As any other sport played today, rugby too requires a number of specialized equipment to aid players to carry out a fair and successful encounter between two teams. A grisly and entirely physical game, players have to expect a few tugs and blows. But with many performances wear and equipment manufacturers offering a wide range of items to choose from players have the possibility to reduce injuries and enjoy a good game of rugby.

With the approval of the International Rugby Board (IRB) which is the governing body for the game of rugby, headgear which is used for protection is manufactured using a light synthetic substance which has the capability to alleviate serious impact. Another piece of equipment that a rugby player should own is gum shield which not only offers protection to a player’s gums and teeth but also acts as an aid in reducing the damage which can grow around the jaw line. Gum shields are usually individually moulded to fit each player.

The rugby kit which usually consists of rugby shorts, rugby shirts and rugby boots are the main three components that is usually given priority to. Shorts which are mainly found in cotton have reinforced side seams and pockets with elastic waistbands and tie cords. Fusion shorts which do not include pockets are also available which are produced to match fusion shirts. Shirts which are more commonly known as rugby jerseys are generally knitted to perfection to resist the tugging and pulling that is always encountered in the field of rugby. They also require being comfortable yet strong and also light weight which in turn will not affect the players’ speed. Shirts are mainly woven using a mix of polyester and cotton fabric and also acrylic fabric. The rugby boots consists of soles with studs which may be either plastic or metal without sharp edges. These in turn allows players to have a proper grip on the field. It is always a must to understand the size and shape of your feet as well as your style of running before purchasing your boots.

Another point to consider is upper body protection. Again comfort, strength and light weight are important factors to consider while a perfect fit also should not be forgotten. The areas that will be exposed to injury are the shoulders and the chest area.

Finally, a good quality rugby ball is always a must have. The hand stitched leather ball has come a long way with the latest technology making it water proof and easy to handle in slippery conditions. When purchasing all the rugby equipment mentioned above it is always a necessity to consider the quality of the product.

Rugby is a multi directional contact sport. It involves strength and power, agility, speed and mobility. You go forward to score but are constantly running backwards then to the side then backwards again (depending on how good your team is). It requires the player to run at high and near maximal speeds and then either stop and change direction or even receive impact requiring a high amount of muscle control.

Why do body builders not make the greatest rugby players, after all these guys can lift BIG! It goes like this, our bodies have three primary planes of movement: forward, side and rotational. Throughout the course of a match a rugby player will exhaust all three planes; they have to efficient in all three planes. They will also have to lift as well a push and pull heavy objects from unstable positions. There is a huge risk of injury when attempting any of this as well as going into contact which, means that your body needs to be able to exert force through a stable base. The joints need to be protected at impact. Exercises should reciprocate these in them.

It’s tough. So what can we do.

The speed and agility training should include exercises that will developed your ability to change direction, to stop and start again. Not to mention pickup speed/off the mark.

For the resistance training we will be looking at exercises that can create power and strength using as many muscle groups as possible.

The Magic Eight

Dead lifts

These will stretch out the hamstrings and provide strength for the lower back and glutele groups; essential for lifting and provide stability for hip joints. The boys in the boiler room will know all about this they will find this invaluable as they clear the rucks from people lying on the ball.

Rainbows

A power exercise that uses a huge range of muscles in top and lower extremities. Also develops core muscles which help cushion the spine against impact as well as provide essential power in the first phase of any movement. It also really works your shoulders through their whole range of movement so your passing is going to rocket. Put simply it is a must have.

Drag/Push Sled

Will develop power in more than one direction. This will really test both upper and lower body. In rugby the ability hold an opponent off is essential and a player will need to develop power through their hips to produce the power needed breakthrough tackles.

Multi Directional Lunges

Developing your ability push off though different directions. This will get the player to step off both feet with control and power, ideal for just about anyone who plays rugby. Why not chuck in a medicine ball and move it through different directions as you complete lunge movements. This will work upper and lower body at the same time, having a tough impact on the core, thus having the carriover of stepping off one foot and being able to pass.

Hop Scotch

Most professional athletes will be doing upmarket forms of hopscotch. Provides change of direction, power and starting speed. This is how great side steps are made.

Sprint and Back Pedal on Demand

Ability to change direction and of course works two different movements and muscle groups. This happens constantly through a game as they patterns in play change if your body can handle this then you can capitilise on the fact that your opponents mostly can’t.

Sit to Stand Up

Improves mental processing speed as well as total body agility and quickness. Rugby players are constantly having to make hits or move quickly form rucks they need to up and away.Besides you may have to make another tackle. Not to mention split second decisions.

Controlled Stopping

Great for muscle control and ability to decelerate. Essential for a rugby player who might need to hit a ruck or make an important tackle to be able to balance correctly and not shoot straight past his opponent. The more you can control the ability to stop the better you get at starting.

As you can see preparation for such a dynamic sport is not done simply by jogging to the local bar; we have to really think of what happens in a game and then replicate that through our training. This article demonstrates how different movements occur in games and what can be done to improve our ability to master them. Movement mastery is an underlying theme to what any athlete has to do to condition themselves for any sport because, once you can master a movement by balance and resistance then your ability to transfer these skills onto the pitch will increase; allowing you to perform movements and bouts of strength with more control and ease. By using the drills in the article you can change the way you approach your sport and be a winner in every facet of the game.

It is one of the toughest sports in the world. It is the predecessor of American Football, and some consider it even tougher than the great American sport. This is a well debated claim, but regardless of fan wars, it is true that ‘Rugby’ is one of the most rough games played in the field. Rain, hail, or baking sun; tough men and women battle it out for a grueling 90 minutes of play. This means that the players have to be able to physically 100% prepared for a most testing time – and that does not come easily. It is about long hours of training and taking precautionary measures on the field. Ask any sportsman, and he or she will tell you just how important protection from in-game injury is in any sport.

To prepare for the game, and for in-game protection, like any other sport, there are very specific rugby accessories. These range from guards, training equipment to field gear. Here is a quick look at some of the most essential rugby accessories –

Scrum Sled – This very essential training machine known in many names, but it is the same machine used in American Football training. The scrum sled is used to train players to ruck and scrum, understand body posture and dynamics, develop harmonized motion, increasing pushing power and strength, and train for the parts of the game called ‘Scrum’ and ‘Ruck’. With shoulder pads for opponents, and a heavy machine to push against, players can prepare for the real thing in the game – every rugby coach’s best friend.

Ball Bags – A simple training session may require more than 10 rugby balls at a time. This is why huge sack like ‘breathable’ or ventilated ball bags are among the essential rugby accessories. They can be bought to hold 10, 12, or more balls and are completely washable and easy to dry.

Goal Posts – Rugby goal posts are similar to ones used in American football, and they are padded in the same way. These pads need to tough and extremely protective, because there are many chances of high speed collision and impact with the posts while scoring.

The Headgear – Unlike American football helmets, rugby uses a softer cushion like head – guard. These are essential for players in the field, and among the most important rugby accessories. Injuries to the head could be severe, but the game doesn’t allow hard helmets, so these padded skull caps are used.

Number Five – Stade De France, Paris.

Officially opened in 1998, the national stadium for France can hold up to 81,338 sports fans. Mainly used for football, it does have claim to holding the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final. Costing €290 million to build, the Stade De France is home to 172 executive suites. Although a fairly recent build, it lacks underground heating – a problem that lead to the cancellation of the Ireland v France rugby match in 2012. Stade De France boasts the two largest LED screens in any stadium in Europe. Sporting events aren’t the only feature on the stadium’s programme, it also hosts many different live concerts. Bands who have previously played include; The Rolling Stones, Roger Waters, Madonna, Rihanna, Muse, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Johnny Hallyday, Prince, The Black Eyed Peas, U2, AC/DC, Andre Rieu and George Michael.

Number Four – Twickenham Stadium, London.

Otherwise known as ‘The Home Of English Rugby’, Twickenham evolved from a cabbage patch, all the way back in 1909. It’s come a long way – it can now seat 82,000 spectators. It also offers guided tours, two rugby stores and a rugby museum. There are also fabulous Rugby Union Hospitality Packages available (see resource box). Although it only makes number four on our list, it is the largest stadium in the world devoted SOLELY to rugby. Although rugby is the only sport played here, Twickenham is annually rented out to the worldwide convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It also boasts a huge collection of musicians who have graced its stage; Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, Genesis, U2, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Eagles, Richard Benson and R.E.M.

Number Three – Croke Park, Dublin.

Croke Park is officially home to Gaelic Games, it’s the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Boasting a capacity of 82,300, it’s largest crowd was actually recorded at 90,556. It has seen a few major musical tour through its doors including; Red Hot Chili Peppers, Westlife, Celine Dion, U2, Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Bon Jovi and Neil Diamond. Up until 31st March 2012, Croke held the world record for the highest attendance (82,208) for a club rugby union game. Croke Park has its own merchandise shop as well as its own museum on site, however is no longer holding any rugby matches.

Number Two – Stadium Australia, Sydney.

Originally built for the 2000s Olympics, Stadium Australia could hold 110,000. This number has now been reduced to 83,500, making it number two on our list. Called home by many Sydney rugby teams, it also hosted the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup final. Since it’s opening in 1999, over 17 million people have visited. Due to its modern build, its specifically engineered to host rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules, football and cricket. The ANZ cost a staggering A$690 million to complete. Most recently, international cricket has been added to its repertoire with a Twenty20 match between Australia and India on 1 February 2012.

Number One – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

The oldest stadium on the list, MCG was built in 1853. It’s regarded as the birthplace of test cricket and Australian football. It can hold up to 100,018 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Australia and the tenth largest in the world. Pre-health and safety legislation, 130,000 people crammed themselves into the arena in 1959 for a Billy Graham evangelistic crusade. The 2006 redevelopment of the North Stand alone cost $445,000,000. Outside the entrance of the MCG there is a Parade Of Champions – made up of statues of famous Australian athletes. There is also the National Museum of Sport on site. Many superstars have performed here, including Madonna, U2, Michael Jackson, Rolling Stones and The Police, and even Pope John Paul II held a mass when he visited Melbourne in 1986. Other sporting spectacles that have been held there include Australian World Cup soccer qualifiers, rugby league home and away matches and State of Origin as well as Bledisloe Cup rugby union clashes.

Uniforms are an important part of any team. The uniforms that the athletes wear help in identifying them during games and also bring a sense of unity. The kind and type of sports uniform are different for every sport.

Rugby is a very aggressive sport. And therefore unlike other contact sports, rugby players are seen to be wearing minimum gear. Rugby players wear uniforms that can withstand the abrasion of grabbing and tackling. Let’s have a look at the few gears that needs to be worn by the rugby players.

Jerseys

Like any other sports, rugby players need to wear jerseys. The only difference being the fact that their jerseys usually have collars. They were traditionally made of cotton but are these days made up of material that is breathable. These jerseys are very colorful and have a number which helps in identifying the player and his position. The players are supposed to tuck their jerseys in their shorts during the game. The jerseys these days can be custom-made by the rugby uniform manufacturer.

Shorts

The shorts are specially designed to be worn by rugby players and were traditionally made up of cotton. Rugby uniform manufacturers design it in such a way that it is able to withstand the strains of the aggressive contact game. They end above the knees generally and fit tightly around the waist.

Socks

Rugby socks are long socks that are similar to the ones worn in soccer. These knee-high socks cover the shins and calves perfectly. They are made so to avoid blisters during the game.

Mouth Guard

Mouth guards offer protection to the teeth, jaws, head and neck from injuries that are common in the game. A mouth guard fits perfectly over the teeth and jaws and protects them from damage. A good mouth guard will prevent damage to the jaw, neck and even brain from a heavy blow which is very common in contact games.

Scrum Caps

Scrum cap is a headgear worn by rugby players to protect their ears and head in the scrum. It is specially designed for players who play in the scrum. But, these days it is worn by players of all positions. It is basically a slightly padded helmet that fits tightly over the head and ears. It is necessary for the player playing in the scrum. Other than that many players prefer to wear it while others do not.

Shoulder pads

A rugby player may or may not wear a shoulder pad. It is made up of thin and soft material. It is supposed to be incorporated in the jersey worn by the player and cover the shoulder and the collarbone. It helps in minimizing the impact of a hit and protects the shoulders from any soft tissue damage.

The rugby uniforms can be made according to what a person wants. One can even get a custom logo designed. And can choose the fabric of the uniform. Make sure that whatever you choose is comfortable to wear and provides adequate protection.

A software development team using the agile development approach relies heavily on the methodology of scrum in order to complete a project as efficiently as possible. Agile scrum describes an approach in the software development world where a product development team completes tasks throughout the project in incremental and iterative stages, often referred to as “sprints.” When using the agile scrum approach, a team works as a close-knit unit that strives toward a common goal and empowers each other by enabling strong communication lines among all members of the group.

In the game of rugby, a scrum refers to the method of re-starting the match after a minor infringement of the rules. During a scrum in a rugby match, players pack closely together with their heads down and attempt to gain possession of the ball (and ultimately, to win the match). Much like the agile scrum approach to software development, in order to be successful or gain possession, a strong rugby team with self-managed roles works together for a common goal. Much like agile scrum software development, a rugby scrum relies heavily on strong communication among all players, and each player fulfilling a specific role to the best of their abilities.

4 Important Similarities between Agile Scrum and Rugby Scrum

Software developers using the agile approach are well aware that the scrum methodology gains its roots from the sport of rugby and many of the principles of the framework are fundamental to the game. Much like rugby scrum, agile scrum uses many essential techniques in order to make their team as successful as possible. Follow along to learn four important similarities between agile and rugby scrum:

1. Teamwork – In the sport of rugby, the team must move down the field by passing the ball many times in order to advance towards the goal. It’s not possible for one single player, no matter how skilled they may be, to score without help from the rest of the team. In agile scrum, there is no one member of the team that works alone without any help from other team members during sprints. A good agile scrum team must be organized and able to pass work along from one team member to the next with as much ease as possible.
2. Multiple Skill Sets – Each position on a rugby team requires a specific skill set and a certain body type that must blend with the other players on the team in order to further the team goal. Agile scrum is very similar in the fact that teams are comprised of cross functional groups that use self-managed roles. Each member of the team brings forth their unique skill-set in order to complete specified tasks of the project.
3. Adaptability – Working as a cohesive unit, a rugby team must use sound judgment during the fast pace of the game. Each play is vastly different and the team must be flexible in determining the cost of taking a risk for a chance to out maneuver their opponent. In agile scrum, the backlog can and most likely will be re-prioritized during each phase of the project. The product development team must remain flexible in order to adapt to each change made to the backlog by stakeholders in order to move forward as efficiently as possible.
4. Culture – In rugby, there is a strong code of conduct that each player adheres to both on and off the field. The culture of the sport is held with a high level of respect between each player which unites players from across the game as a strong and bonded group. As with the sport of rugby, agile scrum promotes a strong set of values that each team member must adhere to in order to shape the behaviors of the scrum team. In Agile scrum, important values include: commitment, focus, openness, courage and respect. Adhering to these values enables a development team to operate effectively as a self-managed cross functional team that develops the best product possible.

The agile scrum development approach has many traces of rugby scrum in its origins. Given this, there are many resemblances in how each team approaches a game or a project. With inspiration and guidance from the sport of rugby, the field of software engineering has made important advances in product development through the agile scrum approach.

There are numerous benefits to investing in custom rugby kits for your team. When it comes to securing a new uniform for your rugby team, custom rugby kits can provide you with the design you are looking for, in your team colours, helping to make your team look professional and portray a positive image while helping with team unity and getting the team to work together when out on the rugby field.

One of the main benefits you will find when it comes to ordering custom rugby kits is that you can order online, which can save you valuable time and energy. Chances are you are juggling, work, home and the rugby team and don’t have time to sit on the phone calling different sportswear manufacturers and then having meetings to identify your needs. With online ordering, you can make your selection, design your design and place your order in your own time and in the comfort of your own home.

Further you will find that by buying a custom rugby kit over buying the jersey and shorts separately, you get one price for both the top and bottom of the uniform, which can help you budget a little easier. Chances are you are already working to set budget, so knowing how much the kit costs, can help you work to your budget and still get the design you want.

With this in mind, when ordering online direct from a manufacturer, you will be thrilled at the price. Remember when ordering direct from a manufacturer, you are cutting out the middle man and dealing direct with the manufacturer and supplier, this can save you money and you will find when ordering online that you will get the rugby kits at affordable prices and this includes your own design, which is always beneficial.

With the custom rugby kits you will be awarded complete design flexibility, even if ordering online. It’s understandable you want your custom rugby kit to be custom made to your unique requirements and specifications from the team colours to how the colours are used on the kit to where your team logo is place, maybe team numbers and names on the back. This is down to personal choice and often determined by whether you are buying for a school or professional team.

You will also enjoy the convenience of fast turnaround times when dealing direct with a manufacturer over a middle man. They will receive your design, maybe confirm a few things with you and then they get to work to provide you with your order based on your size requirements and quantities. Ensure when you are ordering from a manufacturer that you choose a company with no minimum order, this way if someone loses their kit or it’s damaged in a match, you can order only one or two replacements rather than having to fulfil a minimum order quantity.

The final benefit to custom rugby kits the team unity that they bring and the sense of belonging for the team. When the team put on their rugby kits, they feel that they belong to something, to a team and they are more likely to work together towards the common goal.

It is advisable to do your research before choosing a custom rugby kit manufacturer to ensure you are choosing a company that is reliable, trustworthy and has a proven track record with schools, sporting teams and companies. Once you have identified this you can place your order with confidence and wait for it to arrive so your team can start wearing their kits and winning matches.

“Saturday’s a rugby day!”, is what you will hear from most people that play the sport. It refers to the most common day around the world that the game is played on. I say it pretty much every time I see a bumper sticker, t-shirt or anything else that is remotely related to rugby. I can still remember arriving to practice one day and the coach saying to me, “You’re with the Forwards today Miley.” I thought to myself ‘why is he calling me Miley?’ It turns out I was given the name because of my phenomenal rendition of Miley Cyrus’ song ‘Party In The U.S.A.’ at a club event the night before. It’s always fun to hear how one gets their rugby name.

Now that you know a little about me, let’s get into how rugby changed my life for the better. “In the beginning, God created rugby”, is what I want to say. He probably did a few other things first. He did; however, create the sport that millions of people around the world know and love. Disclaimer, all of my experiences with rugby were not good, especially when I almost broke a few bones.

1. Rugby has allowed me to connect with people from all around the world. I have met French, Ecuadorian, Cuban, Chinese, Polynesian, English and even African rugby players. I think there was a clown in there too. In the beginning of this reading I mentioned how I shout anytime I see anything remotely related to rugby. Even if I see someone going for a light afternoon jog I’ll say, “Saturday’s a rugby day!” It’s like we are a family and automatically feel connected to those that enjoy the sport as well. From Miami Beach to Hong Kong I meet guys constantly who play rugby. They’ll invite me out for drinks, their children’s birthday party, one guy even designed our current club logo FOR FREE!

2. It’s a great way to keep the pounds off too. Imagine running a 5K and every 0.25 kilometers having to tackle a 215 lb guy carrying groceries into his house. That is pretty much how rugby is. To effectively play the sport, you have to be in great shape because it involves a lot of cardio. Running. Unlike football but similar to soccer, game play is continuous and there are no breaks between drives. The field is 100 meters long and you will run the entire distance at least 10 times in a game. As I am writing this, I was motivated to do 50 squats so please give me a second…

3. There’s no better feeling than scoring a Try! A Try is scored by grounding the ball in the opposition’s in-goal area. Imagine a touchdown in football, but you have to press the ball against the ground. Scoring a Try is so great because of all of the hard work that is involved to get there. Imagine a soccer player scoring a Goal. That type of excitement!

So I hope I’ve converted you to the nation of Rugby and that you will get out on the field one day. Most towns have a Men’s League and most colleges have a College League. I have played against UM, LSU, UF, FSU, Auburn and even Duke University. There is rugby everywhere. You just have to go out and find it.

Whilst rugby has never had the same level of exposure on TV that soccer has, it does seem to become a lot more popular in recent years. Many people’s memories of rugby are of shivering in the rain at school and praying the big guy doesn’t come anywhere you, but it’s a great game to watch from the comfort of own front room! As Rugby does seem to be getting a better deal on TV these days, for those that might be new to watching rugby, here are ten things you probably didn’t know about the sport.

1. What is it called a try?

A try is called a try, because when the game was first played, there were no points awarded for touching down the ball at your opponent’s end of the field. What it did gain you, though, was an attempt, or a try, at the goal.

2. The game was named after the British school that it was invented in

When soccer was being played in English schools in the 19th century, there were no formalised rules for the game and each school made up their own rule book. It is believed that a boy named William Webb Ellis, who attended Rugby School, invented the game of rugby when he decided to pick up the ball and run for the goal during a game of soccer. The Rugby Union World Cup is still called the Web Ellis Cup to this day.

3. Rugby balls were first made from pig’s bladders

Rugby balls and soccer balls used to be made using a pig’s bladder for the inner. Unfortunately, the pig’s bladders weren’t cured very well and they frequently became rotten. The wife of the man, who made the rugby balls at Rugby School in the 19th century, died from the effects of the fumes she inhaled from the balls.

4. The reigning Olympic Champions is the US

By a quirk of fate, the current reigning Olympic Champions in the sport of rugby are the USA and they have held that title since 1924. The reason why, is because Rugby was dropped as an Olympic sport in that year.

5. There are two different types of Rugby played

Just to make it even more confusing to the non-expert, there are two types of rugby played, rugby league and rugby union. The games are very similar but the rules are quite different including a different scoring system.

6. The big scores

One of the differences between soccer and rugby that anyone new to the sport will notice are the big scores. The largest ever score difference that was recorded at an international match was in a game between Australia and Namibia, when Australia won the game by 142 points to nil.

7. The one hundred year old world cup whistle

At the beginning of every rugby world cup, the tournament is kicked off when the referee blows a one hundred year old whistle. It is the same whistle that was used for a game played in 1924 between England and New Zealand in the Paris Olympics.

8. The rugby world cup has never been retained by a team

The New Zealand team is the favourite to win the 2015 rugby world cup and, if they do win, they will be making a rugby world cup first, because the title has never been retained by a team, since the tournament first started in 1987.

9. A rugby coach invented basketball

James Naismith, a New England Rugby coach, is credited with inventing the game of basketball. It is said that he invented basketball so that his rugby team could train indoors when the weather was too bad to train outside.

10. National anthem singing at sporting occasions began with rugby

The traditional singing of national anthems before an international sporting event began in rugby. It was started when Welsh rugby supporters responded to the New Zealand team’s Maori war dance with their own national anthem in 1905. The singing of national anthems before a match was then adopted officially.

Rugby is a tough sport. The people who play it are not afraid of being knocked about, of taking a hit, of risking injury in the pursuit of victory. However, the best players are those who can last the whole game, who are able to keep up the speed and power of their plays and to overwhelm their weaker opponents. How can you achieve that level of strength and power and speed? How can you best put together a training regimen that will leave you ready to dominate your next rugby game? In today’s article we’re going to take a look at the components of a winning regimen that will leave you dominate on the field when it comes time to play the game.

The first thing you must focus on is your endurance. Rugby players have to be able to maintain high speeds for extended periods of time, and need to be able to cross and recross the field time and time again without losing their wind. Toward this end you should blend a combination of long distance running with shorter distances done in intervals. At least once or twice a week you should aim to cover a longer distance, always focusing on being able to pass the speaking test as you do so, and then on another two days you should do interval training.

Interval training is where you test and push your body by doing high intensity bouts of exercise for shorter durations of time with minimal breaks in between. For rugby this might involve running three sets of eight minutes with three minute breaks, where you go as hard as you can for those eight minutes, knowing that you will have a break in between. This also works for sprints, and you should vary up the distances and combinations so as to develop the greatest variety of all round speed and endurance. This is a key element of getting into great form for the game.

Next you have to work on your strength, and that means hitting the gym. Don’t waste your time with isolation machines or fancy toys. Just grab a barbell and do some serious work. Your exercise routine in the gym should involve hard, basic compound moves like squats, deadlifts, shoulder press, bench press, pull ups and clean and jerks. You should focus on power, on explosive speed and form, and this will translate directly over onto the rugby pitch. Best of luck!