If you live in the United States, the main sources for your rugby training gear will be from online, rugby-dedicated stores. We will feature many different rugby stores and products below in this blog post. The following is a list of essential rugby playing gear, with links to recommended US-based rugby shops and community-favorite products. 1. Find the right rugby shorts Rugby shorts are an essential part of your training and game day performance. Gilbert and Canterbury are some of the most popular and trusted rugby brands in the world, and both are known for making high-quality rugby shorts. Rugby shorts are specifically designed to withstand tugs from opponents and teammates. Regular athletic shorts are not recommended for rugby games or trainings. Your rugby shorts should be extremely durable and last multiple seasons. Check with your club to make sure you are purchasing the right team color or suggested style. We recommend investing in a quality match pair, as well as a second pair for trainings and emergencies. Keep in mind that some rugby shorts can have large side pockets, smaller inside pockets (to hold mouthguards or jewelry), or no pockets at all. Different players will have different needs and preferences. To get a good idea of your buying options, see the linked products and stores below. Rugby Shorts (Click the images to open product links)
Some female rugby players have turned to Ruggette RFC and WorldRugbyShop for women-specific shorts options. If you have larger hips, or have struggled wearing men's/unisex shorts, check these options below.
2. Time to Boot Up! Adidas Kakari SG - Core Black/White/Carbon Boots on World Rugby Shop - $82.99 Rugby boots are mandatory for gamedays and practices. Many rugby players in the United States play and train in soccer cleats. Soccer cleats are easy to find, with many affordable options availible. Some rugby players, especially forwards, will purchase rugby-specific boots. These boots can have removeable metal or plastic studs. These are meant to be worn on soft grass fields, and not recommended to wear on turf fields. Check with your club to understand what footwear is allowed or recommended. Metal studs can be banned in certain age groups or playing conditions. If this is your first rugby season, we recommend buying a pair of comfortable soccer cleats in person. If you are looking to get into rugby-specific boots, check these stores and options below.
3. Get the ball Gilbert balls are extremely popular If you want to improve your skills outside of rugby practice, you will need your own rugby ball. Gilbert is the most popular rugby ball brand. Most professional leagues and international matches use size 5 Gilbert balls. Size 5 is the standard global size for men and women 18 and up. Younger players may play with smaller size balls. Check directly with a coach to make sure you are purchasing the right size ball. Gilbert training balls can be found at around $20 or less, while some higher quality match balls can cost over $100. Rhino Rugby also makes high-quality, affordable balls for training and matches, and are often used in the United States. Novelty balls, replica balls, and supporter balls can also be used for training, passing, or kicking, but the quality will vary. Be sure to also grab a basic sports ball pump, these can be found online and in stores everywhere.
4. Don't forget your mouthguard!  Shock Doctor EZ Sport Clear Sports Mouth Guard, Adult, Clear on Walmart - $3.98 USD Mouthguards are important for protecting your teeth, and some believe they can reduce head impact and protect from concussions. Many boil-and-bite mouthguards can be found online and in stores for just a few dollars. We do not recommend football-style mouthguards with lip shields or helmet straps. We recommend simple boil-and-bite mouthguards for a nice fit, so you can talk and breathe while running around the field.
5. Final touchesShorts, boots, balls, and mouthguards are the essential pieces of training equipment for a rugby player. There are however additional pieces of equipment some players should consider. Scrum caps are worn by players, often forwards, to protect their ears in contact and scrums. Other players may wear them as extra protection on the field. Scrum caps are optional, as are padded undershirts, but any player may wear them.
Kicking tees are used during conversion kicks. Conversions can be worth 2 points after a try, or 3 points after a penalty. Different tees will hold the ball at different heights and angles, so we recommend trying a few to understand your personal preference.
Learn more about the American-based rugby shops featured in this post. Rugby Now is a family-operated business based in Henderson, Nevada. Rugby Now offers you the latest rugby clothing, cleats and equipment at the best possible prices. They have done extensive research to bring you a platform that gives you access to everything a rugby player or coach would need! Rugby Now also powers ShopMLR.com, the official retail partner for Major League Rugby. Use code HOUSTONRUGBY for 15% off on RugbyNow.com and ShopMLR.com  World Rugby Shop is based in Birmingham, Alabama and recognized as the leading rugby retailer in North America and the go-to for officially licensed products designed for professionals, teams, and fans around the world.  Rugby Ninja is based in Austin, Texas and has been known to set up shop at many tournaments and games across Texas. Rugby Ninja also specializes in custom jerseys and apparel.  With a retail location and headquarters in East Providence, Rhode Island, Rugby Imports has been in business since 1971. Today, they specialize in team and lifestyle products for college and club teams - ranging from country and slogan casual apparel to fully customized bespoke uniforms for teams.  Ruggers has served the rugby community's apparel and gear needs with distinction for over 25 years, with a brick-and-mortar store in Springfield, Massachusetts. Ruggers also provides team store solutions at rugbyteamstore.com.  BallsOutRugby pioneered sublimated rugby jerseys in the United States back in 1999 and never looked back. BallsOutRugby opened the Southeast's first rugby shop just north of Atlanta, Georgia and moved it to Alpharetta, Georgia in 2015. BallsOutRugby specializes in tournament vending and custom team and tournament apparel.
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