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Rugby is one of the most high-octane, physically demanding sports out there—it takes a serious toll on your body. That’s where we come in. We’re your ultimate source for staying safe while keeping the intensity high.
We’ve crafted the ultimate guide to ensure your well-being on the pitch every single time. Let’s make sure you play safe, smart, and with confidence.
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#1. Defending Your Smile: The Crucial Role of Gum Shields in Rugby
#2. Safeguarding Your Mind: Prioritising Head Protection in Rugby
#3. Mastering Rugby Safety: Wearing Body Armour on the Field
Protecting your Pearly Whites: Safeguarding your Smile
Remember that lecture your PE teacher gave you when you left your gumshield at home? Well, we hate to say it, but they were onto something…
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, gum shields are a must-have before you step onto the pitch. If you cherish your teeth and want to steer clear of mouth lacerations, fractures, or even jaw dislocations, having one of these in your kitbag is essential.
Tip: The RFU strongly recommends wearing gum shields for both training and matches. Athletes are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth without one, according to the ADA.
How to Choose the Right Gumshield for You
Choosing the right gum shield doesn’t have to be complicated! Most mouthguards today use “boil-and-bite” technology, making it easy to mold them to fit your unique bite.
#1. Gently Prepare the Mouthguard:
- Soften the gumshield by immersing it in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
- Carefully remove it from the water using tongs and shake off any excess water.
- Press the gumshield over your top teeth, ensuring it sits squarely within your mouth.
#2. Secure the Fit
- To adapt the mouthguard to the contours of your teeth, position your thumb inside your mouth and apply gentle suction.
- Bite down onto the mouthguard with your bottom teeth, then use your finger externally to shape the mouthguard against your upper teeth.
- If needed, repeat these steps until the mouthguard comfortably stays in place.
#3. Finishing Touches
- Should you require adjustments, trim any excess mouthguard material using sharp scissors.
- For a refined finish, hold the cut edges over a flame (be careful!) for a few seconds and then gently smooth them using your finger.
For a more in-depth guide on selecting the perfect mouthguard, check out our dedicated blog on choosing the right rugby mouthguard.
Defending Your Head in Style
If you’ve ever had the discomfort of cauliflower ear, you know that head protection is more than just about looking tough – it’s about preserving your health. While padded headgear won’t prevent concussions, it’s a key defense against minor head injuries, cuts, and scrapes.
Tip: Always prioritise safety by recognising that headguards don’t replace the need for proper tackling technique and concussion awareness.
Choosing the Right Headguard
Navigating the world of headguards might be a bit trickier than selecting a mouth guard, especially when it comes to finding the right one for you or your children. Fortunately, we’re here to guide you through the process. Understanding which headguard suits your needs is crucial.
As a helpful starting point, keep these four key factors in mind, and you’ll be back to the scrums in no time:
#1. Performance
A high-quality headguard should incorporate effective impact-absorbing materials, like strategically placed foam padding, to cushion head impacts.
#2. Style & Material
Select a headguard crafted from durable materials that can withstand the rugged demands of rugby without compromising protection.
Equally important, prioritise proper ventilation to avoid overheating and discomfort during intense play. Seek out headguards designed from breathable materials that also include ventilation channels.
#3. Size & Fit
Ensuring a snug and secure fit is vital to prevent the headguard from shifting during play. Look for options with adjustable straps and various sizing choices to ensure a custom fit.
#4. Budget
Lastly, factor in your budget. With a wide array of headguards available, finding the perfect blend of fit and cost is important. Always remember, though, that safety should remain your top priority.
With these considerations in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed choice and get back in the game with confidence.
Maximising Protection with Rugby Body Armour
Rugby is a contact sport, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play smart. Rugby body armour offers vital protection for your shoulders, back, and chest, helping you perform with confidence.
How Rugby Body Armour Protects You
Body armour works by diffusing the force of impacts, reducing the risk of bruises and other injuries. Incorporating padding and reinforced panels, it serves as a buffer between you and the intense physicality of the sport.
Did You Know? Although body armour isn’t required by the rules, it’s highly recommended for both beginners and professionals alike. The right gear can lessen the severity of impacts, reducing bruises, contusions, and abrasions.
An Optional Edge (Strongly Recommended)
While Rugby Body Armour isn’t mandated by the official rules of the game, it’s highly recommended—and with good reason. Especially for beginners, incorporating body armour into your kit provides an advantageous head start in adapting to the physical demands and rules of rugby.
Even for seasoned professionals, the benefits of body armour are compelling. This advanced gear is strategically engineered to diffuse impact forces, reducing the severity of bruises, contusions, and potential injuries.
Defending Against Impact, Guarding Against Injury
Incorporating specialised padding and reinforced panels, rugby body armour serves as a buffer, absorbing the force of impacts and shielding against cuts, scrapes, and abrasions. It ensures that even in intense, aggressive gameplay, your body remains protected.
But it’s not just about physical protection. Rugby body armour offers support to muscles and joints, potentially preventing strains and overuse injuries. The mental comfort it provides allows players to focus fully on their performance, unburdened by the fear of potential injuries.
Aiding Endurance and Alleviating Fatigue
Rugby body armour plays an important role in combatting fatigue during games and training. By evenly distributing impact forces and providing stability, it helps maintain your physical resilience and cognitive sharpness throughout the match.
Remember: Safety First
No gear can fully eliminate the risk of injury, but using the right protective equipment—gum shields, headguards, and body armour—can drastically reduce the risks.
Combine this with proper training, adherence to the rules, and smart gameplay, and you’ll be well on your way to staying safe on the pitch.