The right training equipment helps rugby players improve faster between club sessions. Whether you’re working on speed, strength, handling or kicking, these are the best items available on Amazon UK — all suitable for solo training or small group sessions.
Training Balls
1. Gilbert Quartz Training Ball — Best All-Round Training Ball
The Gilbert Quartz is the most popular training ball in UK club rugby. It holds its shape well across a full season, handles wet conditions better than budget balls and is the right weight and size for all training drills. Available in size 3 (juniors), 4 (youth) and 5 (adult). Buy two or three if you’re running team sessions.
Price range: £15–£25
2. Gilbert Reflex Rugby Ball (Odd-Shaped)
An odd-shaped ball that bounces unpredictably — designed to sharpen reaction speed and handling under pressure. Used by coaches at all levels to improve a player’s ability to deal with awkward bounces. A fun but genuinely useful training tool, particularly for backs and fullbacks.
Price range: £12–£18
Speed & Agility
3. Speed Ladder — Best for Footwork and Agility
An agility ladder is one of the most used tools at rugby training. It improves footwork, coordination and change of direction — all critical for every position. Look for a 6–10 metre ladder with flat plastic rungs that lie flat on the ground. Most come with a carry bag and are suitable for all ages.
Price range: £8–£18
4. Speed Hurdles (Mini Hurdles)
Mini hurdles are excellent for developing high-knee drive and fast footwork — particularly useful for backs and forwards who want to improve their acceleration off the mark. A set of 10 adjustable hurdles covers most training drills and packs away easily.
Price range: £12–£22
5. Resistance Parachute / Sprint Chute
A resistance sprint parachute attaches to a harness and provides drag during sprint drills — building explosive acceleration. Popular with backs and wingers looking to add speed. Simple to use solo and one of the most effective tools for sprint development without gym equipment.
Price range: £12–£20
Strength & Conditioning
6. Resistance Bands Set
A set of resistance bands covers a huge range of rugby-specific exercises — hip activation, shoulder stability, banded squats and scrum-position strength work. Lightweight, portable and usable anywhere. One of the best value strength training purchases for a rugby player who trains at home.
Price range: £10–£20
7. Slam Ball / Medicine Ball
A slam ball or medicine ball is useful for developing the explosive upper-body power needed in scrums and contact. Exercises like medicine ball slams, chest passes and rotational throws are standard in rugby strength programmes. A 5–8kg ball covers most exercises for adult players.
Price range: £20–£40
Contact & Tackle Training
8. Tackle Tube / Pop-Up Tackle Bag
A pop-up tackle bag is the most useful contact training tool for solo and small-group use. It stands upright and returns to position after being hit — ideal for tackle technique practice, hit-and-spin drills and forward driving work. Most models fold flat for storage. A popular choice for coaches running junior sessions.
Price range: £30–£60
9. Scrum Cap / Scrummaging Harness
For forwards working on scrum position and drive mechanics, a scrummaging harness attaches to a wall or fixed post and provides resistance for body position drills. Useful for coaches working with junior props on technique before progressing to full contact scrums.
Kicking
10. Kicking Tee Set
Every player who practises kicking needs a set of tees. A pack of rubber kicking tees in multiple heights covers conversions and place kicks. Get a range of heights — different kickers prefer different tee heights depending on their kicking style.
Price range: £5–£10
Training Kit Checklist
- Training ball (Gilbert Quartz) — essential
- Speed ladder — excellent value for footwork improvement
- Resistance bands — portable, covers many exercises
- Mini hurdles — good for speed sessions
- Pop-up tackle bag — for contact technique (team or solo)
- Kicking tees — for any player who practises goal kicking
For training drills you can do with this equipment, see the home training drills guide and the speed and agility training page.