A mouthguard is the most important piece of protective kit in rugby — and the one most players skimp on. This guide covers the best options on Amazon UK for adults and juniors, from budget boil-and-bite guards to premium options used by professional players.
Best Rugby Mouthguards at a Glance
| Mouthguard | Best for | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Opro Gold | Best overall adult guard | £15–£25 |
| Opro Power-Fit Junior | Best for children | £8–£15 |
| Shock Doctor Max AirFlow | Best for breathing | £12–£20 |
| Opro Bronze | Best budget option | £6–£10 |
| SISU Max | Best low-profile guard | £25–£35 |
1. Opro Gold — Best Overall Adult Mouthguard
The Opro Gold is the most widely used mouthguard in UK club rugby and the official guard of several Premiership clubs. The triple-layer design absorbs shock better than single-layer guards, and the boil-and-bite fitting process is straightforward — most players achieve a tight, comfortable fit on the first attempt.
The Gold sits firmly in place during play without needing to be bitten down on, which makes breathing and communication easier than cheaper guards. Opro offer a money-back guarantee if you cannot achieve a satisfactory fit. Available in adult sizes with a huge range of colours.
Best for: Adult club players wanting the best boil-and-bite guard available
Price range: £15–£25
2. Opro Power-Fit Junior — Best for Children
The junior version of Opro’s flagship guard, scaled for smaller mouths from age 6 upwards. The fitting kit is included and the boil-and-bite process is reliable even for younger children. Most junior rugby leagues in the UK require a mouthguard — this is the most recommended option by coaches and physios at grassroots level.
Available in a range of bright colours including multi-colour options that make it easier to personalise for young players.
Best for: Junior players aged 6–14
Price range: £8–£15
View Opro Power-Fit Junior on Amazon →
3. Shock Doctor Max AirFlow — Best for Breathing
If you find standard mouthguards restrict your breathing, the Shock Doctor AirFlow range is worth trying. The open front design allows significantly more airflow than enclosed guards — popular with backs who are running hard and forwards in the lineout who need to communicate clearly.
Protection is good, the fit is comfortable and it is one of the few guards that players who have previously refused to wear a mouthguard consistently say they forget is there.
Best for: Players who prioritise breathing and communication
Price range: £12–£20
View Shock Doctor AirFlow on Amazon →
4. Opro Bronze — Best Budget Mouthguard
The entry-level Opro guard offers the brand’s reliable fitting process and decent protection at a lower price point. Not as advanced as the Gold’s triple-layer design, but significantly better than generic pharmacy guards. A good option for players trying rugby for the first time who want a reliable guard without spending heavily.
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners and players who lose guards regularly
Price range: £6–£10
5. SISU Max — Best Low-Profile Guard
The SISU Max is one of the thinnest mouthguards available — just 1.6mm thick. It is the most comfortable guard most players will try, and because it is so slim, talking and breathing feel almost completely natural. The fitting process is different from boil-and-bite — you mould it directly in cold water around your teeth.
The trade-off is that it provides less shock absorption than thicker guards. For recreational and lower-level players, it is excellent. For high-contact forwards at competitive levels, the Opro Gold remains the safer choice.
Best for: Players who dislike bulky guards; recreational and light-contact rugby
Price range: £25–£35
Boil-and-Bite Fitting Tips
- Boil water, remove from heat, let it cool for 30 seconds
- Submerge the guard for the time stated on the packaging (usually 20–30 seconds)
- Remove with a spoon, shake off excess water, place immediately in your mouth
- Bite down firmly and use your fingers and tongue to press it against your teeth and gums
- Hold for 30 seconds then transfer to cold water to set
A correctly fitted guard should stay in place without biting down on it. If it falls out when your mouth is open, repeat the process.
For more on protective kit, see the full protective gear guide.