What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Rugby Team?

A rugby team is more than 15 players on the field. The team needs equipment in order to train and play, and staff to coach and support them. Before trying to recruit players for the team you need to make a list of all the equipment you need and have it ready so the team can begin training and ready to play matches. Check off each item as you acquire it and create a plan and a time frame for starting to play.

  1. Fitness

    • Increase fitness with intensive training and improve the agility of the side by buying several agility ladders and step hurdles, which increase the precision and power of steps while running. Purchase cones and flags for use in slalom running, a vital skill for evading tackles at speed. Have several sets of power speed resistors so squad members can work in pairs to increase strength on the field and work out of the clutches of the opposition. Ensure coaches have stopwatches for sprint training, and have several put sets of weights and benches to increase the upper and lower body strength of the players.

    Field Training

    • Ensure at least one regulation ball per player for training sessions, and have more if possible. Buy tackle bags for players to improve their tackling skills, and follow up with tackle suits for live practice so no one is accidentally hurt. Obtain several different types of contact pads; these will allow players to practice running at the opposition, either to push them over or spin off them and move ahead out of a tackle. Buy one scrum machine, a vital piece of equipment for improving the strength and agility of the pack in a ruck, and rucking nets, which can easily be taken down and moved around. Have tall poles for training on line outs, an important set piece in any game. Buy several ball tees for the kickers to use during practice for penalties and conversions.

    Training Matches

    • Keep a full set of training bibs to differentiate sides during training matches, along with a whistle for the referee. Have a set of collapsible corner flags and posts to set up for practices, along with a full first aid kit and a collapsible ice bath, so any sprains or injuries can be tended to immediately.

    Match Equipment

    • Talk to local stores and business about sponsoring the team; this will pay for rugby shirts and shorts in exchange for advertising the sponsor on the front of the shirt, and might include extra money that can be used to buy equipment for the team.