Rugby gear

What the World Rugby regulations allow

In rugby, protection is governed by regulation 12 of World Rugby. They must remain flexible and thin so as not to become a danger to the opponent: on a helmet, the foam cannot exceed ten millimetres in thickness, with a density limited to forty-five kilos per cubic metre. Shoulder pads comply with a specific specification, which defines the area covered according to size. Compliant models carry the World Rugby label, which the referee can check before kick-off. Any rigid element, such as a plastic shell on the shoulder, remains prohibited in a match.

The rest of the equipment

Rugby equipment is also available in:

• Bags, sports bags and ball bags.

All the equipment can be found on the equipment page.

Rugby helmet: protecting ears and the scalp

The helmet or headband in rugby is a soft shell made of expanded foam that protects against cuts, superficial shocks and friction in scrums, which cause cauliflower ears. The Gilbert XP combines expanded foam with an adjustable lace on top of the head, while the Octane and Air focus on lightness and ventilation. The Canterbury Uglies Raze, the adidas Performant, and the Joma helmets complete the range. The helmet is adjusted around the head and must stay in place when shaking the head. It does not prevent concussions, which depend mainly on tackling technique.

Shoulder pads and mouthguards, from rugby schools to seniors

The shoulder pad looks like a compression top equipped with thin foams on the shoulders, collarbone, and sometimes the sternum: it absorbs repeated impacts from tackles and rucks. The Canterbury Pro and Elite as well as the Gilbert XP are available in adult sizes, while the Force XV and Canterbury Pro come in child sizes. The mouthguard protects the teeth and jaw and limits tongue biting. The Gilbert Xbrace, with double density, and the adidas Opro are thermoformable: they are softened in hot water to take on the imprint of the teeth. The simpler Tremblay mouthguard is used by young players.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

How to mould a thermoformable mouthguard?

Dip it for a few seconds in very hot water, let it cool slightly, then place it in your mouth and bite down while sucking to mould it to your teeth. Then cool it under cold water following the manufacturer's instructions.

What size rugby helmet should I choose?

Measure the circumference of your head above the eyebrows and ears, then refer to the brand's sizing guide. The helmet should cover the ears without squashing them and should stay in place once the chin strap and lacing are tightened.

What size shoulder pad should I choose?

Measure the circumference of your chest under your arms and refer to the brand's sizing guide. The shoulder pad should cover the shoulders without hindering arm movements during lineouts or riding up during tackles.

Which players most often wear a helmet in rugby?

The forwards, particularly the front and second rows, often wear it to protect their ears from friction in scrums. All positions can wear one, and many children in rugby schools adopt it from their very beginning.

How to care for a rugby mouthguard?

Rinse it with cold water after each use, gently brush it with soap, and store it in a ventilated box. Hot water warps it: replace it as soon as it no longer stays in place on its own or shows cracks.