Rugby union equipment

A traditional rugby union kit consists of a collared jersey (often imitated by fashion labels and called a "rugby shirt"), shorts, jockstrap / compression shorts, long rugby socks and boots with studs.

Some modest padding is allowed on the head, shoulders and collarbone, but it must be sufficiently light, thin and compressible to meet IRB standards.^[1] Most players also opt to wear a mouthguard to guard against concussion and chipping of the teeth.

Boots

Traditionally, rugby boots were of a high cut above the ankle. Over the years, such boots have become less common, although many players still wear mid-cut boots, just below the ankle. Additional ankle support was seen as appropriate given the nature of the game, particularly the stresses of forward play^[2] , and the amount of physical contact involved. Higher cut boots also provided some protection against knocks.

Modern boots are now more similar to football boots, with a low cut offering less ankle support but maximum flexibility with minimum weight.

It is essential for safety considerations, particularly in the scrum, that forwards wear boots with removable studs. The studs may be metal (aluminium) or plastic and must conform to Regulation 12 of the IRB.^[1] This regulation dictates the permissible dimensions of the studs and also defines a standard for the hardness of the material. Backs would be advised, on most ground types, to wear boots with some form of stud, to ensure adequate grip when changing direction.

Referees are required to check all players' studs before a game and ensure that the studs conform to the Laws and have no sharp edges. Any studs that are worn down so that the steel fixing is showing must be changed before the player is allowed to join in the game. The intent of the standard and these pre-match checks is to eliminate the potential for a stud to cause a cut if it comes into contact with a player's skin.

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

Tackle bags

Tackle bags are use during training and warm up in rugby union. Tackle bags are padded equipment which allows players to tackle without another player being involved. Tackle bags come in two forms: the rucking shield and the tackle bag. The rucking shield is held in the hand of a coach or fellow player and allows the tackler to drive against the person holding the shield safely. The tackle bag stands on the ground held loosely by another person, it allows the tackler to practice a full tackle.

See also

• Scrum machine

References