Rugby: Get Your Squad Mouthguard-Ready Before the Season | Proteksports

Rules on wearing a mouthguard (gum shield) in rugby vary between federations, age groups and organisers. World Rugby already recommends a mouthguard; your club remains the source for what applies to your competition. If a stricter requirement is on the way, the real issue isn't the announcement: it's the time needed to kit everyone out properly.

Don't wait for the first match

A Proteksports custom-fit mouthguard isn't a changing-room item you pick up the day before. It takes the kit, the dental impression, an approved photo, the return to the laboratory, then 5–10 working days of manufacturing. Then add a few training sessions to check fit, speech and breathing. A player who gets their mouthguard for the first time on Saturday morning has no margin left if the impression has to be redone.

Who to order for first

• seniors and first teams who take contact after contact;
• young players whose teeth are changing: the fit needs checking more often;
• replacements and players who rotate between teams;
• special cases (braces, pain, recent dental treatment): get advice from the dentist or orthodontist before the impression.

The rugby guide covers fit, positions and young players. This article is for coaching staff: scheduling and volume, not the technical choice piece by piece.

Changing-room check before a match

Every player should have an intact mouthguard, a ventilated case, and a spare if the rules or the staff require one. Check for cracks, sharp edges and a fit that's too loose. A mouthguard warped by heat (car, radiator) is no longer reliable. Rinse after the session, dry it, put it away: good hygiene prevents nasty surprises as much as premature wear.

The team order advantage

Grouping orders lets you align lead times, send out the kits at the same time and keep track of impression approvals. It's described step by step in the club team order, and the benefits (single point of contact, colours, kit included) in the advantages of a club order.

Get started from the club offer as soon as the pre-season schedule is known. A mouthguard reduces the risk of injury to the mouth when it fits properly and is worn; it does not prevent concussion and does not replace the medical protocol after an impact.