# RugbyTested

> Rugby gear guides: boots by position and pitch, balls by size, headguards, mouthguards and padding, training equipment, kit, and touch, tag, sevens and youth rugby, for union and league.

RugbyTested publishes rugby equipment reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://rugbytested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://rugbytested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://rugbytested.com/glossary): rugby equipment terms defined
- [How we test](https://rugbytested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Rugby boots](https://rugbytested.com/category/boots): Forward and back boots, soft-ground and firm-ground studs, artificial-grass boots, wide fits and youth boots.
- [Rugby balls](https://rugbytested.com/category/balls): Match and training balls, sizes 3 to 5 by age, touch and tag balls, kicking tees and ball care.
- [Protective gear](https://rugbytested.com/category/protection): Scrum caps and headguards, mouthguards, shoulder pads and protective vests, compression and supports.
- [Training equipment](https://rugbytested.com/category/training): Tackle bags and shields, rucking pads, scrum machines, contact suits, agility gear and kicking tees.
- [Kit & apparel](https://rugbytested.com/category/kit): Rugby jerseys, shorts, socks, base layers, training wear, team kit and club ordering.
- [Sevens, league & touch](https://rugbytested.com/category/formats): Gear and rules differences for sevens, rugby league, touch rugby, tag rugby and beach rugby.
- [Youth, coaching & referees](https://rugbytested.com/category/youth-coaching): Youth and mini rugby gear, coaching equipment and resources, referee kit and club equipment.
- [Conditioning & recovery](https://rugbytested.com/category/fitness): Rugby strength and conditioning equipment, GPS vests, recovery tools and preseason fitness gear.

## Buying guides
- [Rugby Ball Sizes by Age: Size 3, 4 and 5 Explained](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-ball-sizes-by-age): Size 5 is the full-size ball used by adults and older teenagers. Size 4 is used by younger teens and older children, and size 3 by young children in mini rugby. The exact age cut-offs are set by each national union, so check your club's age-grade rules. Match balls have deeper grip and approved construction; training balls trade some grip for durability on rough or artificial pitches.
- [Rugby Boots by Position: Forwards vs Backs and Stud Types](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-boots-by-position): Forwards need grip and stability for scrums and rucks, so their boots usually have a stiffer build, ankle support and an eight-stud soft-ground sole with screw-in metal studs. Backs favor lighter boots with a mix of studs or blades for acceleration and changes of direction. Match the sole to the surface: soft-ground studs for wet grass, firm-ground for dry pitches and artificial-grass soles for 3G. Studs must stay within World Rugby's 21-millimeter limit.
- [Rugby Mouthguards: Boil-and-Bite vs Custom-Fitted](https://rugbytested.com/guides/rugby-mouthguard-guide): A mouthguard protects teeth, lips and jaw in contact. Boil-and-bite guards are inexpensive and molded at home; custom-fitted guards are made from a dental impression and fit more closely, which most players find easier to breathe and talk through. Many unions and competitions require mouthguards, especially in age-grade rugby. Replace a guard when it no longer fits snugly, when it is damaged, or as teeth change in growing players.
- [Tackle Bags and Tackle Shields: A Buying Guide for Clubs](https://rugbytested.com/guides/tackle-bags-and-shields-buying-guide): Tackle bags are upright foam cylinders for practicing tackle technique, and tackle shields are handheld pads used to absorb carries and hits. Clubs usually need both, in junior and senior sizes. Look for dense foam, heavy-duty PVC covers, strong handles and stitched seams. Heavier bags suit senior squads; lighter, shorter bags suit juniors and technique work at low speed.
- [Touch vs Tag Rugby: Rules, Gear and Who Each Suits](https://rugbytested.com/guides/touch-vs-tag-rugby): Touch rugby (also called touch football) is a non-contact game where a defender touches the ball carrier instead of tackling, and the attacking team usually has six touches before possession changes. Tag rugby replaces touches with tags pulled from a belt, which makes it simple for children and mixed social groups. Both need little gear: a ball, cones and, for tag, belts with tags. Shoes with molded studs or turf soles suit most pitches.
- [World Rugby Regulation 12: Studs, Headguards and Padding Rules](https://rugbytested.com/guides/world-rugby-regulation-12-equipment-rules): World Rugby Regulation 12 sets what players may wear. Studs must not exceed 21 millimeters in length and must conform to the regulation's standards. Headguards and shoulder pads must meet World Rugby's performance specification and carry its approval label. Mouthguards are permitted and required by many unions and competitions. Referees and touch judges can inspect equipment and remove anything dangerous or non-compliant.

Contact: info@rugbytested.com