Kids' rugby protective shorts

Compression shorts or padded shorts: two uses

The compression shorts, made from elastic fabric, wrap around the thighs and hips to support the muscles, limit chafing in the groin area, and retain warmth in cold weather. The padded shorts add thin foam on the thighs and hips to absorb impacts from tackles or falls. Both are worn directly under the playing shorts, fitted like tight shorts. For a child, the first is used for every training session and match; the second is reserved for contact drills during training, for a specific regulatory reason.

Other protections

Child protections also come in:

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

All child protections are gathered on the child protections page.

Padded shorts in matches: what law four states

The laws of the game from World Rugby are clear: among the prohibited equipment are shorts or leggings with sewn-in padding. In official matches, a child cannot wear shorts with integrated foam under their kit. Washable supports made from elastic or compressible materials remain allowed, which means the compression shorts without foam are permitted. Padded shorts are suitable for training, during tackling drills and ground work, where they reassure younger players who are apprehensive about falls.

Waist size, length and washing of the compression shorts

Size is chosen based on the waist size and thigh circumference: the shorts should fit snugly against the skin without cutting off circulation or riding up the thigh while running. Depending on the models, they stop mid-thigh or just above the knee, and remain covered by the playing shorts. For maintenance, a wash at thirty degrees, in a mesh bag, preserves the elasticity of the fibres; avoid fabric softener, which reduces the breathability of the fabric, and the tumble dryer, which loosens it and ages the seams faster.

Good deals

Good bargains can be found in promotions, sales, clearance, Black Friday. Items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The year's key events follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year celebrations, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between protective shorts and cycling shorts?

The classic cycling shorts, made from elastic cotton, simply cover the thigh. The protective shorts for rugby, made from technical fibres, add compression, flat seams to reduce chafing, and, on some models, foam for training.

Do compression shorts keep you warm in winter?

Yes, the tight-fitting layer keeps the muscles warm during breaks and training in the rain. For very cold weather, long tights made from a cotton blend, with a single inner seam, are also permitted by the laws of the game.

At what age can a child wear compression shorts in rugby?

There is no minimum age: from rugby school onwards, a compression short prevents chafing and keeps the kit in place. The padded model is especially of interest to children starting to tackle.

Do compression shorts replace underwear?

Many players wear them alone under their playing shorts, as they act as fitted underwear. They must then be washed after each session, like any sports underwear.

Do padded shorts prevent bruises on the thighs?

The padded model reduces bruising from knees and opponents' studs during tackle training. The compression shorts, without foam, do not absorb impacts but support the muscles.