3.6m Omlet Chicken Run for sale, Brand New in Boxes, Milton Keynes (MK19)

[chuckmum6]

I just wondered if anyone has experience of kids using protection headguards and upper body protection when playing rugby? Both my boys have played rugby from the age of 7 and contact from 9 up, at there Junior School, with minimal need for protection beyond mouth and shin guards. However, they will be both at senior school, which is rougher and played for longer. ES has come home aching and with stud marks on his chest, but he wasn't keen to have protection. I have now ignored him and bought him and his younger brother Optimum padded tops and a headguard, do they make much difference, will I be able to worry a little less? I don't like them playing rugby, but they enjoy it and sport is a big part of life at their school. So far neither boys have had more than bruises and aches (touching wood frantically as I type)!

[patsylabrador]

My two eldest, ES and DD played rugby but that was ages ago. I think any protection at all is an excellent idea. It's very rough isn't it. My nephew plays rugby and he's a big bloke now and I know he wears headguards. I love watching rugby and have noticed that more and more of the players wear padded clothes etc so it must be worthwhile even if it's just to stop them getting cauliflower ears. It makes sense to protect bones and joints otherwise it's months with no practice and somebody else takes your place.

ES took it up again when he first joined his regiment but not for long. He said it was terrifying to have some man-mountain Fijian thundering down the pitch at you. I think it was more get rid of the ball and run for your life.

[bettyhen]

My youngest has played contact rugby for his school and a local club since he was 14 (prop forward...eeek !!!) All of his team wear skins underneath their kit. He has always found the heavier armour protection (which I bought for him !!) a bit of a nuisance while he`s playing.

Something that he was told early on by his coaches was absoloutely no boxer shorts under his kit....far too many "boy bits " injuries can happen with boxers so normal pants and skins over the top of them !!

So far ...touch wood ...he`s been injury free, apart from the normal scratches and bruises !!

He can`t wait for his 17s season to start

[Yorkshire Pudding]

My youngest played rugby league for a couple of years, headguards are supposed to be compulsory in club matches. In practice some clubs ignored the rule, but ours enforced it strictly and we also sent all our players out with body armour and gumshields at every match. Even at u9 level the tackling could be pretty rough. DS said the armour made it easier to go hard into tackles too .

 

I agree re the underwear comment - skins and shorts are essential wear!

Edited August 22, 2012 by Guest

[SarahJo]

Mine don't play rugby - but their Godfather teaches at the the local club, he had his sight badly damaged through the game - personally I would have my lads protected, especially heads

 

There are loads of different levels of body protection - check out the sports specialists/forums for ideas - don't forget the gum shield

[chuckmum6]

Thanks all, I now need to convience my son to wear them, this will take the form of clear reason and more than likely, downright blackmail - if I see him out on the field without them I will make him pay for the cost of them! ES loves his money, so this would hit him hard! He also had been commenting on the cauliflower ears he noticed on a rugby player on tv, so this may help. YS will wear his without fuss. I haven't bought any protection for the lower half, snug fit pants will do for now