Head protection for rugby playing son

[BethDuttonforGovernor]

Hi all, I'm after some advice please.

My son plays rugby in the under 8s and this age group still plays tag rugby which for those who are unaware is non-contact. However, from September when he'll be in the under 9s they start playing contact.

FYI: I'm fully aware of the risks associated with rugby and particularly the head injury risks from 'minor' contact.

This current age group are advised to start wearing gum shields and head gear from around this time of year in U8s to get them used to wearing them during training and games ready for September when they must wear them.

So the question is, which one is the best to get?

Having had a look at previous threads I've opted for an Opro gum shield in the short term but will probably look to having one fitted by a dentist as he progresses through the age groups.

As to head gear, I'm looking at the Gilbert Air Headguard but would really appreciate some advice please from any parents whose children are perhaps a few years ahead as to what you suggest to be the best.

Cost is not really an issue as I want to do what I can to minimise the risks. If it helps my son is very fast and will likely move towards playing as a back and not a forward so hopefully contact will be reduced in that respect but obviously not removed.

I'm sure most parents say this but my son is really good and a promising player so please don't tell me to get him to stop playing rugby etc. (He's also a very promising footballer too although, I'd quite like to guide him towards rugby from a cultural point of view 🏉 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 😆)

I've attached a photo and link to the one I'm considering, but as I say I'm happy to act on good advice and would happily buy an alternative.

Many thanks 😊

www.gilbertrugby.com/collections/headguards-1/products/air-headguard

This is the photo of the head guard

Hi OP. Opro are a good start as is the head guard you've linked to.

We need to be realistic though: the head guard is only going to make a marginal difference to the risk of a head injury. Much more important is to learn early how to tackle and be tackled safely, at appropriate height. Also how to recognise and manage concussion and the protocols for return to play.

Age 9 - 12 it's not often an issue as the kids are relatively light and slow. Once we get into puberty though it needs careful attention.

I have sons that played rugby from young ages and are now grown up and still play, so I am not going to tell you to make him give it up. It is a great sport and, I think, has a much nicer culture than football.

But, a quick google confirmed my suspicion that any protective wear should conform to certain standards, and it is World Rugby that approves protective wear.
https://www.world.rugby/the-game/facilities-equipment/equipment/specifications/headgear

I would say, as long as you are aware that headguards are not intended to prevent concussion injuries, then any that has the World Rugby approval would be OK. I don't know how much they vary by price, but an expensive one isn't going to be more protective than a cheaper one if they both have WR approval.

I think finding one that fits, your son likes and will actually use, is the best route to go down. Sorry, not really much help!

DS, now 19, has been playing rugby since tag days. He's always had a gumshield (although as a mouthy scrum half it's more out than in) but has never worn headgear as I don't think it actually offers any protection against serious head injury. It's mainly players in scrums who wear them to save their ears. It won't do him any harm but it won't prevent concussion.

That's all really helpful, thanks. Just re-checked the regulations and the comms from the club and I mis-read the info. It's not a requirement to wear either apparently 🤷‍♀️ only if you feel the children need it.

I'll still make him wear them as a just in case but I take onboard all that's been said re: learning to tackle correctly and post-head injury return to field etc.

Much appreciated 😊

I would definitely get a gumshield. I think when my boys played it was compulsory by the club.

The club did get an Opro company to come to the club so everyone could get a proper fitted one at a much better price than going individually to a dentist.

Definitely get the gum shield! I'm surprised that's not compulsory.

Definitely get a gumshield but the benefits of a scrum cap/head guard are up for debate. Whilst they will protect against slight knocks, as PP have said they don't prevent a concussion. There is also a high risk of the player feeling invincible and taking greater risks and also at that age, of not learning to tackle or be tackled (just as important to learn how to fall) properly. Not sure if its still the case but I understand that Canada actually banned protective head gear from younger players some years ago.

Have you looked at the npro head guards and similar newer style ones with more concussion protection, or so they say? Regular head guards don't protect against concussion.