Gear for everyposition, fromfront row to back three.
Buying guides for boots, balls, headguards, mouthguards, padding, training equipment and kit, starting with the laws on what is allowed, your position and the pitch you play on.
Find gear by position and game
Boots, balls, protection, training and kit, for every format from mini rugby to senior fifteens.
Rugby boots
Boots by position and pitch
Rugby balls
Match, training and youth balls
Protective gear
Headguards, mouthguards and padding
Training equipment
Tackle bags, shields and scrum machines
Kit & apparel
Jerseys, shorts, socks and base layers
Sevens, league & touch
Sevens, rugby league, touch and tag
Youth, coaching & referees
Mini rugby, coaches and referees
Conditioning & recovery
Strength, conditioning and recovery
Know what the laws allow
- 01
Ordering Rugby Club Kit: Sizes, Design and Approval Steps
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.
- 02
Rugby Ball Sizes 3, 4 and 5: Which Size by Age Group
Size 5 is the full-size ball; younger age groups use smaller sizes according to their union or competition's age-grade rules.
- 03
Rugby Base Layers for Cold-Weather Training and Matches
World Rugby recommends layering as conditions and activity change, with flexibility for players to adjust clothing.
- 04
Rugby Boots by Position: Forwards vs Backs and Stud Types
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.
- 05
Rugby Jersey Fit: Tight, Snug or Classic?
Badger Rugby lists custom-shirt fits as compression (skin-tight), snug (body-hugging) and standard (relaxed).
- 06
Rugby Kicking Tees: Rules, Styles 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.
- 07
Rugby Kit Bags vs Ball Bags: What Clubs Need
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.
- 08
Rugby Match Balls vs Training Balls: How to Choose
Choose a match ball against the competition's equipment rules; choose a training ball around the assigned size, practice surface and volume.
Rugby Equipment questions, answered
What information should a rugby club collect before ordering kit?
Collect each player's shirt, shorts and sock sizes using the supplier's charts, plus agreed colors, crest, sponsor marks and any name or number details.
Read: Ordering Rugby Club Kit →What size rugby ball does an adult use?
Size 5 is the full-size ball used in adult rugby. A competition may set its own requirements, so check the rules for your format.
Read: Rugby Ball Sizes 3, 4 and 5 →Can I wear a base layer for rugby training?
World Rugby's cold-weather guideline says clothing needs can change with conditions and activity, and recommends layering as needed.
Read: Rugby Base Layers for Cold-Weather Training and Matches →Can I wear soccer boots for rugby?
Many backs do, if the studs comply with rugby rules. Forwards usually need sturdier rugby-specific boots for scrummaging grip.
Read: Rugby Boots by Position →What is the difference between a tight and classic rugby jersey?
Fit labels vary by maker. Badger describes compression as skin-tight, snug as body-hugging and standard as a more relaxed fit.
Read: Rugby Jersey Fit →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.
Read: Rugby Kicking Tees →Laws and fit first
We check boots, headguards and padding against World Rugby Regulation 12 before recommending them.
Each guide says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
The rugby equipment index
- 01Rugby bootsForward and back boots, soft-ground and firm-ground studs, artificial-grass boots, wide fits and youth boots.2 pages
- 02Rugby ballsMatch and training balls, sizes 3 to 5 by age, touch and tag balls, kicking tees and ball care.3 pages
- 03Protective gearScrum caps and headguards, mouthguards, shoulder pads and protective vests, compression and supports.4 pages
- 04Training equipmentTackle bags and shields, rucking pads, scrum machines, contact suits, agility gear and kicking tees.2 pages
- 05Kit & apparelRugby jerseys, shorts, socks, base layers, training wear, team kit and club ordering.5 pages
- 06Sevens, league & touchGear and rules differences for sevens, rugby league, touch rugby, tag rugby and beach rugby.1 page
- 07Youth, coaching & refereesYouth and mini rugby gear, coaching equipment and resources, referee kit and club equipment.0 pages
- 08Conditioning & recoveryRugby strength and conditioning equipment, GPS vests, recovery tools and preseason fitness gear.0 pages