The 2024-25 rugby season is upon us with the unstoppable momentum of the No. 8s galloping ahead. That means the school year is just around the corner as the kids prepare to head back to school, and you’ll be happy to have some rugby kit and gear ready to get you back on track.
Parents around the world’s thoughts will turn from the holidays to the start of a new school year and the annual planning to get their kids ready for September.
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In addition to providing your child with the right uniform and shoes – Did Grew an inch in a month? – You’re probably looking at the surprisingly long shopping list provided by PE Department.
If rugby is on your calendar this year (a sport where player safety is paramount), you may need to pick up a whole new set of accessories, especially if your son or daughter is moving to a new school.
We’ve put together this school rugby buying guide to help you understand what kit your child needs. Some of it is mandatory (boots, gum guards) and others are optional (shoulder pads, scrum caps). We’ve also included options to suit a variety of budgets to help you get everything sorted before the new school year starts.
It’s a lot to take in, but remember that if you need any further advice, your school, rugby club or local rugby shop can point you in the right direction. Game on!
School Rugby Buying Guide:
Gum guard/mouth guard
The first rugby essential for back to school. Many players don’t like wearing gum guards (aka mouth guards), but this is one thing you shouldn’t skimp on before your child heads back to school, especially if you don’t want the gap where your child’s front teeth used to be the main topic of conversation in the next class photo.
The RFU strongly recommends the use of gum guards in contact games and training, and many schools and clubs require them for their young players. Fortunately, there are many affordable options available.
Since it is important that the gum guard fit properly, a moldable mouth guard is a good place to start. Soaking the guard in boiling water will make it easier to mold to fit your child’s gnawing teeth. Keep in mind, however, that as your child and their mouth grow, you may need to buy a new gum guard.
Gum guards are classified as personal protective equipment (PPE), so look for the CE marking to ensure they are compliant with UK and EU regulations. As your child’s rugby career progresses, you may want to consider investing in a gum guard custom-made by your dentist to ensure maximum comfort and protection.
SAFEJAWZ Marvel Junior Mouthguard | £13.99
The SAFEJAWZ Marvel mouthguard line, made by the same manufacturer that supplies products to YouTuber KSI, also includes Iron Man, Deadpool, and Black Panther alternatives.
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Opro Silver Junior Mouthguard | £12.99
Offro partners with over 75 professional sports teams worldwide and is a world leader in mouthguard technology.
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rugby boots
Here, the items may be expensive, but rugby boots are a must-have for back-to-school rugby. Rugby boots look almost exactly like the round ball, but the color scheme is a little more subtle. The stylish football boots that your child is complaining about may not be suitable for rugby. Therefore, it is prudent to find a pair of shoes that are suitable for both games, especially if your son or daughter is not yet into rugby.
Rugby boots may have additional special features (such as a high heel for extra support on set pieces), but the first thing to look for is the sole.
To comply with World Rugby Law 12, studs must not exceed 21mm in length, have a tip width of at least 10mm, and most importantly, must not have burrs or sharp edges. Studs can be metal or a combination of metal and plastic.
Completely plastic studs are not permitted, but bladed and molded studs are. ~is Allowed (if the above criteria are met). For more information, read England Rugby’s Get Your Boots On guide. You should also check your child’s school requirements, as some schools do not allow blades.
Get into the habit of checking the condition of your child’s shoes, as frequent trips on hard surfaces (e.g. parking lots) can cause the studs to become damaged, interfering with play.
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The referee has the authority to decide whether or not a boot meets the regulations, so practice your stud diligence to make sure your son or daughter isn’t sitting on the sidelines. (Trust us, they’re absoluteness (Anyone who just watched a game where they were supposed to be starring will have the last word.)
However, threaded studs are often a better option because they are much easier to replace, especially since you can choose the stud that best suits the ground conditions on any given day.
Decathlon Offload Kids Rugby Boots | £27.99
The French retailer specializes in quality alternatives to big-name brands, and these unadorned black boots will stand up to even the most rigorous game instructor’s standards.
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COOKA POWER KIDS RUGBY BOOT | 79.99 pounds 39.99 pounds
Many aspiring rugby players have started out on Cougars, and you can’t go wrong with this simple yet effective design. The eight-stud layout is ideal for muddy pitches.
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Adidas Predator League Kids Soccer Cleats | 49.99 pounds 42.00 pounds
If your kids are fashion-forward, these Adidas boots might be the way to go. However, these boots are only suitable for hard surfaces and may not meet all school regulations.
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water bottle
It’s well known that hydration is important for young brain development, so it’s likely that your child brings a water bottle to school every day, even if there’s no physical education class on the schedule.
The bottle is often one of the few places where children can express their individuality, especially if the school has a strict uniform policy, so children will probably beg their parents to buy them the latest fashion design.
But as a parent, you’ll want something that’s the right size, doesn’t leave that horrible plastic aftertaste, and perhaps most importantly, doesn’t leak easily. Remember, you’ll be the one cleaning up the mess when your child’s bag turns into a swamp.
In other words, you’re looking for a bottle that’s durable and has a lid that won’t leak or get lost. There are literally hundreds of water bottles out there, but these three are a good place to start.
Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth Water Bottle | £19.50
A favorite among hikers, commuters, and just about everyone else, this design classic is a must-have hydration item for anyone on the go. And it comes in a variety of colors.
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Camelbak Eddy 600ml Water Bottle | £17.00
Another timeless design that will make your business stand out on the touchline. The leak-proof, bite valve straw is ideal for quick sips of water.
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Mountain Warehouse 1L Bottle with Carabiner | £8.99 4.99 pounds
Outdoor enthusiasts usually know a good water bottle when they see one. This aluminum bottle is the perfect water bottle for kids on a budget.
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shoulder pads
Shoulder pads are an optional feature in a young rugby player’s kit bag, but as the game gets faster and the hits get harder, they may like a little extra padding. However, it is not without its drawbacks, as it has been argued that the false sense of security that padding provides can sometimes lead to poor tackling technique in young players.
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If you decide to buy shoulder pads for your child, remember that you are not looking for football-style body armor. Body armor, such as rugby, is essentially padded clothing designed to provide extra protection around the shoulders. This has the side effect of making the wearer look like they have been working out at the gym.
Shoulder pads are usually built into the undershirt or vest worn under the rugby shirt and, like boots, must comply with the RFU/World Rugby rules. If in doubt, check the “World Rugby Approved” label on the kit. Some pads designed for female players also incorporate a chest protector.
Children’s Shoulder Pads Offroad | 19.99 pounds 14.99 pounds
Made by Decathlon’s own rugby brand, these shoulder pads feature a foam chest plate for added protection.
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Canterbury Children’s Shoulder Pads| 34.00 pounds 29.99 pounds
Available in two sizes, this simple option from Canterbury features VapoDri technology with mesh panels for cooling and quick drying.
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Scrum Cap
Again, these should not be confused with the rigid helmets that are essential in American football, but their intended purpose is very different. Rather than protecting from the high-speed, frontal impacts synonymous with gridiron, the primary function of scrum caps is to provide relief from cuts, scrapes and the dreaded cauliflower ears. So basically, they are padded headgear, and are strictly regulated by World Rugby to ensure that they do not cause harm to opponents or indeed teammates.
Like shoulder pads, there is some opinion that scrum caps encourage certain behaviors that are not conducive to good technique in the long run. And to be clear, there is no evidence that they reduce the risk of concussions. Ultimately, whether or not to wear them is up to the school, club, players, and most importantly, responsible parents to set the rules.
Canterbury Off Road Scrum Cap | 24.99 pounds
A collaboration between Decathlon and Canterbury, this scrum cap comes in five sizes and four colour options.
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Rhino Pro Youth Scrum Cap | 19.95 pounds
Available in four colors, this hot pink number is perfect for watching the game from the sidelines and identifying which kid is yours.
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