If your child is just starting Rugby they will need the correct kit to play and practise the sport.
Kids rugby kit is fairly minimal and there are usually different price options available depending on your budget and your child’s level of playing.
As your child progresses with their rugby there may be additional clothing or equipment that they require.
It is important that all the rugby kit you buy your child is safe to use and meets the specifications as defined in the Rules and regulations for your child’s rugby club, school or country.
This article will follow World Rugby’s clothing guidelines but do check if your child’s rugby club has different requirements for clothing, footwear or equipment.
We will divide the player’s clothing into basic and additional kits. We will begin with the basic kit that you will need to play Rugby in any age and format.
Boots:
Rugby boots are made with studs that stick into the turf on grass pitches. A good pair will allow you far more agility on a grass pitch than a regular pair of trainers.
It is important to note that clubs often require normal boots for amateur games. The officials often check that you are wearing the right gear. There may be some situations where other footwear feels more appropriate.
For example, if you are playing touch rugby on a hot day with a hardened pitch you may prefer to wear trainers. Wearing studs on a solid surface can be uncomfortable.
World Rugby guidelines demand that the studs on Rugby boots not be sharp and no longer than 21mm. Manufacturers are well aware of this so do not waste your time measuring all the studs on your boots. Wearing studded boots meant for other sports is more likely to break this rule.
Jersey:
You will wear a jersey provided by your club that is specifically for competition. These are usually made from a strong and breathable synthetic fibre that hugs close to the skin. In regular training, you may be provided a training kit.
However, it is likely you will need to source some kind of jersey yourself. You can wear whatever athletic wear you find most comfortable. Be mindful that you will need to wash it frequently. If you buy a Rugby jersey it will wash better without shrinking and will be more resistant to wear and tear.
Shorts:
Again, the kit provided by your club will usually include shorts. Players usually reuse these in training, unlike the Match Day jersey. You are free to use many kinds of sports shorts but we recommend those that are made for Rugby.
One reason for this is that they fit more firmly around the waist. This means that a tackler is less likely to pull them down in a tackle. If you play in the forwards, it is likely that you will be in situations where your teammates bind to your shorts. It makes sense to wear shorts designed for this purpose. It is worth noting that World Rugby also regards underwear as essential clothing.
Socks:
Rugby players generally wear very long socks that reach almost to the knee. They are less practical than other parts of the kit but do have the benefit of protecting the leg from mud. The regulations do not demand a long sock specifically but some form of sock should be worn.
On a hot day, it is understandable that you may not want to wear thick cotton in which case ankle socks are suitable. Be aware that thicker socks are more likely to protect against blisters.
There are a lot of kits out there available your child will mostly only need a jersey, boots, socks and shorts. At younger ages when children play non-contact Rugby, there is less to consider and you can re-use general sports kit you already own.
Your child may be older and beginning full contact Rugby or they may have some individual needs that require extra kit. These are some additional pieces of kit your child may require.
Mouth guard:
Mouth guards give the best protection against damage to the teeth and face. Interestingly, World Rugby’s guidelines list the mouthguard as“permitted”. The RFU in England“strongly recommend” their use in both games and practice.
It is at the discretion of clubs and schools to make them compulsory in their contracts. Most will not let you play without one. You would be hard-pressed to find any player who trains without them. Mouth guards have to be fitted to your teeth. You can do this yourself or a professional can mould it for you.
Sports Bra:
Sports bras are commonly used by female players in many sports, including Rugby. They are designed to provide support and comfort to women during physical activities and sports.
Sports bras come in various styles, including compression, encapsulation, and combination styles, each offering different levels of support and coverage.
Scrum Cap:
Players are permitted to wear some form of headgear. They are effective for protecting against cuts and scratches to the areas they cover. They also help protect against“cauliflower ear”, a condition resulting from repeated abrasion to the ears over time, which particularly affects forwards. World Rugby recommends a very distinct specification to manufacturers.
Be sure to look out for the“World Rugby Approved” badge on products to know they meet these standards.
It is worth noting that World Rugby does not recommend scrum caps as a deterrent to concussion – citing a lack of evidence.
Goggles:
These are rare in Rugby but are allowed at all levels. It is important to note that goggles are not intended for safety. They are for players with visual impairments who do not wish to wear contact lenses. Corrective lenses are built into them and include straps to keep them on the head.
World Rugby recommends that players with such conditions should consult a specialist to decide whether they are safe to play. The existing models of goggles also follow a design specified by World Rugby. The“World Rugby Approved” is on the product to validate its safety.
Fingerless Gloves:
Also called“mitts” these help with gripping the ball. They were more in-fashion around 20 years ago but their usefulness has not changed. They may raise some eyebrows but some players swear by them. Remember they must be fingerless as World Rugby’s guidelines prohibit regular gloves.
Tape/bandages:
These have multiple uses for a Rugby player. Firstly they protect existing wounds. Tape is especially useful for stopping bandages from coming off during a game.
Tape can be used to keep ears back and bar them from abrasions similar to a scrum cap. If you watch any professional game, you are likely to see many players covered in tape. You would have little use for it in a game of touch Rugby, however.
Base layers:
Rugby is a winter sport so players do find themselves exposed to harsh weather. Base layers worn on both the torso and legs insulate from the cold. For this reason, they are popular with Rugby players. Be aware that World Rugby’s guidelines prohibit thermal leggings that have padding sewn into them.
Shoulder pads/ chest / breast pads:
These are worn by players to protect against minor abrasions. Like the scrum cap, they are not effective against more serious injuries. Again, look for the“World Rugby Approved” badge to know that they meet a good standard. Breast padding is intended for female players to provide comfort without impeding any movement.
Head scarfs / head coverings:
Some non-protective headgear is permitted in World Rugby. However, a referee can prohibit their use on a case-by-case basis if they believe they are dangerous in any way.
It is also worth learning what you cannot wear when you play Rugby. The laws are pretty obvious, anything that can cause risk to players is not allowed.
For example, any clothing with a zip on it would not be allowed. This is because it could cause a scratch or abrasion to another player. Jewellery and piercings are prohibited for the same reason.
Players cannot wear any blood-stained garment. If some kit becomes stained during a game the referee may ask the player to leave the pitch to remove it. The referee has the power to decide that any clothing is dangerous for any reason in which case the player must remove/modify it.
Before you go…
If you are looking to buy some kit for your child you may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of equipment available online. Check out our lists of the best boots, gum shields, and protective gear for inspiration. We focus on products at a range of price points that are designed for different ages so that there is an option for every child.
