Children's rugby protective gear

What the rules of the game allow on the pitch

The rules of World Rugby clearly outline the protections. The helmet and shoulder pad must be made of soft and thin materials, without any part exceeding one centimetre in thickness when not compressed, or with a density greater than forty-five kilos per cubic metre, and must carry the approval label. The shoulder pad only covers the shoulder and collarbone. Washable supports made from elastic or compressible materials, like knee pads, are allowed, but shorts with sewn-in padding are among the equipment prohibited in matches.

Protections

Children's protections come in:

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

The whole children’s range is gathered on the children's page.

Mouthguard: the first protection to buy

The mouthguard is the only protection explicitly recommended by the rules of the game, and the most useful for a child: it protects the teeth and lips and absorbs shocks transmitted to the jaw. Thermoformable models, like the Opro, Safejawz Intro or the Makura Toka, take the imprint of the teeth after being placed in hot water; the Snap-Fit from Opro, pre-formed, can be worn straight out of the packaging. It needs to be checked every term, as the loss of milk teeth quickly changes a rugby player's dentition.

Helmet, shoulder pad, knee pad: what measurements to take

Each protection is chosen with a tape measure. For the helmet, measure the head circumference just above the eyebrows and ears; for the shoulder pad, measure the chest under the arms; for the knee pad, measure the knee circumference at the middle of the kneecap. Then, record the measurement in the brand's guide without rounding up: a protection that is too large slips on contact and leaves the area exposed. It's better to buy a new size after one season than to keep using poorly fitting equipment.

Good deals

Great offers can be found in promotions, sales, clearance, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. Items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The key shopping times of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What protections are essential to start playing rugby?

The mouthguard first, then suitable shoes; helmet and shoulder pad are optional but provide reassurance to children who may be apprehensive about contact. The club may also specify its own requirements depending on the age category.

Does a rugby helmet prevent concussions?

No, it protects against cuts, abrasions, and damaged ears in scrums, but it hasn't been proven to prevent concussions. Good tackling technique, learned from an early age in rugby school, remains the best prevention.

What does the World Rugby label guarantee on a protection?

It certifies that the model has been tested according to World Rugby regulation twelve, which sets thickness, density, and materials. Without this label, a helmet or shoulder pad may be refused by the referee during an official match.

Do Gilbert protections suit children?

Yes, Gilbert offers its Air, Octane, and XP helmets in children's sizes, as well as its XP1000 shoulder pad. All its helmets are approved by World Rugby, allowing them to be worn in matches starting from rugby school.

How do I maintain protections after training?

Take them out of the bag as soon as you get home, rinse the mouthguard with cold water, and air out the helmet and shoulder pad before washing them by hand or at a low temperature. If stored damp, a protection can quickly develop odors and bacteria.