Shirt Gum shield Skull cap Ball Shorts Boots
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Rugby union equipment guide
Around the Academy:
Players have always used some form of head protection over the years, from full-backs to loosehead props.

Rugby union is a full body contact sport, so expect a few bumps and bruises along the way.

But since the game turned professional in 1995, strict laws have been implemented about the use of protective equipment on the field of play.

Ever since October 2000, The International Rugby Board (IRB), the game's governing body, must approve any form of head protection.

Helmets are usually made from light plastic materials capable of withstanding high impact, often used by front row forwards to prevent blows to the head and damage to their ears.

The most important thing to remember if you want to wear head protection is to make sure it is comfortable - otherwise it will cause yourself unnecessary pain and injury.

If you are a front row forward, make sure the cap will not cause you any problems in the scrum.

If you can, scrum down with a friend when you are trying on different models.

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