Ask for advice when buying.
Boot and Balls
BootsA standard rugby boot is a high-cut boot with ankle protection but many players today wear low-cut boots similar to those worn in soccer.
Boots are the most important item in your kit, and probably the most expensive, so choose carefully.
Things to look for:
- comfort
- support for your feet, especially your ankles
- good quality
- a good fit
- removable studs
Try boots on with rugby socks when you buy them to make sure they fit. Your feet will move around in boots that are too big and this can cause blisters.
The rules of rugby say how long your studs should be. Generally, you wear longer studs in soft ground and shorter studs on hard ground.
Rugby Ball
Rugby balls are oval in shape and come in different sizes for different age groups. They are usually made of synthetic material.
Shirts, Shorts and Socks
All good sports shops stock a range of rugby shirts, shorts and socks. If you play for a team, you will wear a shirt in the club's colours. Some clubs loan you a kit, others may ask you to buy or hire the kit. Replica kits of national and club sides are available in sports shops but these are usually for leisurewear rather than to play in.
Youth Rugby
SchoolsMost young players learn to play the game at school but many are worried about the physical side of the game. To encourage young people to enjoy the sport without the physical worries, the RFU have devised a version of Rugby Union called New Image Rugby. It is a passing, non-contact game for all ages and abilities and there is a Proficiency Award Scheme to accompany the game.
As you get older, you will be introduced to the full game, using proper tackling and kicking skills, and set pieces such as scrums and lineouts. Tackling is sometimes introduced through Tag Rugby. All players wear two tags on a special belt. If a tag is removed from a player with the ball, it is classed as a tackle and the player must pass the ball and retrieve his or her tag.
Primary schools often play mini rugby with teams of nine players. Mini rugby is also played at some secondary school as well as the 15-a-side game. [See also The Game of Rugby: Competitive Rugby]
The RFU has a range of Rugby resources for schools and young people who are interested in learning the game. [See Information: Organisations]
Clubs
If you enjoy playing at school, then you might be interested in joining a local club. They usually run several teams, including mini, midi and 15-a-side rugby, for different age groups. They offer training and coaching sessions and a chance to play competitively. Some clubs charge a membership fee or subs but the costs for juniors are usually low. [See also The Game of Rugby: Competitive Rugby]
As well as the chance to play regularly, clubs have a range of social events and activities.
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