves work well for rugby, netball, and training. The thermal lining and flexible fit make them versatile, though they may not be rugged enough for intense rugby play.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 85% Polyester, 15% Elastic construction
✓ 100% Roubaix thermal inner
✓ Adjustable wrist strap
✓ Full-finger coverage
✓ Suitable for multiple sports
Why We Recommend It
Great for athletes who play multiple winter sports. They offer decent warmth and grip, though durability is a concern with frequent rugby use.
Best For
Multi-sport athletes or those needing gloves for light training across different activities.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile for several sports
- Comfortable fit
- Good thermal properties
Cons:
- Seams may come apart with heavy use
- Not ideal for muddy rugby fields
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Ces gants sont plutôt de bonne qualité, le seul bémol vient du fait qu’ils n’isolent pas du froid, sinon l’accroche est bonne”
Customer Review: “Great gloves to start with for netball, but after the 2nd wear they have come apart at the finger ends. Shame as great otherwise.”
6. Optimum Velocity Gloves Multi-Sport, Black, X-Large
A larger-sized version of the multi-sport glove, this model suits players with bigger hands. It offers the same thermal benefits but may feel tight during removal, increasing the risk of seam damage.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Same thermal Roubaix lining
✓ Adjustable wrist closure
✓ Multi-sport compatibility
✓ Available in extended sizes
Why We Recommend It
Good for larger-handed players who need warmth across sports, but handle with care to avoid seam stress.
Best For
Players with larger hands needing versatile winter gloves.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fits larger hands well
- Decent grip and warmth
- Affordable
Cons:
- Seams may loosen with rough use
- Hard to take off without stretching
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Llegó en perfecto estado. Los tiene mi hijo desde hace mucho y aun le duran, y el agarre al balón muy bueno, además de que cortan el frío en las manos a la hora de jugar. Todo sin problema. Pueden parecer pequeños, pero tienen que quedar justitos.”
Customer Review: “Die Handschuhe sehen gut aus, sie halten leider nicht sov
