Since the early 1980s
History
Ellgren has been part of rugby for more than four decades. Our shirts have been pulled on in packed northern grounds, worn through cup runs and title races, and kept in drawers long after the final whistle. This is the story of how a kit maker from Wigan became one of the oldest names in the British game, and why we are still here doing what we love.
The 1980s and 1990s
Where it all began
Ellgren was established in Wigan, Lancashire, in the early 1980s, right in the heartland of rugby league. From the start we set out to make kit that could stand up to the toughest game there is, and that supporters would be proud to wear.
With manufacturing kept in house, Ellgren soon became the premium brand in the sport. We were official kit supplier to the major clubs of the era, including Wigan, Leeds, Warrington, Castleford and Bradford Northern, as well as York down the years. Our reach went beyond rugby too, with Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley all wearing Ellgren in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Those shirts became part of the story of the sport. Today they are sought after by collectors, and many fans still remember exactly where they were when they first wore one.
A new era
The return
After time away from the front line of the game, Ellgren came back to rugby league with a clear purpose: to bring heritage and modern performance together. In 2021 Halifax became the first club of the new era, with Ellgren supplying all playing and training kit alongside a fresh retail range.
Others soon followed. In 2022 we welcomed Dewsbury Rams and York City Knights, where we kitted out the men’s, women’s and disability rugby league teams. Leigh Centurions also joined the Ellgren family, and Widnes Vikings signed up for 2024 with a new heritage range for fans of all ages.
In 2025 we were proud to return to Bradford, more than thirty years after dressing the Bradford Northern side of the early 1990s. That same year we crossed codes, partnering with rugby union side Leeds Tykes for their 2025/26 National One campaign.
Today Ellgren is part of Fourex Group. From our manufacturing and distribution facility on the outskirts of Leeds, close to the M1 and M62, we design, make and deliver everything under one roof.
What drives us
What we stand for
Heritage you can wear
We have been part of the game for over 40 years. Every kit we make respects a club’s colours, crest and traditions, because we know what they mean to the people who wear them.
Built for the game
Rugby is hard on kit. We design playing and training wear to perform on the pitch, season after season.
Made with clubs, not just for them
Every design is bespoke. We work side by side with each club, from first sketch to shirt launch night, and many of our partners also trust us to run their online shops.
Part of the family
When a club joins Ellgren, it joins a family of some of the proudest names in British rugby. We are in it for the long run.
From Super League to grassroots
Our mission
Ellgren’s mission has always been the same. We aim to continue our legacy and reputation for providing the best kit and apparel in the market, whether that is for Super League or grassroots rugby, by:
- Providing a high quality, technical product fit for elite players and accessible to every player at every level of the game.
- Delivering a professional service from start to finish, through a team of highly experienced staff who understand your individual and club needs.
- Manufacturing and supplying your orders within a lead time that beats our rivals.
- Building a large network of loyal, satisfied customers and long lasting relationships.
Four decades in the game
Our timeline
From a small kit maker in Wigan to clubs at every level of the game, these are the moments that shaped Ellgren.
Early 1980s
Founded in Wigan
Ellgren is established in Wigan, Lancashire, making bespoke kit for rugby league with manufacturing kept in house.
Late 1980s
Into football
Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley all take to the pitch in Ellgren.
Early 1990s
The premium brand
Official kit supplier to the major clubs of the era, including Wigan, Leeds, Warrington, Castleford and Bradford Northern.
1994/95
Leeds go to Wembley
Leeds wear Ellgren in a season that took them to both the Challenge Cup and Premiership finals.
2021
The return
Halifax become the first club of the new Ellgren era, with full playing, training and retail ranges.
2022
A growing family
Dewsbury Rams and York City Knights join, with York’s men’s, women’s and disability teams all in Ellgren.
2024
Widnes Vikings
A new partnership with the Vikings, including a heritage range for supporters of all ages.
2025
Back to Bradford
Ellgren returns to the Bulls for the first time since the Bradford Northern days of the 1990s.
2025/26
Crossing codes
Rugby union side Leeds Tykes join the Ellgren family for their National One campaign.
Today
All under one roof
Part of Fourex Group, we design, make and deliver kit from our facility near Leeds, for clubs from Super League to grassroots.
Looking ahead
The next chapter
Forty years on, our ambition is the same as it was on day one: to make kit that players trust and supporters love. As we grow across both codes, we will keep honouring the clubs and communities that made Ellgren what it is.
The best chapters are still to be written, and we would love you to be part of them.
Next step
Talk to us about your club
Tell us the sport, the numbers and when you need it, and we will come back with what it costs.
Or get hold of us
Somebody who knows kit will pick up.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
