World Rugby Law 8 permits a place-kicker to set the ball directly on the ground, sand, sawdust or a kicking tee; no other support may be used. Kicking tees range from fixed-height stands to adjustable designs, so compare the ball cradle, stability and whether the setup can be repeated in practice.
Rugby kicking tees are optional place-kick supports, not a regulated ball-size accessory. World Rugby Law 8 says a conversion kicker may place the ball on the ground, sand, sawdust or a tee, and that nothing else may be used to assist the kicker. Read Law 8 before using a local variation.
Fixed vs adjustable tees
| Type | What changes | Consider it when |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed height | One ball-rest height and cradle | The kicker wants one familiar setup and a simple spare |
| Adjustable | The height can be changed; Gilbert’s model uses a screw-thread top | The kicker wants to experiment with more than one ball position |
| Low-profile or molded | A fixed shape supports the ball close to the ground | The kicker prefers that ball position and the base sits securely on the venue surface |
These are product-design differences, not different permissions under Law 8. The law does not prescribe a tee height or shape. Compare the actual product construction and try the ball position during practice rather than relying on a product label alone.
Match setup and care
Check that the ball rests steadily on the tee and that the tee stays where it is placed. Pick a compact, light model if it will travel in a kit bag; a more adjustable design is useful only if the kicker wants to change its setup. Keep a second tee in the team kit if one is shared across a squad.
The rugby ball size guide helps match the ball to the player group. For the separate choice between a match-range ball and a training-range ball, see rugby match balls vs training balls. Compare the soft-ground and firm-ground rugby boots guide for pitch gear, check the wider World Rugby equipment rules, and browse rugby balls.
Sources
Common questions
Can you use a kicking tee for a rugby conversion?
Yes. World Rugby Law 8 allows the ball to be placed on the ground, sand, sawdust or a kicking tee for a conversion.
Can you use anything besides a tee to hold the ball up?
Law 8 lists the ground, sand, sawdust and a kicking tee, and says nothing else may assist the kicker.
Should I choose a fixed or adjustable rugby tee?
A fixed tee keeps one setup, while an adjustable design changes elevation. Pick the format that lets the kicker set the ball consistently.
Does World Rugby set a kicking-tee height?
Law 8 names the permitted supports but does not specify a tee height in its place-kick wording.