Approved rugby shoulder pads
Our selection of Shoulder Pads includes rugby shoulder pads from Canterbury Pro and Elite, Gilbert Atomic, XP range and Triflex Lite for female players, and Force XV, available in both adult and child sizes. It is aimed at forwards who take repeated hits as well as backs who want to tackle without fear, with our guides to choose the level of protection and the right size.
Absorbing impacts, shoulder by shoulder.
What Regulation 12 Allows for a Shoulder Pad
A rugby shoulder pad is a fitted top, worn under the jersey, into which soft foams are sewn. The Regulation 12 from World Rugby strictly governs these protections: the foams cannot exceed ten millimetres in thickness, with a small margin, and their density is capped to cushion without becoming hard for the opponent. No rigid parts are allowed. Only models bearing the World Rugby approval label are accepted in matches, which the referee can check during the equipment inspection.
Other Protections
Protections also come in:
All protections are gathered on the protections page.
Atomic, Triflex Lite, Pro, Elite: choosing your coverage
The Gilbert Atomic protects the shoulders and sternum with a fabric that stretches in four directions, for those who prioritise freedom of movement. The XP range from Gilbert increases coverage to include protection for the biceps, ribs, and lower back. The Triflex Lite has been specifically developed for women's rugby. In Canterbury, the Pro covers the shoulders, chest, and biceps, while the Elite adds lower back protection, both featuring a VapoDri finish that wicks away sweat. The Force XV shoulder pads complete the selection, from junior to adult sizes.
Chest Measurement and Close Fit
The size of a shoulder pad is chosen based on the chest measurement, taken under the armpits, arms along the body, and then compared to the brand's sizing guide. The shoulder pad should fit snugly like a second skin: if it floats, the foams can slip during the first tackle, leaving the shoulder exposed. Forwards, who are exposed to repeated contact, often choose a broader coverage, while backs prefer a lighter model that doesn’t hinder running or passing. For children, the exact size is taken, never above, even if growth is rapid.
Good Deals
Good deals can be found in good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The year's highlights follow a steady order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, French Days in spring, then summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there shoulder pads available in larger sizes?
Yes, most brands offer sizes up to XXL, designed for the build of forwards. It’s important to check the maximum chest measurement on the guide, as a shoulder pad that is too tight compresses the rib cage and hampers breathing.
Is a shoulder pad useful for a child?
It is not mandatory, but it reassures many children during their first tackles and cushions falls to the ground. A light, approved model should be chosen, in the exact size, so it doesn’t restrict movement.
Shoulder pad or epaulette: what’s the difference?
In rugby, both terms often refer to the same protection. Models that also cover the chest, ribs, and back are sometimes referred to as body armour or torso protection.
How do you wash a rugby shoulder pad?
In the washing machine at thirty degrees in a mesh bag, or by hand, without fabric softener that clogs the technical fabric, then air dry flat. The tumble dryer damages the foams and stretches the elastic fabric.
Does a shoulder pad protect against dislocations?
No, it cushions direct impacts on the shoulder and collarbone, but does not secure the joint during forced movements. After a dislocation, rehabilitation with a physiotherapist helps prepare for a return to tackling.
