Protective Equipment

Protect your assets

Mouthguards

RugbySmart 2005 Protective Equipment Video

Protective Gear

Mouthguards are compulsory in rugby. They help to reduce injuries to the teeth, lips, mouth and tongue, and help to reduce jaw fractures. There is no evidence that they decrease the risk of concussion.

Since mouthguards became compulsory in 1997 there’s been a 47% reduction in rugby-related dental injury claims to ACC. In 2003 the law was tightened to allow referees to enforce wearing of mouthguards and consequently there has been a further reduction of 6% last season.

Ensure your players wear mouthguards in activities involving collision or body contact, including during training.

  • Remember it is compulsory that your players wear mouthguards during games
  • Check your players have mouthguards – make the big call if they don’t – no mouthguard, no play

A mouthguard needs to be replaced every season to ensure it provides the best protection.

Rugby Dental Claims

Padded equipment

Research evidence shows that lots of rugby injuries are ‘minor’ – bruises, bumps, cuts and lacerations. Padded equipment such as shoulder and chest/breast pads can help reduce the number of cuts and lacerations players sustain.

Padded equipment does not appear to protect players against severe injuries, and is not appropriate for allowing injured players to resume participation before they are fully recovered.

Headgear

  • Headgear must be fitted properly and securely to prevent serious cuts to the scalp and ears
  • Remember there is no evidence that headgear protects against concussion

Footwear

Make sure your players’ boots are in good condition and that they use sprigs appropriate to the playing conditions. Players should not practice scrummaging, rucking or mauling in running shoes or cross-trainers.