Equipment, gear, and accessories used in rugby are the focus of this part of our web guide.
Rugby football is a close-contact sport that originated at Rugby School in England in the early 19th century. In its most common form, it involves two teams of 15 players each (rugby union) or 13 players each (rugby league), competing to carry, pass, and kick an oval-shaped ball to score points by grounding it in the opponent's in-goal area or kicking it through goalposts.
In ruby, play is continuous, with fewer stoppages than in American football, where there are frequent breaks for downs and timeouts. Rugby players also wear minimal protective gear, whereas American football players wear helmets and are heavily padded.
There are other differences as well, but we'll cover the game more fully in the corresponding category in our Sports & Recreation category, as this is the shopping area.
Rugby balls are central to the game. Traditionally oval-shaped. they are designed to be easier to handle and pass. Made from synthetic leather, the ball is designed for durability and grip, even in wet conditions. Gilbert Rugby and Rhino Rugby are well-known manufacturers, with Gilbert being the official supplier for several international competitions, including the Rugby World Cup.
Rugby is a full-contact sport, yet protective gear is minimal as compared to other similar sports. Mouthguards are used to protect against dental and oral injuries. Typically made of thermoplastic materials, mouthguards are often custom-fitted. Shock Doctor and OPRO are established brands. Rather than helmets, rugby players wear headgear, known as scrum caps. Made of lightweight foam, they protect the head and ears during scrums and tackles. Canterbury and Kooga are notable manufacturers. Shoulder pads, made of flexible foam, protect the shoulders and upper body from impact. They are worn under the jersey. Canterbury and Gilbert are common brands.
Rugby boots are designed to provide traction on various playing surfaces. They feature reinforced toes and a variety of stud configurations to suit various positions and ground conditions. Adidas, Canterbury, and Nike are popular brands.
Rugby jerseys and shorts are made from durable, stretchy fabrics to withstand the rigors of the game while allowing for freedom of movement. Jerseys often feature reinforced stitching and are designed to fit snugly to prevent opponents from grabbing hold. Adidas, Kukri, and Nike are common brands. Rugby socks are typically long and thick, providing additional support and protection for the calves and shins.
Kit bags carry essential equipment. Gilbert and Rhino offer several options.
Beyond the gear used in matches, training equipment is also important. This may include items like tackling pads, cones, and agility ladders. Rhino Rugby is well known for its wide range of training aids.
Major manufacturers and retailers of equipment, gear, and accessories for rugby are appropriate resources for this category, along with product comparison or review websites.
Recommended Resources
Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Liquid Rugby sells rugby-themed T-shirts, jerseys, training equipment, and rugby balls. It has been in business for over twenty-five years and has a product catalog including over 300 T-shirts. Liquid Rugby can also produce custom rugby kits. Besides its t-shirts, the company also offers a Rugby T-Shirt of the Month Club. Liquid Rugby will help customers design a custom rugby jersey with no minimum order requirements, rugby balls and training kits.
https://www.liquidrugby.com/
The New York-based company has been in business for over forty years, outfitting rugby athletes. Its address in Tappan, New York, is provided along with contact data, a downloadable brochure, and an online product catalog that includes team wear, a kit builder, rugby balls, equipment, footwear, apparel, and youth rugby gear, available for online purchase. Also included are hit shields and tackle bags, tackle rings, scrum machines, member benefits, and an informational blog.
https://usa.rhinorugby.com/
Founded in 1971, Rugby Imports specializes in providing rugby gear, apparel, and equipment, offering a range of products such as jerseys, shorts, boots, balls, and other gear from brands like Barbarian, Canterbury, and Gilbert. They also provide custom design services for team wear and uniforms, which are described in its Team Custom area. Quotes on bulk orders may be requested through the website, which includes a product catalog, shipping and delivery data, and its returns policies.
https://www.rugbyimports.com/
The Rugby Shop offers a range of rugby gear, including kits, balls, boots, clothing, and other gear and accessories. Shoppers can browse its product category, build their own kit, shop by team, or browse best sellers and new arrivals. Partners include Canterbury, Lil Ruckers, and The Rugby Ref. Customers can sign up for updates and exclusive offers, and an online form is available for general inquiries. Other resources include bulk orders, team stores, sizing charts, and its rewards program.
https://therugbyshop.com/
In business for over thirty years, the company is located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. As a head-to-toe rugby outfitter, Ruggers stocks headgear, footwear, and everything in between, carrying such brands as Adidas, Gilbert, Holloway, Kooga, Ruggers, Under Armour, and others. The address and contacts are posted. Its online catalog features match apparel, protective gear, rugby boots, balls, and equipment, as well as rugby bags, referee gear, scoring pads, and accessories.
https://ruggers.com/
A leading rugby retailer in North America and a source of officially licensed products designed for professionals, teams, and fans around the world, the World Rugby Shop is a destination for rugby enthusiasts, offering a wide range of rugby gear, apparel, and equipment. The business also supports major rugby teams and organizations, including USA Rugby and the South African, Samoan, Welsh, Fijian, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand rugby unions. Individual and team sales are available online.
https://www.worldrugbyshop.com/
