Rugby gear for playing with confidence

The mouthguard, the player's first protection

Even before the helmet, the mouthguard is the protection you must never forget: it absorbs impacts to the teeth and jaw, and the French Rugby Federation has made it mandatory for practices involving tackling. The Gilbert Xbrace combines two densities of material, the adidas Opro molds itself after a brief soak in hot water, and the Shock Doctor Double Braces is designed for wearers of dental braces, without molding around the brackets. It should be rinsed after each use and stored in a ventilated box, away from heat.

Types of protections

The protections are available in:

• Helmets.
• Shoulder pads.
• Mouthguards.
• Protective shorts.
• Knee pads.
• Ankle supports.
• Shin guards.

All the equipment is gathered on the equipment page.

Helmets and shoulder pads: what certification guarantees

The soft helmets, Gilbert Octane or Air, Canterbury Raze, adidas Performant or Joma, protect against cuts and friction to the ears, but do not prevent concussions. The shoulder pads Canterbury Pro and Elite or Force XV absorb impacts to the shoulders, collarbones and, depending on the model, the chest and back. To be worn in matches, these two pieces of equipment must comply with regulation 12 from World Rugby: foams of ten millimeters thick, with a small margin of tolerance, and a density capped at forty-five kilos per cubic meter, tolerance in addition. The certification label is on the tag.

Knee pads, ankle supports and shorts for joints

The protective shorts Gilbert include foams on the thighs and hips, useful for players who take a lot of tackles. The compression knee pads Hummel, in short or long versions, support the joint and keep the muscles warm. The ankle supports with crossed straps limit ankle twisting and aid recovery after a sprain. These supportive protections do not replace muscle strengthening or advice from a physiotherapist, but they provide reassurance during the early weeks of returning to play.

Good deals

Good deals can be found in the good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals show the latest collections, and the items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady pattern: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

What protections for a child who is starting out?

The mouthguard first, molded to their teeth. The soft helmet and shoulder pads, optional, often reassure children during their first tackles, provided they are certified and properly fitted.

Are there shoulder pads for women?

Yes, the Gilbert Triflex Lite has been developed for women’s rugby, with foams placed to protect the shoulders and upper chest without hindering at the bust area. It is chosen based on the bust measurement.

What protection for a fragile shoulder?

A well-fitted shoulder pad absorbs direct impacts but does not stabilize a dislocated joint. After an injury, muscle strengthening and the green light from the doctor are more important than the equipment before resuming contact.

When should you change your protections?

A cracked, deformed or no longer fitting mouthguard should be replaced immediately, which often happens every year with young players. Helmets and shoulder pads last as long as the foams retain their thickness and the seams hold.

How to wash your protections?

The helmet and shoulder pad can be washed at low temperatures, by hand or in a machine in a net, without fabric softener, then air-dried. The tumble dryer and radiator damage the foams and elastic fabric.