# RugbyTested

> Rugby gear guides: boots by position and pitch, balls by size, headguards, mouthguards and padding, training equipment, kit, and touch, tag, sevens and youth rugby, for union and league.

RugbyTested publishes rugby equipment reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://rugbytested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://rugbytested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://rugbytested.com/glossary): rugby equipment terms defined
- [How we test](https://rugbytested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Rugby boots](https://rugbytested.com/category/boots): Forward and back boots, soft-ground and firm-ground studs, artificial-grass boots, wide fits and youth boots.
- [Rugby balls](https://rugbytested.com/category/balls): Match and training balls, sizes 3 to 5 by age, touch and tag balls, kicking tees and ball care.
- [Protective gear](https://rugbytested.com/category/protection): Scrum caps and headguards, mouthguards, shoulder pads and protective vests, compression and supports.
- [Training equipment](https://rugbytested.com/category/training): Tackle bags and shields, rucking pads, scrum machines, contact suits, agility gear and kicking tees.
- [Kit & apparel](https://rugbytested.com/category/kit): Rugby jerseys, shorts, socks, base layers, training wear, team kit and club ordering.
- [Sevens, league & touch](https://rugbytested.com/category/formats): Gear and rules differences for sevens, rugby league, touch rugby, tag rugby and beach rugby.
- [Youth, coaching & referees](https://rugbytested.com/category/youth-coaching): Youth and mini rugby gear, coaching equipment and resources, referee kit and club equipment.
- [Conditioning & recovery](https://rugbytested.com/category/fitness): Rugby strength and conditioning equipment, GPS vests, recovery tools and preseason fitness gear.

## Buying guides
- [Rugby Headguard Sizing: How to Measure and Check Fit](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-headguard-sizing-and-fit): Measure around the head just above the eyebrows and ears, then use the exact model's chart. Manufacturer advice can differ: Gilbert says choose smaller between sizes, while Optimum's Razor page says larger; its listed head measurements are 52, 54.5, 57, 59.5 and 62 cm. For match play, verify the World Rugby Approved mark and that exact model on the compliant-device list; headgear is not concussion protection.
- [Rugby Lineout Training Aids: What to Compare](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-lineout-lifting-aids-buying-guide): Lineout aids vary by design: Gilbert's Line Out Grip is flexible foam strapped above the knee, while its one-size Line Out Lifter is a handheld, wipe-clean EVA aid. World Rugby Law 18.19 allows pre-gripping with restrictions, and Law 18.20 sets when a jumper may be lifted; Rugby Ready describes two supporters and coached progression.
- [Rugby Socks vs Grip Socks: What to Compare](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-socks-vs-grip-socks): World Rugby Law 4.1 says clothing must comply with Regulation 12, and Law 4.2 lists socks as standard clothing. Rugby socks can have ribbed support, flat toe seams or dense heel, toe and underfoot padding; grip styles add internal and external silicone dots in one maker's model. Compare exact construction and fit with your boots, since listed features alone do not establish a performance benefit.
- [Ordering Rugby Club Kit: Sizes, Design and Approval Steps](https://rugbytested.com/guides/ordering-rugby-club-kit): Badger Rugby's published custom-kit process moves from enquiry to a design visual and quote, then to written order confirmation and approval of the design proof. Build a roster around the supplier's current size chart, fit options, names and numbers, and the club's match-clothing requirements before confirming.
- [Rugby Ball Sizes 3, 4 and 5: Which Size by Age Group](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-ball-sizes-by-age): Size 5 is the full-size ball; younger age groups use smaller sizes according to their union or competition's age-grade rules. There is no single age chart that applies everywhere, so confirm the assigned size with your club before buying and compare match or training use separately.
- [Rugby Base Layers for Cold-Weather Training and Matches](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-base-layers-for-cold-weather): World Rugby recommends layering as conditions and activity change, with flexibility for players to adjust clothing. For matches, Law 4 requires clothing to comply with Regulation 12 and specifically lists cotton-blend long tights or leggings under shorts and socks; ask your union or match officials about any under-jersey base-layer top.
- [Rugby Boots by Position: Forwards vs Backs and Stud Types](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-boots-by-position): Forwards need grip and stability for scrums and rucks, so their boots usually have a stiffer build, ankle support and an eight-stud soft-ground sole with screw-in metal studs. Backs favor lighter boots with a mix of studs or blades for acceleration and changes of direction. Match the sole to the surface: soft-ground studs for wet grass, firm-ground for dry pitches and artificial-grass soles for 3G. Studs must stay within World Rugby's 21-millimeter limit.
- [Rugby Jersey Fit: Tight, Snug or Classic?](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-jersey-fit-tight-vs-classic): Badger Rugby lists custom-shirt fits as compression (skin-tight), snug (body-hugging) and standard (relaxed). World Rugby Law 4 requires a jersey sleeve to reach at least halfway from the shoulder point to the elbow, so compare each maker's size chart and sleeve pattern before ordering a match shirt.
- [Rugby Kicking Tees: Rules, Styles and How to Choose](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-kicking-tees-rules-and-how-to-choose): 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 Kit Bags vs Ball Bags: What Clubs Need](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-kit-bags-and-ball-bags): A Gilbert Breathable Ball Bag is described for up to 12 balls and uses mesh panels, while Rhino's Players Bag is listed at 69 liters with a separate wet-storage section. Those capacities serve different jobs, so compare ball count for team transport and compartment layout for an individual player's kit.
- [Rugby Match Balls vs Training Balls: How to Choose](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-match-vs-training-balls): Choose a match ball against the competition's equipment rules; choose a training ball around the assigned size, practice surface and volume. Makers use their own match and training ranges, so check the exact model rather than assuming the labels are a universal standard.
- [Rugby Mouthguards: Boil-and-Bite vs Custom-Fitted](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-mouthguard-guide): A mouthguard protects teeth, lips and jaw in contact. Boil-and-bite guards are inexpensive and molded at home; custom-fitted guards are made from a dental impression and fit more closely, which most players find easier to breathe and talk through. Many unions and competitions require mouthguards, especially in age-grade rugby. Replace a guard when it no longer fits snugly, when it is damaged, or as teeth change in growing players.
- [Rugby Scrum Machines: Sled Types, Space and Setup](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-scrum-machines-buying-guide): Scrum machines range from lighter solo sleds to full-pack machines; manufacturer examples include a 66-kilogram solo sled and a full sled around 440 kilograms. Choose around the group using it, machine footprint, pad and binding adjustments, transport path and the maker's maintenance instructions.
- [Rugby Shoulder Pads vs Protective Vests: What to Compare](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-shoulder-pads-and-protective-vests): Under World Rugby Regulation 12, match body padding must meet the Body Padding Performance Specification. World Rugby says compliant padding is intended to protect against cuts and abrasions, not to provide additional protection from potential injuries. Check the approval mark, garment coverage, fit and competition rules before choosing a padded shirt or vest.
- [Rugby Tape vs Supports: Law 4 and What to Check](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-strapping-vs-supports-law-4): Law 4 permits washable supports made from elasticated or compressible material, ankle supports worn under the sock within a stated height limit, and bandages, dressings or thin tape. Check the exact material and placement, and ask the match official about equipment not clearly covered by the rule.
- [Rugby Boots for Backs: Soft-Ground vs Firm-Ground](https://rugbytested.com/guides/soft-vs-firm-ground-boots-for-backs): World Rugby says rugby footwear should suit the playing surface, and studs must be no longer than 21 millimeters with no burrs or sharp edges. Gilbert's buyer guide describes soft-ground boots for wet, softer pitches and shorter molded studs for firm ground, while backs should still choose the sole for their venue before prioritizing position-specific fit.
- [Tackle Bags and Tackle Shields: A Buying Guide for Clubs](https://rugbytested.com/guides/tackle-bags-and-shields-buying-guide): Tackle bags are upright foam cylinders for practicing tackle technique, and tackle shields are handheld pads used to absorb carries and hits. Clubs usually need both, in junior and senior sizes. Look for dense foam, heavy-duty PVC covers, strong handles and stitched seams. Heavier bags suit senior squads; lighter, shorter bags suit juniors and technique work at low speed.
- [Touch vs Tag Rugby: Rules, Gear and Who Each Suits](https://rugbytested.com/guides/touch-vs-tag-rugby): Touch rugby (also called touch football) is a non-contact game where a defender touches the ball carrier instead of tackling, and the attacking team usually has six touches before possession changes. Tag rugby replaces touches with tags pulled from a belt, which makes it simple for children and mixed social groups. Both need little gear: a ball, cones and, for tag, belts with tags. Shoes with molded studs or turf soles suit most pitches.
- [Women's Rugby Kit Fit: Jerseys, Shorts and Size Charts](https://rugbytested.com/guides/womens-rugby-kit-fit-and-size-charts): Use the chart for the exact garment: size numbers and measurement ranges differ between makers and products. Gilbert's current women's chart lists chest, waist and hip measurements; take the measurements its way, size tops and shorts separately, and check the match-jersey sleeve rule.
- [World Rugby Regulation 12: Studs, Headguards and Padding Rules](https://rugbytested.com/guides/world-rugby-regulation-12-equipment-rules): World Rugby Regulation 12 sets what players may wear. Studs must not exceed 21 millimeters in length and must conform to the regulation's standards. Headguards and shoulder pads must meet World Rugby's performance specification and carry its approval label. Mouthguards are permitted and required by many unions and competitions. Referees and touch judges can inspect equipment and remove anything dangerous or non-compliant.

Contact: info@rugbytested.com