Abstract
Recently, rugby shirt manufacturers have added grip textures to the front of shirts in an attempt to enhance their frictional properties, however, the shirt–ball interaction has yet to be systematically studied. Using a sled-type tribometer, the mean dynamic friction forces and quality energy values of seven distinct match-play shirts were determined in two fabric directions and conditions, respectively. Fabric and ball characteristics were determined using an optical measurement device. Significant differences in mean friction force between respective shirts and conditions but not orientations were observed. Adding grip textures to the front of shirts does not necessarily increase mean friction force. No correlations exist between shirt–ball characteristics and mean friction force. The study described represents the first attempt to characterise the rugby shirt–ball frictional interaction. It is hoped that the methods outlined will be adopted and refined, thereby adding structure to the rugby shirt design process.
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