Rugby union equipment
Encyclopedia
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. Most players also opt to wear a mouthguard
to guard against concussion and chipping of the teeth.
, and the amount of physical contact involved. Higher cut boots also provided some protection against knocks.
Modern boots are now much more similarly styled to football boots, with a low cut offering minimal ankle support but maximum flexibility with minimum weight.
It is essential for safety considerations, particularly in the scrum, that forwards wear boots with studs. The studs may be metal (aluminium) or plastic and must conform to Regulation 12 of the IRB. 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 Studs are not allowed to be on the toe of the boot, this is because the front tooth can cause much damage to another player if tackled incorrectly Similarly, any sharp edges must be filed off before the player may join in. 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.
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
kit consists of a collared jersey (often imitated by fashion labels and called a "rugby shirt
Rugby shirt
A rugby shirt, often referred to as a rugby jersey, is a shirt worn by players of rugby union or rugby league. It usually has short sleeves, though long sleeves are common as well....
"), shorts
Rugby shorts
Rugby shorts are a type of shorts that are worn while playing rugby. They are designed to take the strains of the game and have traditionally been made from cotton.-IRB Regulations on shorts:...
, jockstrap
Jockstrap
A jockstrap is an undergarment designed for supporting the male genitalia during sports or other vigorous physical activity...
/ compression shorts
Compression shorts
Compression shorts are undergarments usually worn by athletes. They are form-fitting garments and when worn cover the athlete's waist to mid or lower thigh. These garments are often made from a spandex-type material, similar to cycling shorts....
, long rugby socks
Rugby socks
Rugby socks are similar to the long socks that are worn in other sports such as soccer. They are intended to be worn pulled up just below the knee and cover the shins and calves and are designed to be hardwearing.-Construction:...
and boots with studs
Cleat (shoe)
Cleats or studs are protrusions on the sole of a shoe, or on an external attachment to a shoe, that provide additional traction on a soft or slippery surface...
.
Some modest padding is allowed on the head, shoulders and collarbone, but it must be sufficiently light, thin and compressible to meet IRB standards. Most players also opt to wear a mouthguard
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums...
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, and the amount of physical contact involved. Higher cut boots also provided some protection against knocks.
Modern boots are now much more similarly styled to football boots, with a low cut offering minimal ankle support but maximum flexibility with minimum weight.
It is essential for safety considerations, particularly in the scrum, that forwards wear boots with studs. The studs may be metal (aluminium) or plastic and must conform to Regulation 12 of the IRB. 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 Studs are not allowed to be on the toe of the boot, this is because the front tooth can cause much damage to another player if tackled incorrectly Similarly, any sharp edges must be filed off before the player may join in. 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.