Are rugby shoulder pads mandatory?

No. Shoulder pads are optional under World Rugby regulations - players are not required to wear them. They're a personal choice and most commonly worn by forwards, junior players, women's players and anyone with a history of shoulder injuries.

What size rugby shoulder pads should I buy?

Most shoulder pads use S/M/L/XL/XXL sizing based on chest measurement, similar to a jersey. Junior ranges use age-based sizing. If you're between sizes, most players find it's better to size down slightly for a secure fit that won't move around excessively.

Are rugby shoulder pads World Rugby approved?

To be legal for match play, shoulder pads must comply with World Rugby Regulation 12 - padding is limited to a maximum of 10mm on the shoulders and 5mm elsewhere. All pads in this range meet those requirements apart from the Propadz AC.

What are AC joint pads and do I need them?

AC joint pads provide targeted protection to the acromioclavicular joint - the point where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. It's one of the most common contact injuries in rugby. Standard shoulder pads cover the area but AC-specific pads like the Propadz AC give direct targeted protection and are particularly useful for players managing a previous AC joint injury.

What are the best rugby shoulder pads?

The right shoulder pads depend on what you need them for. For general protection at club level, Canterbury's Core and Pro vests are well-regarded and widely used. For AC joint recovery, the Propadz AC is the specialist option. For junior players, Body Armour's Kids range is the most popular. For women's players, Canterbury's Women's Pro Vest and Gilbert's Triflex Lite are the go-to options.

What is the difference between rugby shoulder pads and a protection vest?

They're used interchangeably at club level but technically different. A protection vest covers the shoulders, chest and upper back in a single fitted garment. Traditional shoulder pads, like the Body Armour Flexitop, use a saddle-style pad worn over the shoulders only. Most players at club level use the vest design for its fuller coverage and closer fit under a match shirt.

Do professional rugby players wear shoulder pads?

Some do, particularly forwards and players managing shoulder injuries. At professional level they're a personal choice rather than a requirement. At club and junior level they're more common, especially among forwards and women's players.

Can I wear rugby shoulder pads under a match shirt?

Yes - protection vests and shoulder pads are designed to be worn under the match shirt. Most vest-style pads are slim enough to sit under a standard fit rugby shirt without significantly affecting the look.

Rugby Shoulder Pads & Body Armour

Rugby Shoulder Pads at Rugbystuff.com

Shoulder pads are worn under the match shirt and provide impact protection across the shoulders, sternum and ribcage. They're popular with forwards who take repeated contact, players returning from shoulder injuries, women's players, and juniors playing their first contact rugby. All pads in this range comply with World Rugby regulations - no more than 10mm padding on the shoulders and 5mm elsewhere.

Shoulder Pads vs Protection Vests

Most of the products on this page are technically protection vests rather than traditional shoulder pads - they cover the shoulders, chest and upper back in a single fitted vest design. The terms are used interchangeably at club level. The Body Armour Flexitop is the exception, using a more traditional saddle-style pad worn over the shoulders rather than a full vest.

AC Joint Pads

The Propadz Gel and Propadz AC are specialist pads designed specifically for AC joint protection - the most common shoulder injury in rugby. The AC model targets the acromioclavicular joint directly and is widely used by players recovering from AC joint sprains or separations who need to keep playing. If you've had an AC joint injury, these are worth looking at before returning to contact training.

Who Should Wear Rugby Shoulder Pads?

Shoulder pads aren't mandatory - they're a personal choice under World Rugby regulations. They're most commonly worn by forwards who take repeated contact through the shoulder and upper body, junior players new to contact rugby, women's players, and anyone with a history of shoulder or AC joint injuries. Some backs wear lighter vests for chest and shoulder protection without the bulk. If you're not sure whether you need them, a lightweight vest from the Canterbury or Body Armour range is a good starting point.

Junior Rugby Shoulder Pads

Most brands in the range carry junior sizing. Body Armour's Tech Vest and Kids Flexitop are the most popular junior options. Gilbert's XP100 Kids and Rhino's Kids Pro Vest cover the younger end of the age range. World Rugby regulations on pad thickness apply to all age groups.

Women's Rugby Shoulder Pads

Canterbury's Women's Pro Protection Vest and Gilbert's Women's Triflex Lite are cut specifically for female players. Both provide shoulder and chest protection in a vest design shaped for a closer, more comfortable fit.