Rugby Headguards & Body Armour
Rugby is a very physical game and players will expect to get tackled and hit the ground very hard. To prevent against head and body injuries, players should wear protective gear.
Headgear
There are a number of different styles of rugby headgear available. The most common type is the Scrum Cap. These are most commonly worn by players to protect themselves during a scrum. This is because, in a scrum, players can suffer injuries leading to the condition known as ‘cauliflower ears’. Players also use this type of headgear to help against other head injuries that can be sustained throughout a game.
Players may also choose to wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard protects the teeth, gums and tongue against blows to the the face.
Body Armour
Body armour fits underneath clothing to protect against injuries to the body, most commonly the torso and shoulders. It is also possible to buy support bands for areas such as the arms and wrists.
Sizing
It’s important to buy the correct size of the type of protective gear you’re buying, as you want it to fit properly without being too big or too small.
To choose the right size of headguard, measure the Top Circumference and Forehead to Chin Length. The size guides are as follows:
| SIZE |
TOP CIRCUMFERENCE |
FOREHEAD TO CHIN LENGTH |
| S |
21.6” |
6.5” |
| M |
22.8” |
6.9” |
| L |
23.6” |
7.3” |
| XL |
24.4” |
7.5” |
The sizes are given in S – XL rather than age categories because the sizing is dependent on the person’s actual head measurements. This is also why there are no specific sizing guides for men, women or junior players.
When measuring for body armour you should measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure level under the arms and across your back. There are different sizing guides for men, women and junior players.
MENS
| SIZE |
CHEST (Centimetres) |
| S |
36 – 38 |
| M |
38 – 40 |
| L |
42 – 44 |
| XL |
44 – 46 |
| 2XL |
46 – 48 |
| 3XL |
48 – 50 |
LADIES
| SIZE |
CHEST (Centimetres) |
| 8 – Eight |
32 |
| 10 – Ten |
34 |
| 12 – Twelve |
36 |
| 14 – Fourteen |
38 |
| 16 – Sixteen |
40 |
| 18 – Eighteen |
42 |
KIDS
| SIZE |
CHEST (Centimetres) |
| SB – Small Boys |
24 – 26 |
| MB – Medium Boys |
26 – 28 |
| LB – Large Boys |
30 – 32 |
| Y – Youths |
34 |
Please check size guides provided against individual items.
Rugby headgear and rugby body armour is likely to be dirty after use and it is important that it is properly cleaned to extend its lifetime. Wet mud left on the gear can cause the stitching to become brittle and become less durable, as well as cause ingrained staining.
Depending on the gear being cleaned, warm water and/or a mild soap can be used. Always consult the manufacturers cleaning instructions on the label to see whether it can be machine washed, although we’d recommend against spinning any type of protective gear in a washing machine – this can be very hard on the material.
Once clean, it should be left to dry naturally in a warm place, out of any direct sunlight or artificial heat. This can fade colours and make material brittle.
When choosing protective gear, it is important to analyse which offers the most comfort, protection and durability.
You will need a headguard and body armour with as much protection as you can get without changing your performance. Style and colour are personal decisions, but these can increase the price. The main thing to consider is what offers the best comfort, protection and durability available within your budget.