What Are the Rules of Rugby Equipment?

Rugby is a sport that requires a large amount of toughness and determination. Unlike in American football where players have full padding and hard helmets with face masks, Rugby allows little equipment for its players during a game. Rugby leagues around the world require certain specifications for the clothing and additional equipment used by its players.

  1. Rugby shirts

    • All teams are required to wear matching shirts during a match with numbers on the back. The shirts should be moderately tight to avoid opponents' fingers becoming caught or to avoid ripping the material. It is legal to wear a tighter shirt than other players on the field. Depending on the position, some players may opt to do this to prevent being slowed down during a run.

    Rugby shorts

    • Rugby shorts are usually made from a strong type of cotton material, similar to the material used to make the shirts. All shorts must be clearly above the knees and not baggy to avoid interference of any kind. The forwards in a rugby match will usually wear a more reinforced type of shorts to withstand the force when being lifted.

    Boots

    • Boots used in rugby are very similar to the ones used in soccer. The studs, or spikes, on the bottom of the boot are made for grip on the playing field. Players may have the option to wear boots with no studs; however, all forwards are required to wear studded boots during a match. Studs used in rugby can be made from either aluminum or plastic and must conform to all International Rugby Board (IRB) regulations. According to IRB, the maximum length studs may be is 21 mm. Referees must check the studs of each player's boots to ensure they meet the IRB regulations for safety precautions.

    Headgear

    • A player may wear headgear that is made of a thin and lightweight material. The headgear may not be thicker than 1 cm when compressed and may not have a density measuring more than 45 kg per cubic meter as determined by the IRB. If a player chooses to wear a headgear, he must wear a chin strap as well to secure the piece down.

    Additional equipment allowed

    • Shin pads--A player may wear shin pads under his socks as long as no part of the padding is thicker than 0.5 cm when compressed.

      Mitts--A player may wear mitts as long as they do not cover the fingertips or go beyond the wrist joint. The mitts must be made of a soft material with no buttons and may not be thicker than 1 mm at any time.

      Shoulder pads--A player may wear a thin layer of shoulder pads that can cover only the shoulders and collarbone areas. The pads may not be thicker than 1 cm when compressed and have a density measuring 45 kg per cubic meter as determined by the IRB.