The rough-and-tumble game of rugby, popular around the world but especially in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom, may not require as much equipment as American football, the game it influenced. However, players on both teams -- 13 players per side in Rugby League, 15 in Rugby Union -- must meet standards for required gear. In addition, some optional equipment may enhance player safety. The International Rugby Board's "Laws of the Game" specifies the required equipment for rugby competition.
Ball
The ball in rugby has a distinctive egg shape that dates back to the sport's earliest days, when teams used inflated pigs' bladders encased in leather. The modern rugby ball is made from synthetic materials, and the International Rugby Board permits treating the ball with waterproofing material, making it easier to grip.
Goalposts
Like American football, the field in rugby -- known as the pitch -- has H-shaped goalposts at each end of the field. The IRB laws regulate the dimensions of the goal posts. The posts must have a minimum height of 3.4 meters, or about 11 feet. The length of the crossbar determines the distance between the two vertical posts, which the IRB specifies must be 5.6 meters, or 18.3 feet.
Player Clothing
Unlike American football players, who wear helmets, shoulder pads and other safety gear, the International Rugby Board's Law 4 requires only that players wear jerseys, shorts, underwear, socks and the cleated shoes known as boots. Historically, rugby jerseys were made from cotton, but modern jerseys are made from synthetic materials. The number on a player's jersey signifies the player's position. For example, the scrum half, who throws the ball into a scrum, usually wears the number "9," while the hooker wears the number "2." The studs on rugby boots may not have sharp edges.
Optional Safety Gear
Although IRB rules do not require them, rugby players wear mouth guards or dental protectors during play. In addition, some rugby players opt to wear a protective head covering known as a scrum cap, which is secured by a chin strap. Other optional safety equipment include shin guards, fingerless gloves known as grip gloves and shoulder pads. Female rugby players often wear protective chest pads. IRB Regulation12 contains detailed specifications regarding player clothing and optional equipment. In general, players may not wear any clothing or equipment that is thicker than 0.5 cm, or about 0.2 inches, when uncompressed.
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