How to Choose Protective Equipment

Recently the NFL—National Football League— in the United States have been discussing the safety of players as some have been suffering head injuries due to the brutality of the game. If only they could see just how rough rugby is sometimes where players don’t have any of the protection that NFL players do. We think they would be pretty shocked! Rugby is rough on players and there are only a few choices of protective wear to purchase. For instance, NFL players were helmets, gum shields, shin and shoulder pads, elbow protectors and of course cups. Rugby players have far fewer options so buying the right kind of protective wear is absolutely vital. Here are some of our main suggestions to choose the best protection for you.

“US Women’s Rugby: NC Hustlers vs Midwest II” by Kelseye, licenced under CC BY 2.0

Body pads and headgear

In rugby, depending on your position, you can wear a head guard. This is commonly referred to as a scrum cap and is used to protect the ears when in a scrum. The best way to choose a good scrum cap is to look for the solid protection from a high strength material. It can’t be made of stiff materials like plastic but should be made of a hardwearing material with padding over the ears. This can prevent some additional cuts and abrasions but won’t reduce the likelihood of concussion.

Shoulder pads are not commonly worn in rugby, but they are growing in stature among professional and amateur players alike. They are not similar to the American football shoulder pads, but are instead discreet protection built into clothing. You should check the amount of impact protection between various makes and brands. You should also make sure they are breathable because your skin can suffer and you can become seriously dehydrated on hot days. Remember that shoulder pads are not meant to be worn with a view to rushing another player. They are meant to reduce the impact if you are rushed or accidentally banged.

“Blood makes the grass grow” by Anthony Georgis

Mouthguards 

We’ve all seen how rough rugby can get so it is essential to protect your teeth from any nasty knocks. Mouthguards come in a variety of different materials and it is often up to personal preference when choosing the best one. They will mould round your mouth to ensure the best protection and help prevent the risk of being knocked out

All in all, safety in rugby boils down to being cautious whilst not allowing it to affect your playing skills. Noses get broken, teeth get knocked out and shoulders get dislocated all the time, but having as much protection as possible can at least reduce the higher risks.

Who Will be the Rugby European Cup Champion?

This year we find a new tournament on the Rugby calendar, well more like a replacement. After all the talk, debate and arguments over the past few years we finally have a European competition. This new format, for qualification and representation means we can keep one European Cup, to replace the Heineken Cup.

The Rugby European Cup – How it works…

This weekend the opening encounters of the new Europeans Champions Cup will take place. Stadiums across Europe will begin to fill with fans traveling from near and far to cheer on their teams. Each team battles to qualify out of their group and reach the knock-out stages. Each group has 4 teams playing a round robin style competition, in which only two will qualify for the Quarter Finals in April 2015. The Ultimate goal being, to be the first, to lift the European Champions Cup in Twickenham on 2 May 2015.  

Teams to watch out for

As we have seen from the past there is no such thing as an easy win in any game but surely Glasgow fancy their chances of a decisive win over Bath. With their recent run of form and showing they are a team to be reckoned with in the Pro12, Europe must be next on their list of achievements. A home game will definitely be an advantage as well. Here at Rugby Plus we are excited to see what Gregor Townsend pulls out of the bag and can this tight knit team pull off an impressive show of skill against an on form Bath side.

WIN a signed Shirt

The other big game of the opening weekend must be Leicester vs Ulster. The Ulster men are away from home and facing a strong Leicester side. Can the wisdom of Les Kiss and Neil Doak lead the Ulster men to the win or will the strength of the Leicester Tigers prove to strong?  WIN  a signed Leicester Tigers shirt! Simply visit our Rugby Plus Facebook page and like and share our the Leicester Tigers shirt photo to enter.

At Rugby Plus we love to equip both fans and players with the best and latest attire – as well as some old faithful memorabilia stock!  Check out our NEW website for all your rugby needs, be it boots or shirts, socks or shorts we have it all.

Whatever happens with the Champions Cup, remember its all sport, so stay passionate about it.

Tell us, who do you think will win the first Rugby European Cup?

Rugby’s a Women’s Game

Rugby, like football, has long been seen as a man’s game. One of the main reasons for this is probably the roughness. Let’s be honest, it’s not a dainty sport and is fraught with danger, including broken noses, crushed collar bones, broken legs and missing teeth. Not exactly appealing to some women (or men), so what exactly can be done to increase the interest?

The recent success of Women’s teams has certainly bolstered interest, but on the whole, women’s sport always tends to get less coverage and less sponsorship than men’s sports. At Rugby Plus, we know that it should be equality for all in sports – not just Rugby. Golf and football are both prime examples of how men seem to come out better with prize money, recognition and opportunities than women. It has almost become a crusade for many people, both women in the sport and male and female advocates of the sport to get women’s rugby noticed in higher places.

What does it take?

They say actions speak louder than words. Money is one thing that tends to speak louder than anything else, and if women’s rugby is to make an impact on the sporting world on a long-term basis, it needs some serious sponsorship money. The team members should be receiving sponsorship money from sporting companies, apparel companies, fitness and equipment companies. They should be seen on TV and gain more positive exposure.

There is still the common misconception that women’s rugby is less exciting, less serious and less raw than when rugby played by men. As anyone who has watched (or played) women’s rugby will testify, as we do at Rugby Plus nothing could be further from the truth. We have lots of eye catching ladies wear on offer and we have seen a huge increase in demand from this area.

We need to get the women’s teams and their players noticed. We need to learn to recognize the face of a woman rugby player the same way we all recognize Johnny Wilkinson or Bill Beaumont, or the Underwood’s, Tony and Rory. The question is, how many women players could you mention? At Rugby Plus we know it won’t be long until the top sporting females are recognised, similar to their male counterparts.

Best Christmas Boy Toys for a Rugby Fan

We aren’t on the countdown just yet, but we really want to help you get ahead of the Christmas shopping game—if you pardon the pun. For all we know you might be one of those last minute shoppers who dash out on Christmas eve and come home with the last thing left on the shelf. At least this way we can get you on the right tracks looking for a proper rugby-lovers present to bring home for Christmas, it’s that simple. So, keeping that ethos in mind, we have put together a little list of possible options for you to choose from when you are hunting for the ideal gift for Christmas.

For the budding fan

Budding fans can be anything from new born to about 6, in our estimation. That’s when they start to get old enough to get what the game is about and learn to appreciate it. After age seven, there’s every chance they are going to be a fan for life. So, getting them on the road to fandom we have a little onesie that we love. Available in red the suit is small enough to fit a newborn and enough to go up to 24 months. If you are an All Blacks family get your little ‘un this dinky little jersey and shorts kit, which goes up to 18 months in age.

Buying for older kids

As they grow they will want some of the proper team garb, so how about a winter wear hoodie for those chilly evenings out on the rugby field? And, just to make sure their growing legs don’t freeze, how about a neat pair of trackie bottoms to finish the set?

Adults and big Kids

It doesn’t matter how old your rugby fan is, most of them are big kids at heart, and the love of the game will keep them young spirited. If your rugby lover wants something neat for Christmas try our equipment page to see just what we have to offer in the way of bags, balls, backpacks, holdalls and other brilliant items. Go one, take a look, it’s all here, waiting for you. 

Commonwealth Sevens

“Glasgow 2014 – Rugby Sevens” by Daniel, licenced under CC BY 2.0

The Commonwealth Games is sadly over for this time around, but boy was it a belter!  The Rugby Sevens was fast, furious and downright exciting, especially for us rugby fans. As a brilliant prelude to the official 2016 Olympics debut, rugby was very well represented at the Glasgow 2014 Games. Rugby Sevens is much the same as a full team game, but because there are only seven players on each side it's double the work and double the effort. It makes for an extremely energetic and fast-paced game.

How it Works

Over two days, there are a total of 45 games played between 16 teams. Because it is a knockout tournament, eventually there will be two teams left, vying for the winning Gold prize. There are four ‘pools,' containing four teams. This year it began with pool A containing New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Barbados. Pool B contained South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. Pool C contained Samoa, Wales, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia and Pool D contained England, Australia Sri Lanka and Uganda. In the same way as the FIFA Soccer World Cup, the teams in each pool play each other, with the top 8 qualifying for the quarter-finals. Then, they play each and it is whittled down further and so on, until only two are left. This year’s Gold went to South Africa.

“Kenyan Fans” by Erik Hersman, licenced under CC BY 2.0

Excitement and Support

Hardened rugby fans like seven's simply because it is a little more hardcore sometimes. It doesn't compare to 11's because they are both played entirely differently, with the exception of the rules, but because each team has twice the work it does lead to twice the excitement and twice the effort. The fans love it and because it is a shorter punchier version of ‘big' rugby is perfect for new fans to get acquainted with the beautiful game, too. 

Keep an eye out for the latest fixtures in the Sevens World Series and make sure you stalk up on your home nation rugby tops here!

Blair Atholl Horse Trials

Twenty-six years sure does shoot by quickly, and the older we get, the faster it seems to go. When the Blair Atholl Horse Trials started this year on 21^st August, it marked twenty-six years since the very first International horse trial was held there, and that is some feat.  The leading equestrian event in Scotland, the trials also encompasses the Country Fair and had an expected 40,000 attend.

“Horse” by Moyan Brenn, licenced under CC BY 2.0

What Happens?

Well, it’s a great few days of fun for the whole family and horse lovers alike. Sponsored by Barclays, the event runs from 21^st August through 24^th August and the Blair Atholl hallowed turf. You will see Olympic medallist competing alongside ranked amateurs and a fun but competitive environment. Lucinda Frederick will be defending her title this year too. The Bruadar Country Fair runs concurrently with the trials, and you will see other equestrian activities all throughout the weekend. There are also over two-hundred vendor stands—of which we are one—at the shopping village, so come along and see what bargains are to be had.

What Else is there and why?

Well, you will find sponsored charities there, such as HorseBack UK, who are this year’s designated charity and you will find superb action and plenty of family fun to join in with. If you love horses and just simply enjoy watching them do their graceful thing, this is an event you won't want to miss. If you can’t make it this year, then make a note of date and join us next year!

The RBS Six Nations 2014

The RBS Six Nations 2014

With a number of fierce clashes in the RBS Six Nations 2014, the weekend saw rapturous crowds treated to a thrilling array of exciting battles. Indeed, Wales capitalised on their last defeat to Ireland to beat France 27-6 in what was a fantastic encounter. With France having won against England and Italy in their previous two clashes, Wales were looking to make an impact and the ensuing battle was one of sheer power and electric energy.

Scotland travelled to Italy to lock horns with an Italian side whose steely determination made for a truly fantastic spectacle. In what was an exciting encounter for all to enjoy, Scotland managed to win the encounter 21-20 with two tries to secure a fantastic victory. Certainly, the game was filled with fierce clashes and electric energy as the two sides did battle, with fans being treated to an enticing spectacle of exciting rugby. Additionally, England capitalised on their win over Scotland to beat Ireland 13-10, with their brute power treating fans to a truly fierce battle.

Indeed, Scotland’s next match on the 8^th of March will see them lock horns with France at Murrayfield in what will sure to be an exciting clash. Scotland’s final encounter will see them travel to the Millennium Stadium to do battle with Wales in what will be an exciting rugby spectacle of delights.

Certainly, RugbyPlus offers an excellent array of rugby clothing to help show your support to Scotland during this season’s RBS Six Nations. Browse our excellent array of Scotlandrugby jerseys help cheer Scotland on to a win! Indeed, if all this RBS Six Nations action is getting you in the mood to hit the pitch, don’t hesitate to browse Rugby Plus’ excellent array of rugby clothing, rugby equipment, Scotland rugby jerseys and various product ranges!