Protection

pickarooney

What do you guys wear in terms of protection when playing/training?

The only thing I wear currently is a gumshield but I keep getting niggly hand and feet injuries (specifically sprains and losing toenails).

I don't want to go changing boots and al not sure capped boots are even allowed but is there any kind of strapping or inset that you could recommend to prevent smashed toes and bent fingers?

CatFromHue

I danaged my ankle so now when I play I strap it up with a bandage I bought from the chemist. Nothing fancy just wrap it from below the toes up to above the ankle. It might just be a mental thing but I think it helps.

You do see people strapping up their wrists and fingers but I'm not sure why. I've never had a problem with getting bent fingers so maybe you've just been unlucky.

As for people standing on your toes I don't know of any extra help you can get.

Teferi

I know a lad who plays without a gumshield. Dangerous stuff. Another lad has a shoulder strap, wrist strap, knee strap and ankle strap he wears when playing matches. Just about holds his body together.

I wear a gumshield and scrum cap. I think even if I was a back I'd wear a scrum cap, takes the sting out of knocks.

I thought capped boots were in vogue a good few years ago, or at least the toe was definitely tougher then the rest of the boot. Haven't seen anything like it recently though. Would love it if they were still around because there is nothing worse then when someone stamps on your foot on a cold morning.

WeeBushy

I wear a gum shield and strap my knees for matches because I have problems with my tendons, but that's more to do with managing an injury rather than normal protection stuff.

I can't understand how anyone would play without a gumshield. I lost my gumshield with about 5 mins to go in a match once and I couldn't tackle/ruck for fear of losing my teeth.

Have tried wearing a scrum cap before as my ears get battered but they annoy me far too much during a game.

Have had shoulder pads in the past but they never did much for me. When I lost them I never bothered replacing them.

Spraining fingers is something I think you have to deal with I'd say, as any strapping that would protect them all would prevent you from using them! I think forwards boots do offer a bit more protection for you feet/toes than backs/soccer boots as they are thicker. But they don't look as cool

WeeBushy

Actually I have a question regarding gum shields. How many of you have gotten one specially molded for you at a dentists? Or do you just use one bought in a sports shop and mold it yourself? I've always bought mine from a shop and molded it, but a friend whose father is a dentist was saying I should get specially made from a dentist.

mathepac

I (second row, back row) used to wear the old Adidas Flankers which had hard toes and offered a little ankle protection as they came to level of the protruding ankle bones and had a harder material in the heel area. They had the usual screw-in aluminium studs. Blackthorn (gone to the great pitch in the sky?) had a similar model (without the stripes. :rolleyes:)

Eoin

I wear a gum shield (can't even train without one) and a scrum cap. As Teferi says, it takes the sting out of knocks. I tape up my wrists too as they're not in great condition at the moment, but don't bother if I'm throwing into the lineout instead of lifting.

WeeBushy wrote:

Actually I have a question regarding gum shields. How many of you have gotten one specially molded for you at a dentists? Or do you just use one bought in a sports shop and mold it yourself? I've always bought mine from a shop and molded it, but a friend whose father is a dentist was saying I should get specially made from a dentist.

I wear a moulded one by a dental technician. Cost about 60-70 I think. Apart from it providing far better protection, it also fits much better so you can speak properly and is less likely to fall out.

vinny chase

I wear a moulded gumshield. I play scrum half, so the ability to be able to talk throughout the match is invaluable! Also fits very well as well, and isn't uncomfortable.

I used, like a couple of other lads, wear shoulder pads till about Junior Cup level, or maybe U-14.

CatFromHue

Do the lads with dentist moulded gum shields find it easier to breath with them in?

WeeBushy

Hmm, interesting stuff. I'll consider getting a moulded one... Only problem is I'm useless at looking after my gum shield, always losing them. Although if it cost €60 I would be more inclined to look after it.

PhatPiggins

I'd only recommend a moulded gumshield. The more protection you wear the more likely you are to get injured imo.

Eoin

CatFromHue wrote: »

Do the lads with dentist moulded gum shields find it easier to breath with them in?

Yep, the DIY ones are no comparison.

freyners

im forever losing gumshields..have played once or twice without one, bit nervy
without one but you actually dont get hit near the jaw that often, and dont have a picture perfect tackle technique either:p

i wear a scrum cap ever since i got a knock to the head that left a nice 3 inch scar on my forehead, wouldnt have stopped it but its a great comfort

used to wear pads when i played prop, got rid of them, felt restrictive
used to strap my thumb, however i play hooker now and i never felt comfortable throwing with it on

pickarooney

I noticed one of the front-rowers was wearing shin pads last week. Can't say I've ever seen that before!

Morf

I have an Opro gumshield that i moulded myself and sent away to Opro to be made. I think it was about €65. I'd recommend them.

Eoin

I've seen hookers wear them alright - seems a bit daft to me.

Thud

I generally buy the cheapest gumshields cut the ends off them and mould them really tight around my front teeth (starting just behind my incisors). Find i can talk/shout easily enough with them and haven't had any dental damage in 12 or so years of rugby.

My thinking maybe flawed was that the front teeth were most likely to get broken/damaged and that i'd never seen or heard of anyone getting a back tooth/molar broken. Has anyone?

pickarooney

Thud wrote: »

My thinking maybe flawed was that the front teeth were most likely to get broken/damaged and that i'd never seen or heard of anyone getting a back tooth/molar broken. Has anyone?

Because there's more chance of impact or because they're less dense than molars? I wouldn't say any teeth are really safe from a stray elbow/boot/head.

Gelio

I have a dentist moulded gum shield, he was doing a deal 20 euro and it all went to charity so I said why not. It's very comfortable, the best I've ever used anyway. Better than playing like the Russians!

WeeBushy

pickarooney wrote: »

I noticed one of the front-rowers was wearing shin pads last week. Can't say I've ever seen that before!

I've come across a couple of people wearing them. I think it's very odd tbh. Its not like your shins come in for any special treatment compared to the rest of your body.

freyners

hookers going for an opposing scrums ball tend to get kicked and stamped quite a bit, hence the shin pads i guess, i would never wear em

Guy:Incognito

WeeBushy wrote: »

Actually I have a question regarding gum shields. How many of you have gotten one specially molded for you at a dentists? Or do you just use one bought in a sports shop and mold it yourself? I've always bought mine from a shop and molded it, but a friend whose father is a dentist was saying I should get specially made from a dentist.

I tried out a few different brands of the store bought ones. Only one I like are the opro ones . I bought a few of the opro gold off ebay and they're great . I foudn the shock doctor ones horribly bulky. The opro ones let me breath much easier and the sit tight in my mouth

I dont wear any other protection, it ends up annoyign me more than anythign else.

EKClarke

Only a cup. Well worth the investment.
It gives me the security and the comfortableness I so sorely need.


Snug as a bug in a rug. I can now play confident in the knowledge I may father as many illegitimate children as I like.:cool:

Podge_irl

Are shin guards technically allowed? I was under the impression you were only allowed soft padding.

They strike me as reasonably pointless too.

WeeBushy

Podge_irl wrote: »

Are shin guards technically allowed? I was under the impression you were only allowed soft padding.

They strike me as reasonably pointless too.

I asked the ref about it a few seasons ago when I saw their winger () wearing a pair. He said it was fine.

cson

If you want to protect your ankles you could buy football shinpads with the ankle protector and just cut off the actual shin pad bit.

Podge_irl

WeeBushy wrote: »

I asked the ref about it a few seasons ago when I saw their winger () wearing a pair. He said it was fine.

What the hell is a winger of all people wearing shinpads for? That's worse then wearing your bloody socks around your ankles (yes, I mean YOU Eoin).

pickarooney

Maybe they protect him when he gets sent clattering into the advertising hoarding after an ill-advised break down the blindside?

Thud

pickarooney wrote: »

Because there's more chance of impact or because they're less dense than molars? I wouldn't say any teeth are really safe from a stray elbow/boot/head.

both. after getting wisdom teeth removed i would think it would take a serious force to knock a molar out and if you got hit that hard i would imagine a gumshield wouldn't do much and you'd probably have a broken jaw.

Front teeth are thinner and in a position where you're more likely to get hit.

I'm sure dentists will disagree and i've probably been lucky for last 12 years.

Has anyone every heard of anyone losing a molar in a rugby match?

Eoin

Podge_irl wrote: »

What the hell is a winger of all people wearing shinpads for? That's worse then wearing your bloody socks around your ankles (yes, I mean YOU Eoin).

I presume there's another Eoin posting here?!

desertcircus

Thud wrote: »

pickarooney wrote: »

Because there's more chance of impact or because they're less dense than molars? I wouldn't say any teeth are really safe from a stray elbow/boot/head.

both. after getting wisdom teeth removed i would think it would take a serious force to knock a molar out and if you got hit that hard i would imagine a gumshield wouldn't do much and you'd probably have a broken jaw.

Front teeth are thinner and in a position where you're more likely to get hit.

I'm sure dentists will disagree and i've probably been lucky for last 12 years.

Has anyone every heard of anyone losing a molar in a rugby match?

Can't say I have. Would be very surprised, given that extracting a wisdom tooth frequently involves sawing it in half while it's still in the jaw. As said, if you get a molar knocked out you have far more serious medical issues to look at first.

jacothelad

WeeBushy wrote: »

Actually I have a question regarding gum shields. How many of you have gotten one specially molded for you at a dentists? Or do you just use one bought in a sports shop and mold it yourself? I've always bought mine from a shop and molded it, but a friend whose father is a dentist was saying I should get specially made from a dentist.

A good mouth guard isn't just about losing a tooth and looking like a cartoon character. It will also help to protect your jaw and other areas of your face, as it can minimise the impact of collisions. Sometimes, even if you do lose a tooth, your mouth guard will have prevented even worse damage being sustained. The custom guards are less likely to be dislodged and therefore are safer to wear and make breathing easier. They can be a bit expensive but they are worth it. It doesn't have to be a dentist or dental - technician who makes it provided you do it the right way - which is essentially exactly the same as a dentist would do. The d.i.y. ones are/can be o.k. and at worst are better than nothing. Badly fitting ones can simply transfer any impact straight to the teeth though and therefore offer little protection.

The OPRO Self Impressiion System is pretty good and the pro level guards are about 45 Euro. They will do two for about Euro 75. They also offer discounts for schools and clubs I think.
There is another similar company called Guardkit that we have used in our club. www.guardkit.com

It's fine to wear any sort of joint support that will prevent the joint becoming hyper extended but of course anything that seriously limits movement will also hamper your playing. The best protection is to make sure you warm up properly to prevent tears and pulls and learn to tackle properly. After that no matter what you wear, apart from a properly custom made mouth guard, injuries or lack of them are down to the great rugby god.

WeeBushy

Thanks for that jaco. Custom gum shield coming my way.

Podge_irl wrote: »

What the hell is a winger of all people wearing shinpads for? That's worse then wearing your bloody socks around your ankles (yes, I mean YOU Eoin).

I have no idea, it was very odd. He kicked for them, which is when I noticed them.

Eoin wrote: »

I presume there's another Eoin posting here?!

Think he could be referring to Eoin O'Malley?

Eoin

That makes more sense! Wait - does he post here? awesome.

jacothelad

I almost forgot. Something to protect the family jewels of course. A good support with a bit of padding will also keep the tears from your eyes. A folded up newspaper won't do.

pickarooney

Do most people wear one or two gumshields?

Losty Dublin

pickarooney wrote: »

I noticed one of the front-rowers was wearing shin pads last week. Can't say I've ever seen that before!

A few years ago, IRFU had a H+S thing whiich stated it was reccommended for forwards to wear shin guards. That said, you rarely see it and front rows especially who would be most prone to the odd loose boot or kick from an opposite number.

Podge_irl

WeeBushy wrote: »

Think he could be referring to Eoin O'Malley?

Indeed I am. And no, he doesn't post here, but it was too important to be left unsaid.

WeeBushy

jacothelad wrote: »

I almost forgot. Something to protect the family jewels of course. A good support with a bit of padding will also keep the tears from your eyes. A folded up newspaper won't do.

That's actually something that's never crossed my mind in a serious way. Do many people wear protection for their pride and joy? If so what kind of options are there that gives you protection without getting in the way?

I wear bicycle shorts, and hate playing without them as I always feel like my balls will be on show. Not really a protection thing though. Well, protects the eyes of whoever I'm rucking over I guess...

pickarooney wrote: »

Do most people wear one or two gumshields?

2 gum shield? How would that work?

Eoin

WeeBushy wrote: »

2 gum shield? How would that work?

Maybe one for the bottom teeth as well, but I don't think I've ever seen one.

CatFromHue

I can understand the shin guards as I've always hated getting my shins or lower legs stood on.

Never had a need for a cup but I did used to wear long shorts under my rugby shorts. I found it kept me a fair bit warmer, was more comfortable (falling on hard ground, sandy pitches, never could wear tracksuit trousers training but liked the idea of the extra protection), and also stopped my bits and pieces or boxers being on show. Without being a follower of fashion I can't be sure, but I'm guessing having your boxer shorts longer than your rugby shorts and therefore on show is not cool! Bizarrely people in Dublin fully understood the need or reasons to wear two pairs of shorts, people in Limerick less so :pac:

I've now discovered lycra undershorts and there is no way I'd go out on a biting cold windy day without em!

Eoin

As a lifter in the line-out, I much prefer it when the jumpers wear cycling short type things underneath their shorts.

muscleshirt

WeeBushy wrote: »

Actually I have a question regarding gum shields. How many of you have gotten one specially molded for you at a dentists? Or do you just use one bought in a sports shop and mold it yourself? I've always bought mine from a shop and molded it, but a friend whose father is a dentist was saying I should get specially made from a dentist.

bull s///t from the dentist,he just gets the dental tech. to make it up and puts a big mark up on...Opro do a good range of mouthguards from 6 to 60 euro,their €30 model is very good, training can sometimes be tougher than match day so i think the more expensive shoulder pads are worth it,the rotator cuff injury is very common in rugby and a devil to clear up

pickarooney

I've seen double gumshields for sale but it looked to me as though asphyxiation would be a bigger problem than broken teeth. But are the lower teeth protected by proxy when your mouth is shut?

edit:
http://www.decathlon.fr/protege-dents-double-id_3759879.html

WeeBushy

pickarooney wrote: »

I've seen double gumshields for sale but it looked to me as though asphyxiation would be a bigger problem than broken teeth. But are the lower teeth protected by proxy when your mouth is shut?

edit:
http://www.decathlon.fr/protege-dents-double-id_3759879.html

Ah I thought you meant two separate gum shields. I used to have one that covered top and bottom teeth when I was 13/14 and had braces. Looked somewhat similar to that link. Was really hard to talk with it in.

This was pretty much it: http://www.sugarrays.co.uk/shop/brain-pad-double-guardian-mouthguard..html

Samich

Shin pads are for if you were on the ground in the ruck and your leg was maybe near the ball, opposing player stamps your leg to get you out of there.

WeeBushy

Samich wrote: »

Shin pads are for if you were on the ground in the ruck and your leg was maybe near the ball, opposing player stamps your leg to get you out of there.

But what about the rest of your body that is equally open for a good bit of shoeing? I don't get wearing them because its not like your shins come in for special treatment, well bar hookers hooking in a scrum perhaps. I don't get why someone would be specifically concerned enough about their shins to wear extra protection there.

I've never received, or doled out, above normal levels of abuse to the shin. In saying that though, to each their own. If it makes you feel more comfortable and offers you the protection you think you need then go for it.

AG2R

Just wear a gumsheild myself. I'm a back so don't wear a scrumcap although I've seen other backs wearing them, just too uncomfortable for me.
As for the shin pads, our prop wears them, its just a personal preference really.
I also tape my fingers since breaking one not too long ago

Samich

WeeBushy wrote: »

But what about the rest of your body that is equally open for a good bit of shoeing? I don't get wearing them because its not like your shins come in for special treatment, well bar hookers hooking in a scrum perhaps. I don't get why someone would be specifically concerned enough about their shins to wear extra protection there.

I've never received, or doled out, above normal levels of abuse to the shin. In saying that though, to each their own. If it makes you feel more comfortable and offers you the protection you think you need then go for it.

Break your shin and it's a very bad break. No harm in wearing shin pads if it doesn't hinder your performance? They are legal also.

CatFromHue

These guys don't even wear gum shields!!



DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand's premier naked rugby team has been exposed.
The Dunedin-based Nude Blacks lost for the first time Saturday, beaten 25-20 by a clothed women's team from Spain.
The Nude Blacks — named for the country's elite All Blacks rugby team — played the exhibition hours ahead of Saturday's World Cup match between Argentina and England at the city's 30,000-seat Otago Stadium.
A more modest crowd of about 1,500 watched the all-male team get outclassed at the less prestigious Kettle Park by the visiting Spanish Conquistadores, who count a pole dancer, a teacher and a student among their number.
The Nude Blacks play an invitational side before every international rugby game in Dunedin.

http://news.yahoo.com/nz-naked-rugby-team-exposed-spanish-women-044629217.html

Eoin

Samich wrote: »

Break your shin and it's a very bad break. No harm in wearing shin pads if it doesn't hinder your performance? They are legal also.

Will they stop a break though?