Rugby is an often brutal, fast-paced sport. It is similar to American football but without all the protective helmets and pads. The International Rugby Board is a governing body that oversees the acceptable types of gear that can be worn by rugby players. A shoulder brace should help you avoid hurting your shoulder.
Considerations
According to the International Rugby Board, manufacturers of protective braces and other gear must have their products tested and approved. Rugby players are allowed to wear shoulder pads and head gear that carry the IRB approval mark. Because the sport is dangerous, and players do not wear hard gear, the rules of play are specific in order to lessen the risk of injury.
Men's Shoulder and Upper Body Gear
The IRB has a list of approved shoulder pad and brace manufacturers. An example of one manufacturer is Body Armour. It offers several types and models of braces, and many are made of a soft neoprene-type fabric. Remember, rugby rules do not allow for any type of hard surface gear. Some of the models of shoulder and upper body braces by Body Armour that carry the IRB approval include Club Vest, Flexitop Plus, Flexitop Elite Short Sleeve, Flexitop Elite Long Sleeve, NewTech Vest, Flexlite Vest and Shocktop Vest.
Women's and Children's Braces
The IRB also provides approval for women's and children's rugby braces and vests. An IRB approved manufacturer of women's shoulder braces is the Atout Pique company. The model that is approved is called the Lady Rugby. Other brands might fit women as well but it is important to try them on first. Some of the IRB-approved shoulder gear for kids includes Airowear Ltd's Airodynamix Shoulder Padding, Gilbert's Tri-Lite Tank top, Gray-Nicholls Ltd's Steeden Shoulder Padding, KooGa Zulu Shoulder Padding, Optomum's Faz Pads, Proguard's Proguard Shoulder Pads and Shock Doctor Inc's 2 Pad Shoulder Pads 490 and 491.
Tip
The best type of brace for you depends on the type of shoulder injury you have. Your doctor or physical therapist can provide suggestions. Because rugby players frequently suffer dislocation and impingement shoulder injuries, Rugby Rescue suggests a full shoulder support brace might be your best protective option, especially if you have been injured. The brace resembles a short, neoprene T-shirt. It recommends searching for one that has a lining that can help remove the perspiration that will build up during use.
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