Black Friday on rugby protection gear
The selection of Black Friday protective gear includes safety equipment for adult and youth players: Gilbert helmets, Canterbury, adidas, and Joma, shoulder pads Canterbury Pro and Elite and Force XV, mouthguards Gilbert Xbrace, Opro, and Shock Doctor, protective shorts and compression knee pads. Protective gear chosen for contact, from prop to back.
Stay protected at a reduced price.
Rugby helmet: lightweight or coverage
The choice of a helmet is between lightweight and coverage. The Gilbert Air, ventilated, is suitable for players who are new to head protection and fear the heat. Front row forwards, who push in scrums, mainly look at the thickness of the padding around the ears, and like to compare the Octane from Gilbert, the Canterbury Raze, the adidas model, and Joma helmets. All must carry the World Rugby label to be used in matches. The helmet limits cuts and cauliflower ears, but does not protect against concussions.
The other equipment
The Black Friday equipment also includes:
All the Black Friday equipment is gathered on the equipment page.
Shoulder pads and protective shorts: cushioning body shocks
Shoulder pads are a fitted top padded on the shoulders, and sometimes on the sternum and upper arms. The Canterbury Pro and Elite models and the Force XV shoulder pad are worn under the jersey, close to the body so they don't move during impact. World Rugby regulates the thickness and density of the permitted padding and requires its label for matches. The protective shorts Gilbert add padding on the thighs and hips, areas exposed during tackles and falls, without hindering running.
Gnashers and knee pads: protecting the mouth and joints
For the mouth as well as the joints, targeted protections complete the set. The Gilbert Xbrace combines two densities, with a firm outer shell and a softer layer in contact with the teeth, while the Opro, thermoformable, takes the impression of the dental arch after being immersed in hot water. The Shock Doctor Double Braces are aimed at wearers of orthodontic devices. For joints, the compression knee pads Hummel, short or long, support the knee during exertion and protect against friction on the ground.
The other good deals
Outside of Black Friday, good deals can be found in good plans, clearance, sales. The new arrivals feature the latest collections. The major highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and the back-to-school season.
Frequently asked questions
Is the helmet mandatory in rugby?
No, the helmet remains optional for both young players and adults. Some players, often in the front row, wear it out of habit or to protect their ears, and it must then be certified for match play.
What protection for a prop or hooker?
Front row players often wear a helmet to protect against friction in scrums, well-fitted shoulder pads, and sometimes sleeves on their arms. The mouthguard remains essential for this exposed position.
How to clean a piece of protection after a match?
Wash the helmet and shoulder pads by hand or in the machine on a low temperature according to the label, then let them air dry, away from a radiator that could damage the padding.
When to replace a mouthguard?
As soon as it’s cracked, misshapen, or no longer stays in place without clenching the teeth. In adults, it's typically replaced every year, and more often in adolescents whose mouths are still developing.
Should shoulder pads be worn at training?
It’s recommended during contact and tackling sessions, which expose the shoulders just like a match. For non-contact drills, they can be omitted, but the mouthguard remains mandatory as soon as there’s contact.
