Rugby’s laws allow players to wear approved protective equipment — and for many players, the right protection makes a genuine difference to confidence and safety on the pitch. This guide covers mouthguards, headguards, shoulder pads and more, including what the laws say and the best options to buy.
What Protective Gear Is Allowed in Rugby?
World Rugby regulations permit the following, provided the equipment meets approved specifications:
- Mouthguards (strongly recommended and mandatory in most junior leagues)
- Headguards (padded, soft — not hard shell)
- Shoulder pads (padded, not rigid)
- Body armour / chest pads (padded, not rigid)
- Shin guards (must be covered by socks)
- Ankle supports and strapping
Hard or rigid protection is not permitted. All items must be soft and meet World Rugby specification.
Mouthguards
A mouthguard is the most important piece of protective equipment in rugby. It protects teeth, reduces the risk of jaw fractures and can help prevent concussion in an impact. Most junior leagues make them mandatory — and even where they are not, wearing one is strongly advisable.
Boil-and-Bite vs Custom-Fitted
Boil-and-bite mouthguards (heated in hot water and moulded to the teeth at home) offer good protection at low cost and are suitable for most players. Custom-fitted guards from a dentist offer the best fit and protection but cost significantly more.
1. Opro Gold Mouthguard (Best Overall)
The Opro Gold is the most popular mouthguard in UK club rugby and the official mouthguard partner of several Premiership clubs. It uses a multi-layer design for superior shock absorption and the boil-and-bite fitting process gives a tight, comfortable result. Available in adult and junior sizes with a wide range of colours. Opro also offer a money-back guarantee if you cannot achieve a good fit.
Best for: All players — the safest, best-fitting boil-and-bite option
Price range: £15–£25
2. Shock Doctor Max AirFlow (Best for Breathing)
The Shock Doctor range is popular with players who find traditional mouthguards restrict breathing — particularly backs who are running hard. The AirFlow design allows easier breathing while still providing solid protection. A good choice for players who have found other guards uncomfortable.
Best for: Players who prioritise breathability
Price range: £12–£20
3. Opro Junior Mouthguard (Best for Kids)
The junior Opro uses the same technology as the adult version scaled for smaller mouths. The boil-and-bite process works well for most ages from about 6 upwards. The fitting kit is included. Most junior leagues in the UK require a mouthguard — this is the most recommended option.
Best for: Junior players aged 6–14
Price range: £8–£15
Headguards
Headguards protect against cuts and abrasions to the head and ears. They do not prevent concussion but are popular with forwards who are frequently in the ruck and lineout. Players with a history of ear injuries (cauliflower ear) commonly wear them.
4. Gilbert Kinetica Headguard (Most Popular)
The Gilbert Kinetica is the best-selling headguard in the UK. It is World Rugby approved, lightweight, and fits securely without restricting vision or hearing. The ventilated panels keep it from getting too hot during play. Available in several colours and in both adult and junior sizes.
Best for: Forwards, players prone to head cuts or ear injuries
Price range: £25–£40
5. Canterbury Raze Headguard (Best Value)
A reliable, affordable option from Canterbury. World Rugby approved, lightweight and comfortable for a full 80 minutes. A good starting point for players trying a headguard for the first time without spending heavily.
Best for: Players trying a headguard for the first time
Price range: £18–£28
Shoulder Pads & Body Armour
Shoulder pads and body armour provide padding to the shoulder, chest and upper arm area. They are particularly popular with players who are new to contact rugby and those who have had shoulder or clavicle injuries. All must be World Rugby approved.
6. Canterbury Contact Shoulder Pad (Best All-Round)
Canterbury’s contact shoulder pad is the most widely used in UK club rugby. It provides solid shoulder and bicep protection without adding bulk, and the fit is consistent across sizes. Many coaches recommend this as the standard option for players wanting basic shoulder protection.
Best for: All positions, standard shoulder protection
Price range: £28–£45
7. Optimum Razor Body Armour (Best for Juniors)
Optimum’s Razor body armour offers chest and shoulder protection at a junior-friendly price point. It is lightweight enough not to restrict movement and gives young players more confidence in contact without feeling bulky. Available in junior and adult sizes.
Best for: Junior players new to contact rugby
Price range: £20–£30
Do You Need All of This?
No. For most beginners, a good mouthguard is the only essential piece of protective kit. Everything else is optional. If you or your child is nervous about contact, shoulder pads and a headguard can help build confidence — but they are not required and many experienced players choose not to wear them.
For more on safety in the game, see our safety and injuries guide. For junior players specifically, the rugby for parents section covers what to expect from contact at each age group.