Rugby Equipment

Generally there are two types of boot worn: the 8 stud or the 6 stud. The 8 stud is most often worn by the tight 5 player (props, hooker and locks) to provide them with extra grip for scrummaging and mauling. The 6 stud is worn by backs as it allows for more agility, it is also lighter for quicker movement around the field. Plastic "blade" studs, common in Association Football, are an increasingly frequent choice among backs.

Padding and protective vests are now becoming more commonly worn by players. Predominantly the padding gives protection to the shoulder area, but also provides additional protection to the biceps and the chest. Padding must be approved by the IRB before players can wear it on the field, and it will carry the IRB approval stamp.

An essential part of the safety equipment needed for rugby is the gumshield. The best gumshields are made by a dentist, a mould of the mouth is first taken and then the gumshield is cast around this mould. This provides a tight fit in the mouth and around the teeth which is essential for it to work as it should.

The headguard, also called a "scrum cap", is now commonly worn throughout all levels of the game. Protective headgear which is becoming essential due to the quantity of cuts and head injuries that can occur, particularly by the boots of players involved in rucking. Headgear also helps reduce the growth of cauliflower ears.