Rugby headguards and scrum caps for every level of the game - from junior players taking their first steps in mini rugby to club forwards who know what a ruck feels like
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What's the Difference Between a Headguard and a Scrum Cap?
Not much, honestly. Scrum cap, headguard, scrum hat, skull cap - they all mean the same thing. Different names stuck in different parts of the game over the years, but if you're searching for any of them you're in the right place.
What Do They Actually Protect Against?
The main job of a headguard is to protect your ears. Cauliflower ear is the real occupational hazard here - forwards in particular take a lot of friction and pressure around the head during scrums, rucks and mauls, and over time that adds up. A decent headguard takes the brunt of that. They also help with surface abrasions from ground contact, studs and general head-on-head collisions.
One thing worth saying clearly: headguards do not prevent concussions. World Rugby limits the foam padding to 10mm for exactly this reason - they're not helmets, and they've never been designed to be. If anyone tells you a headguard will protect against concussion, that's not accurate. What they do, they do well - but it's ear and surface protection, not head injury prevention in the broader sense. If concussion management is a concern, a properly fitted mouthguard and good technique are more relevant than the choice of headguard.
Which Brand Is Right for You?
Body Armour is the most popular range on this page, and for good reason. The Ventilator has been a staple at club level for years - full ear coverage, good ventilation so it doesn't cook your head, and available in more colours than you'd ever need.
Canterbury makes the tidiest looking headguards on the market. The Raze is clean, fits well straight out of the box, and comes in colours that match most club kits.
Gilbert is worth a look if you're buying for someone who's never worn a headguard before and you don't want to spend a fortune finding out they hate it. The XP 250 - solid protection, no frills, does exactly what it needs to do. The Vapour and Fusion ranges are a step up for players who wear one every week.
Rhino keeps things simple. The JB VII and Pro are no-nonsense headguards at good prices, currently on sale. If you just want something reliable without any fuss, Rhino is a decent shout.
Getting the Size Right
This matters more than people realise. A headguard that moves around is annoying at best and less effective at worst. Measure around the widest part of your head, just above the ears, and use that measurement to find your size. Most brands run from around XS at 53cm up to XL at 63cm plus. For juniors, look for JS, JM and JL sizing which covers roughly 50 to 58cm.
If you're caught between two sizes, go smaller. It should feel snug when you first put it on. It'll loosen slightly as it breaks in, and a snug fit is far better than one that shifts around every time you go into contact.
