The modern-day version of rugby was invented in 1823. Known for its high contact level between players and aggressive strategies, rugby equipment -- particularly the safety equipment for players -- has evolved greatly over the past two centuries.
Goalposts
Each end of the playing field has a goalpost 5.6 meters or about 18 1/3 feet apart. The goal posts are each a minimum of 6.4 meters or about 21 feet tall connected by a horizontal bar that's at least 3 meters or 9.8 feet above the ground. Fourteen flag posts bearing flags are positioned on the playing field at the goal lines, touch-in-goal lines and dead ball lines. Each flag post must have a height of at least 1.2 meters or about 4 feet from the ground.
Ball
The oval rugby ball consists of four panels. The ball's end-to-end circumference is typically 74 to 77 cm or 29 to 30 1/3 inches, and its width circumference is 58 to 62 cm or 22 4/5 to 24 ½ inches. The ball's end-to-end length is 28 to 30 cm or about 11 to 12 inches. Rugby balls are usually made from leather or synthetic materials and are sometimes treated for water resistance and grip.
Protective Gear
Rugby players wear protective gear including shin and ankle pads, shoulder gear, mouthguards, helmets and mitts. Players can wear dressings or bandages, and female rugby players wear protective breastplates. The players wear ankle guards beneath their socks, with the guards not rising higher than one-third of the player's shin length and made from a material that's not metal. The mitts are typically fingerless gloves.
Uniforms
Rugby players wear uniforms or clothing items that identify their team. The uniforms include studded shoes. The rugby players' shoes must have no sharp edges or ridges on the soles, but they can have soles made of rubber with multiple studs, notes the International Rugby Board. Boots or shoes with a single stud at the toe aren't permitted under international rules. Rugby players typically wear jerseys, shorts, underwear, boots and socks, and the jerseys and shorts are usually color-coordinated for the individual team.
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