Rugby Boots and Protective Kit

SPORT · GLOBAL

Rugby Boots and Protective Kit

Stud configurations, fit, mouthguards and what padding does

Rugby kit is chosen on position and ground conditions, and one item does considerably more for safety than the rest.

Stud configuration

Eight studs suit forwards, giving grip for scrummaging and driving. Six studs suit backs, who need agility and speed. Moulded soles suit firm ground and artificial surfaces.

Check what your pitch allows, since metal studs are prohibited on most artificial surfaces. Studs must be checked before matches under the laws of the game and must not have sharp edges.

Fit

Try boots at the end of the day with match socks, leaving around a thumb's width at the toe. The heel must not slip, since that is where blisters start and where control is lost.

Width matters as much as length, and boots stretch slightly across the width and never in length.

Mouthguards

The single most important piece of protective equipment, and compulsory at most levels. A custom or boil-and-bite guard that fits properly protects teeth and jaw.

A guard that is uncomfortable will not be worn, which is why fit matters more than price. Replace it when it loosens or after dental changes, and keep it in a ventilated case.

Headguards

They reduce cuts and abrasions, particularly ear damage in the forwards. They do not prevent concussion, and evidence does not support believing otherwise.

Any suspected concussion means leaving the field immediately and following the recognise-and-remove guidance. Return to play follows a graduated protocol, and that is not optional.

Padding

Shoulder padding is regulated in thickness and density, and it must carry the approval mark. It reduces bruising rather than preventing serious injury.

Balls and training kit

Use the correct ball size for the age group, since a ball that is too large teaches poor handling. Check the pressure before sessions, since an underinflated ball behaves quite differently in the hands.

Studs must be checked before every match, and a stud key belongs in every kit bag.

Washing kit

Wash kit promptly and dry it fully, since a bag left sealed overnight is where skin infections start. Cover any cut or graze properly before playing.

Fitness and injury

Neck and shoulder strengthening, and proper technique coaching for tackling and scrummaging, do more for safety than any equipment. Most serious injuries in the game relate to technique and preparation rather than to kit.

Build workload gradually at the start of a season rather than arriving at pre-season entirely unprepared.

Care

Clean boots after every match and dry them slowly, away from any direct heat.

WHERE TO BUY

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