| Rugby League shorts of today are very similar to | | | | To meet these demanding specifications a blend of |
| the running shorts used in athletics. Particularly those | | | | synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester are |
| worn by longer distance runners such as 800m, | | | | used allowing for a very thin fabric to be used that is |
| 1500m, 3000m and the marathon or cross country. | | | | also very strong. |
| This is due to the endurance nature of the sport | | | | Another issue with Rugby League Shorts is that they |
| where very high levels of fitness are needed and | | | | must not absorb very much water as when it rains |
| therefore clothing needs to be as unrestrictive as | | | | traditional cotton shorts can become very heavy. |
| possible. | | | | This is another benefit of synthetic materials as they |
| There is however a balance of durability that is also | | | | don't absorb water. |
| needed as the sport is a very physical contact sport | | | | Rugby League shorts are also very short and small |
| and clothing is regularly grabbed and used to tackle a | | | | to limit the restriction of movement and make them |
| player. This poses the difficult problem of making a | | | | more difficult to grab. They have an elastic waist |
| very lightweight, breathable, cooling (as the sport is | | | | band but with a strong string to tie them firmly to |
| played in very hot conditions often) garment that is | | | | the waist to avoid them being pulled down in tackles. |
| also extremely strong and can take very big, strong | | | | For more information on Rugby League Shorts click |
| young men pulling at them with their considerable | | | | here. |
| strength. | | | | |