Rugby is a full contact sport and players can take a battering during a match. Protective gear is an essential part of the modern game, offering players a chance to avoid injury on the field.
The main areas at risk of injury during a game of rugby are the head, face and upper body. Mouth guards have been used for some time, but rugby protection now includes head guards, forearm and bicep guards, shin guards and even body armour. The rules of competitive rugby state that no form of metal is allowed in any body protection except for the cleats on your shoes. The development of lightweight, non-metal products in recent years has meant that the game of rugby is now safer than before, with materials such as kevlar meaning that lightweight, protective gear is now available at a reasonable cost.
Head guards
The probability of a clash of heads during a rugby game is pretty high. Although not all players use head guards, they are becoming more popular particularly amongst amateur players. Modern head guards are inexpensive but offer additional protection to vulnerable areas such as the temples and jawbone of the player. They cushion impact from collisions reducing the chances of concussion or even fractures to the jaw or skull. They also protect the ears, reducing the chances of injury to this delicate area.
Mouth guards
Probably the most popular piece of rugby protection equipment, mouth guards or gum shields are an important part of game safety. The most popular feature stretch zones that allow the shield to fit any size of mouth. A good guard should have a wide front ‘V’, and open front palate to allow the wearer to breathe correctly and should not impede the ability to speak. As with all safety equipment, there are certain guidelines that mouth guards should conform to and the relative directive that applies to mouth guards is EEC directive 89/686/EEC.
Shin guards
Because the shinbone is so close to the surface of the skin it is vulnerable to impact damage that can easily cause damage to both the skin and the bone itself. Shin guards have been used in sports protective equipment for many years and the latest designs are a far cry from the older versions. Newer designs are ergonomically designed to fit left and right legs individually and incorporate ankle guards as well, protecting the delicate bones of the ankle and foot. Shin guards should fit comfortably and be lightweight without restricting movement of the legs or feet.
Forearm and bicep guards
Unlike many other sports, the arms are just as important in rugby as the legs. Protecting the arms by adding a lightweight layer of cushioning reduces the chances of muscle damage to the deltoid, bicep and tricep muscles which are vulnerable to tearing and sprains during both training and matches.
Body armour
The development of new materials means that rugby players can now benefit from the added protection of body armour without having to worry about the additional weight and bulk of traditional body protection suits. Modern body armour is made from stretch fabrics incorporating nylon and elastane fabric. Additional padding that is only a few millimetres thick can protect vulnerable areas such as the sternum, kidneys and shoulders, reducing the effects of contact impact and lessening the chances of injury to the torso. The best body armour incorporates breathable fabrics which also use a moisture wicking transport system to keep moisture away from the skin. This makes them more comfortable to play in.
Most rugby protection equipment is available to both amateur and professional players alike, so if you play rugby at any level a small investment in some modern rugby protection equipment can help you to avoid injury and continue playing for longer.
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