Cardiff Rugby are proud to confirm a new official partnership with Bearhug, the Cardiff-born performance and recovery brand best known for its innovative bamboo joint supports and muscle sleeves.
The agreement formalises a relationship that dates back to Bearhug’s launch in 2016, when Cardiff Rugby legends Josh Navidi and Nick Williams, along with WRU physiotherapist John Miles, were among the brand’s earliest supporters. Today, that bond runs even deeper — with Navidi now serving as Bearhug’s Head of Athlete and Brand Partnerships and Miles as the company’s Chief Medical Officer.
Josh Navidi, former Cardiff Rugby, Wales international and British Lion, said:
“As someone who has used Bearhug throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand how much of a difference the products make to recovery and staying game-ready. It’s fantastic to see Bearhug partnering officially with Cardiff Rugby — not only are they a brand born here in the city, but they’re also genuinely helping players look after their bodies on and off the pitch.”
Founded in Cardiff, Bearhug was created with a mission to provide athletes and everyday people with high-quality support wear that promotes performance, recovery and long-term joint health. Powered by its unique bamboo yarn compression technology, the brand has grown from a grassroots start-up to a trusted name across professional sport.
Through this new partnership, Cardiff Rugby players will benefit directly from Bearhug’s cutting-edge bamboo compression technology. The products are designed to improve blood flow and circulation to aid recovery, while also providing vital joint stability and muscle support during both training and matches. By helping to reduce soreness, stiffness and the risk of re-injury, Bearhug ensures the squad can recover faster and perform at their best.
Jason Harries, Cardiff Rugby Head of Business Development, said:
“A huge thank you to everyone at Bearhug for their valued partnership with Cardiff Rugby. With deep connections to our organisation, Bearhug’s innovative support wear has already proven to be a vital asset — helping our players recover faster and prevent some injuries before they occur. It’s fantastic to see our squad proudly wearing the Bearhug brand and standing out in their signature orange, both on and off the field. We’re excited about the journey ahead and confident this partnership will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Rhys George, Founder & CEO of Bearhug, commented:
“Partnering with Cardiff Rugby is a proud moment for us. From day one, we’ve been passionate about supporting athletes at every level, and this partnership represents the perfect match between our brand and one of the most iconic rugby teams in Wales. We’re excited to continue helping players stay fit, recover well, and perform at their best.”
Both organisations share deep roots in Cardiff and a commitment to performance, resilience, and community impact. By embedding Bearhug’s innovative products into the daily training and recovery routines of Cardiff Rugby’s players, the partnership ensures the squad can prepare, perform and recover at the highest level.