Mouthguard
All players on the rugby field must have a mouthguard, a small piece of equipment that the player wears in their mouth over their teeth. It is an essential part of the safety equipment needed to play for rugby. The guard protects the teeth, the gums and it also prevents a player from biting their tongue.
Scrum Cap
It is very common in rugby union to see players wearing a form of headgear known as the “scrum cap”. This is intended simply to protect the ears of a player who is engaged in the scrum. Swollen ears left untreated, lead to the condition commonly known as ‘cauliflower ears’.
The traditional scrum cap is a thin cloth helmet with padding over the ears and held in place by a strap. Because of the close contact, buckles cannot be used. Players will often opt for a thin strip of cloth bandage held in place by electrical tape like a head band.
Body Protection
As well as light helmets, shoulder padding and protective vests are increasingly being worn. The nature and maximum amount of the protective measures available are stipulated the International Rugby Board.
This specifies that:
shoulder padding will cover the shoulder and collar bone only and extend from the neck to a maximum of 2 cm down the upper arm.
The padding is intended to give some protection to the bony prominences of the shoulder and clavicle. Padding on the chest and biceps are expressly forbidden (although permitted in Rugby League).
Rugby Boots
Modern Rugby boots are very similar to football/soccer cleats, a slipper with a low profile delivering flexibility with low weight. Softball or soccer cleats can be worn as long as the toe-cleat has been removed (cut off any toe cleat with a utility knife and make sure the remaining surface is somewhat smooth).
What do I need for a match?
Shirt: the club will provide jerseys when we play a match.
Boots: as described above.
Shorts & Socks: you must purchase a set of shorts and socks from the team.
Mouthguard
Water