10% Off Use Code REPEAT10 | FREE Shipping On All Orders! | 2 Day Delivery Available | Ships In 24 Hours
10% Off: REPEAT10 | FREE Shipping On All Orders!
Available 24/7
Rugby is an intense, high-contact sport that demands both physical endurance and strategic play. To perform their best on the field, rugby players wear gear that not only protects them but also ensures comfort and flexibility.
While the jersey and shorts form the visible uniform, what rugby players wear underneath plays a critical role in their performance. So, what do rugby players wear under their shirts? Let’s dive deeper into what rugby players wear and why each layer matters.
Wearing the right compression gear helps rugby players maintain muscle support and reduce fatigue during a match. These layers are designed to improve circulation and regulate temperature, making them essential for playing rugby in various weather conditions.
Compression shirts are a staple for many players. These garments are typically made from elasticated or compressible materials and fit snugly against the skin while maintaining breathability.
Their moisture-wicking properties keep athletes dry and regulate body temperature, even during the most intense match. Some compression tops used in rugby union include player monitoring devices to help track player performance.
Additionally, compression tops provide muscle support, improve circulation, and often come with padding sewn into the shoulder point and ribs for safety during tackles and scrums. World Rugby regulation allows padding only if it is made of compressible materials.
Compression shorts are equally essential. Designed to reduce muscle fatigue and prevent chafing, they ensure that players stay comfortable throughout the game. These shorts are also important for playing rugby in both warm and cold conditions.
Many rugby players wear protective cups inside their compression shorts to help protect against groin injuries. These protective cups are designed to be lightweight and comfortable while providing strong protection during a match.
Compression accessories like rugby leg sleeves offer targeted muscle support and enhanced circulation. Leg sleeves help reduce calf fatigue and prevent cramps, while rugby arm sleeves aid in maintaining warmth, reducing muscle oscillation, and providing mild joint support.
These accessories are especially useful for players recovering from minor strains or looking to maximize endurance during intense gameplay.
Note: Unlike American football, rugby does not require helmets. However, scrum caps made from compressible materials offer protection against minor head injuries.
Rugby players wear padding to reduce impact from tackles and scrums. All protective gear must meet World Rugby regulations for safety.
Rugby players wear rugby shoulder pads to absorb shocks from collisions. Unlike the rigid material of American football padding, rugby shoulder pads are made from soft, compressible materials that cover the shoulder and collarbone. These pads have a maximum thickness of 1cm (10mm) to ensure adherence to the World Rugby regulations.
Approved chest pads and shoulder pads cannot have any sharp or abrasive item, ensuring fair and safe play.
To avoid groin injuries, rugby players wear protective cups inside their compression shorts. These cups help protect sensitive areas and are an essential part of playing rugby.
Some players also tape their gear in place using thin tape, which ensures everything remains secure throughout the match.
Tip: Repeated scrums and tackles can lead to cauliflower ear, a condition caused by repeated impact. Some rugby players wear thin tape around their ears to prevent excessive friction and swelling.
Rugby is played in all kinds of weather, so rugby players wear base layers to stay comfortable. The right clothing under the jersey helps them focus on the game without distraction.
When the weather gets cold, rugby players turn to thermal base layers. These layers are designed to retain body heat, keeping players warm without adding bulk. Whether training or playing a match on a frosty morning, thermal base layers ensure that players maintain their agility while staying comfortable.
For cold weather, rugby players wear cotton blend long tights underneath their jersey and shorts. These layers trap heat while remaining flexible, allowing free movement in freezing conditions. Proper underwear choices also contribute to maintaining warmth.
In hotter climates, many players opt for moisture-wicking underlayers made from elasticated or compressible materials. These fabrics pull sweat away from the skin, preventing irritation and improving comfort during a physically demanding match.
Some rugby players wear undershorts with a single inside leg seam to prevent chafing and discomfort.
Proper foot support is essential for rugby players, as the constant running, stepping, and pushing put strain on the foot and ankles. The right combination of socks, ankle supports, and boots can help minimize fatigue and reduce the risk of injury throughout a match.
Long, durable rugby socks provide additional safety and keep shin guards in place. Some rugby players prefer socks made with molded rubber support for improved grip inside their boots. These socks also help prevent irritation caused by repeated rubbing against other players during aggressive play.
Rugby involves quick movements and sudden changes in direction, which can strain the ankles. To prevent injuries, many players use ankle braces or athletic tape. These are worn under the socks to provide stability and reduce the risk of sprains.
Although not worn under the jersey or shorts, mouthguards or dental protectors are an indispensable piece of equipment for rugby players.
Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection, safeguarding the teeth and jaw during physical collisions, which may lead to anything from broken teeth to broken facial bones. They also reduce the risk of concussions by cushioning impacts. Specialized accessories include:
While not worn by all players, lightweight rugby headgear or scrum caps can provide extra protection to the ears and head. These are typically optional but can be crucial for players prone to head injuries.
Some players opt for arm sleeves or leg supports to enhance muscle compression and reduce the risk of cramping during extended play.
Did You Know? Unlike in football, shin guards are optional in rugby. However, some forwards wear lightweight shin guards to protect against accidental kicks in rucks and mauls.
Rugby is a sport where performance, safety, and comfort must work in harmony. The layers worn under the jersey and shorts provide:
Padded compression gear and groin guards reduce the impact of tackles and falls.
Moisture-wicking fabrics prevent chafing and ensure players remain dry throughout the game.
Compression gear enhances circulation and muscle support, enabling players to maintain peak performance for longer periods.
Base layers ensure players are prepared for varying weather conditions, whether it’s freezing cold or sweltering heat.
What rugby players wear under their rugby jerseys and rugby shorts is just as important as the visible uniform. These underlayers not only protect against injuries but also play a key role in ensuring comfort and performance.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, investing in high-quality sports apparel such as base layers, compression gear, and protective padding will elevate your experience on the field.
Take your game to the next level with Sports Gear Swag. We provide a wide range of personalizable rugby apparel, ensuring that your team shows up on the field ready to dominate in style!