Shin guards to protect the legs

Why some rugby players wear shin pads

Shin pads are still not very common in rugby, but they do have their fans. In a ruck, players on the ground and those who come in to clear receive kicks from studs on the front of their legs, where the bone is only covered by a thin layer of skin. Props, hookers and back row players, often at the heart of these phases, benefit the most. A simple soft shell prevents deep scratches and bruises that can hinder running for several days afterwards. Some backs also wear them after a knock to the shin, until the area has completely healed.

Other protective gear

Protective gear also comes in:

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

All protective gear can be found on the protection page.

World Rugby regulations: thickness and wear under the sock

The twelve regulation of World Rugby, which specifies law four on player attire, strictly governs these protections. The shin pad must be worn under the socks, and its padding must be integrated into a non-rigid fabric, without any part exceeding five millimetres in thickness when not compressed. Hard, thick shells designed for other sports are therefore not compliant. The same law prohibits any item with loops, clips or any rigid protruding part: attachments must remain textile. If the referee notices that a player is wearing prohibited equipment, they must be asked to remove it before play resumes.

What length and fit to choose

The proper length is measured from the bottom of the knee to about five centimetres above the ankle: the shin pad should cover the majority of this area without hitting the knee when the leg bends. For children, this should be checked again each season as growth can quickly make a model too short. The fit relies on an elastic sleeve, a self-gripping textile band or simply a well-fitting sock over the top; a thin piece of adhesive tape around the sock, permitted by law four, prevents it from twisting while running. Models made from foam with perforations allow the skin to breathe better and dry faster after the session.

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Frequently asked questions

Are shin pads mandatory in rugby?

No, they remain optional in both competition and training. Wearing one is a personal choice, common among forwards, and a coach at a rugby school might advise a child who is apprehensive about rucks to wear one.

How to put a shin pad on a child?

First, pull up the sock to mid-calf, place the protection well-centred over the bone, then pull the sock back down over it. A thin sleeve worn underneath helps younger players keep the protection in place without tightening the calf.

Shin pad with or without ankle support: what to choose in rugby?

The model without ankle support, being thinner and lighter, is more commonly used. Versions with integrated ankle support can hinder bending in the shoe; a player who needs ankle support usually wears a separate ankle support under the sock.

Does a shin pad prevent fractures?

No, it is designed to protect against cuts and bruises from studs, not from violent impacts. Its thin layer of foam disperses a kick or stud impact, but does not absorb the energy from a collision between two players running.

How to wash a shin pad?

After each session, rinse it in warm soapy water and let it air dry, never on a radiator which can distort the foam. A soak in diluted white vinegar limits odours; textile sleeves should be washed separately in the machine.