Buying kit for a child starting rugby does not need to be expensive or complicated. This guide covers the essential items, what order to buy them in, and the best options on Amazon UK at every budget — including starter bundles that give you everything in one purchase.
What a Junior Player Actually Needs
Before spending on kit, check with the club. Most clubs have specific colour requirements for match shirts and some sell or organise team kit directly. The essentials every junior player needs regardless of club are:
- Mouthguard — mandatory in most junior leagues
- Rugby boots — correct stud type for the pitch
- Training shorts and top — for sessions
- Club match shirt — check colours with the club first
- Rugby ball — optional but great for practising at home
Best Junior Mouthguard
Opro Power-Fit Junior
The most recommended junior mouthguard by UK rugby coaches. Boil-and-bite fitting, triple-layer protection, comfortable and available in bright colours. Mandatory in most junior leagues — buy this first.
Price range: £8–£15
Best Junior Rugby Boots
Adidas Predator Junior (Best Quality)
The go-to junior boot recommended by most club coaches. Better build quality than budget alternatives — fewer blisters, better grip, longer lasting. Available from junior size 3. Worth spending on for a child playing regularly.
Price range: £35–£65
Canterbury Phoenix Junior (Best Budget)
Solid moulded stud boot for younger players just starting out. Good for ages 5–10 who will quickly grow out of boots. Reliable Canterbury quality at a lower price point.
Price range: £20–£35
Best Junior Rugby Shirt & Shorts
Canterbury Club Junior Jersey + Short Bundle
Canterbury’s junior jersey and shorts are the most widely worn training kit at UK junior clubs. Lightweight, quick-drying and durable — available in a good range of colours. Buy these as a pair for a complete training kit.
Jersey price range: £20–£30 | Shorts price range: £14–£22
View Canterbury Junior Jersey →
View Canterbury Junior Shorts →
Best Junior Rugby Ball
Gilbert Pulse Training Ball
The most popular junior training ball in the UK. Available in size 3 (ages 5–9) and size 4 (ages 10–13). Durable, holds its shape well and easy to grip for smaller hands. Ideal for practising passing and kicking at home.
Price range: £12–£20
Best Junior Protective Gear
Gilbert Kinetica Junior Headguard
The best-selling headguard at junior level. World Rugby approved, lightweight and available in junior sizes. Not essential but popular with parents of children who are nervous about contact play.
Price range: £20–£35
Optimum Junior Body Armour
Shoulder and chest padding for young players new to contact rugby. Lightweight, World Rugby approved and available in junior sizes. Good for building confidence in children moving up to full-contact age groups.
Price range: £18–£28
Complete Junior Starter Kit — Recommended Budget
| Item | Recommended | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthguard | Opro Power-Fit Junior (£10) | Opro Bronze Junior (£7) |
| Boots (age 5–10) | Canterbury Phoenix Jr (£28) | Any moulded boot (£15+) |
| Boots (age 10+) | Adidas Predator Jr (£50) | Canterbury Speed Jr (£30) |
| Training shirt | Canterbury Junior Jersey (£25) | Optimum Junior Jersey (£15) |
| Training shorts | Canterbury Junior Short (£18) | Any sports short (£10) |
| Rugby ball | Gilbert Pulse Size 3/4 (£15) | Any branded ball (£10) |
Rugby Ball Size Guide
| Age | Ball size |
|---|---|
| Under 7s–Under 8s | Size 3 |
| Under 9s–Under 12s | Size 4 |
| Under 13s and above | Size 5 (adult) |
For more on what to expect as a new rugby parent, see the rugby for parents guide. For a complete breakdown of each piece of protective kit, see the protective gear guide.