Rugby is an energetic and highly physical sport where physical contact is commonplace. Rugby clothing must be durable to not tear during the tackling, grabbing or pulling to which it is is regularly subjected. Rugby shirts are often made of heavy duty cotton or other durable material, and rugby shorts are heavy duty cotton and have waist ties to keep them in place during rough contact.
Cleats
Rugby cleats are a vital piece of equipment for every rugby player. Rugby cleats give traction and better footing on slippery ground. Cleats are necessary to perform the acceleration and quick changes of direction required during a rugby game. Tackling and scrimmaging require a player to plant his foot on the ground and drive without slipping. Rugby cleats can provide a low-cut or a high-cut shoe model. The high cut is the primary feature that distinguishes rugby cleats from soccer cleats and offers more protection upon contact. The San Francisco Fog Rugby Club recommend Nike, Patrick and Mizuno among the highest quality producers of rugby cleats.
Shin Guards
Shin guards are essential in the sport of rugby due to the increased risk of bruising or fracture to the shin bone caused by physical contact. Shin guards are comprised either of hard plastic or rubber foam padding that absorbs impact and protects a rugby player from shin injury. Rugby laws list shin guards as a piece of mandatory safety equipment for every rugby player.
Mouth Guards
Also known as gum shields, mouth guards are a piece of rugby equipment that can protect teeth from being dislodged upon physical contact. A mouth guard will also offer protection against concussion, and prevent some lacerations to the mouth. Mouth guards are mandatory safety equipment in accordance with rugby laws.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are optional safety equipment for rugby. Rugby shoulder pads are required to be soft and usually are made from a protective foam substance. Harder materials that are approved by the International Rugby Board are not permitted to be worn during rugby. Rugby shoulder pads are worn underneath the rugby jersey and provide shock absorption for common physical contact such as tackling and driving.
Scrum Helmets
Scrum helmets are optional safety equipment when playing rugby. Forwards are usually the players who wear scrum caps, as they protect from injury caused by head collision and minimize ear problems that can be caused by scrimmaging over a long period of time. Rugby laws mandate that padding should be soft foam, not a hard substance that can cause injury, and can be no thicker than 1 cm. Only scrum helmets approved by the International Rugby Board are permitted during rugby.
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