Body armour is becoming an essential piece of gear for rugby league and rugby union players. Upper body protection has been a feature of the sport for the last two decades. When buying body armour, you should look for gear that provides you with complete comfort and guarding on the pitch. You also want durability and toughness as you want your armour to withstand the tough conditions associated with rugby. The areas most vulnerable to injury are the shoulders and the chest, which take much of the contact in tackles, so it's important these areas are well protected.

Body armour must fit perfectly, otherwise it will be extremely uncomfortable on the pitch, as well as widening your chance of picking up an injury. But keep in mind, wearing body protection doesn't mean you are unbreakable and can do things others rugby players can't - you'll do yourself more suffering if you think like that.

Some things to look out for when looking for rugby body armour are:
- Breathable material to keep you cool
- Made from lightweight and very strong materials
- Comfortable fitting

Head Defense
Ever since rugby turned professional in the mid 1990s there are strict rules about using protective kit on the field. Head guarding is made from light man-made materials capable of limiting serious bat. They're often used by front row forwards to restrict blows to the head and damage to their ears while in scrums or mauls.

The most crucial thing to bear in mind if you want to wear head protecting is to make sure it is well fitting - otherwise it will cause unwanted pain and injury. If the head armor moves when you move your head, then it does not fit you properly.