At first glance, rugby players and climbers might seem to be breeds apart – and admittedly, we can’t see many loosehead props excelling at the crag. But actually, there is an intriguing historical link. Back in the late 1970s, while visiting Scotland on a climbing trip, legendary climber Yvon Chouinard bought himself a striped rugby shirt. He thought these heavyweight jerseys looked ideal for surviving rock rash, and also found that the sturdy collar did a great job of preventing a heavy sling loaded with climbing hardware from rubbing against his neck. Inevitably, a host of other Californian climbers subsequently followed suit, co-opting the classic rugby shirt as their climbing attire of choice. The rest, as they say, is history. Inspired by this unusual culture clash between rugby and rock-climbing, Black & Blue 1871 have produced this heritage outdoor rugby shirt in authentic patterns and colours, finished with a distressed wash for a nicely worn-in look and feel. So, now you too can look like an authentic ‘70s dirtbag climber from Yosemite’s infamous Camp Four.
