Rugby’s a sport which requires large reserves of sturdiness and grit. Unlike American football, in which the players wear protective padding and tough helmets with face guards, Rugby rules permit very little protective gear for players during the game. Rugby was first introduced under standard rules during the 1870s. However, in recent years both players and coaches have improved performances with the use of contemporary technology.
Rugby is a fast, physically demanding sport, which combines brutal contact with beautiful skills. Rugby gear is very little in quantity and a good deal of it is optional. Rugby players frequently clash heads with almost nothing for protection. In recent times, players have started taking better care with the implementation of light rubber padding to protect their heads. Yet, since most of the padding is optional, the more daring players still go play the game with only a limited amount of padding. Although safety is a major concern, many players say that they feel slowed down by excess padding. Thus, most players compromise protective rugby gear for higher mobility.
Traditional Rugby Gear
Conventional rugby needs very little gear. Players wear naught but shorts, socks, boots and a jersey. Additionally, all one needs for rugby are the right number of players, a field, a proper ball, and goal posts.
Rugby Headgear
Some Rugby players sport a scrum cap on their head. Scrum caps are a form of padded head gear secured by means of a chinstrap. Holes are provided on the top and front of the scrum cap to ensure that the head of the player is well ventilated. Also, heavier helmets called skullcaps are used that wrap around the player’s face just like sideburns. Skullcaps also have ventilation holes within their dome section and are secured using chinstraps.
Rugby Shields
Rugby body padding is very light, very thin and quite flexible. Players generally wear shield vests made of nylon beneath their jerseys. Players also wear ventilated elastic shields beneath their jerseys, fitted with shoulder pads made of foam, chest plates and arm pads.
Footwear, Shirts and Shorts
Rugby players generally wear high rugby boots that provide ample ankle protection and support. Rugby jerseys and shorts are traditionally made from cotton to provide better ventilation, but in recent years, synthetic materials have been used that make the shirts more difficult for players to grasp onto, thus improving their evasion skills and improving the quality of the game all around.
Rugby protective gear can be found and bought at any major rugby store in major rugby playing nations.