Custom-Fit Rugby Mouthguards | Rugby Protection 2026-2027

Rugby mouthguards: essential kit for playing better protected

In rugby, contact is part of the game. Tackles, collisions, impacts on the ground, accidental knocks: every action can expose your teeth, lips, jaw and mouth to injury. That is why the rugby mouthguard is becoming an increasingly important piece of equipment, whether you are an amateur player, a youngster at a rugby school or an experienced player.

From the 2026-2027 season, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) is launching a major prevention phase around wearing a mouthguard. The aim is simple: to get players gradually used to wearing this protective equipment. Then, from the 2027-2028 season, the mouthguard will become compulsory for any form of the game involving contact or tackling.

At Proteksports, we make custom-fit rugby mouthguards, designed to give a better hold, more comfort and protection suited to your teeth.

Why wear a mouthguard in rugby?

Rugby is a contact sport. Even with good tackling technique, an impact can happen at any moment: a knee, a clash of heads, an opponent's shoulder, a fall to the ground or accidental contact.

The role of a mouthguard is to reduce the risk of injury to the mouth:

• broken or displaced teeth;
• cuts to the lips or cheeks;
• impacts to the jaw;
• injuries caused by repeated impacts;
• discomfort or pain after contact.

A mouthguard never completely eliminates the risk of injury, but it plays an essential role in protecting the player. It is a small piece of kit, but it can prevent serious consequences.

Compulsory rugby mouthguards: what is changing with the FFR

The FFR wants to change the habits of players and clubs when it comes to safety. The mouthguard was already strongly recommended, but it will gradually become a compulsory reflex in contact rugby.

2026-2027 season: prevention and support

The 2026-2027 season will serve as an information period. The aim is to make players, parents, coaches and clubs aware of the importance of the mouthguard.

During this phase, the goal is not to penalise, but to learn to play well protected.

From 2027-2028: the mouthguard becomes compulsory

From the 2027-2028 season, wearing a mouthguard will be compulsory for all forms of the game involving contact or tackling.

This includes in particular:

• rugby schools with contact;
• youth categories;
• seniors;
• training sessions with tackling;
• official matches;
• adapted contact formats.

Formats without tackling, such as baby rugby, five-a-side rugby, beach rugby or certain non-contact introductory sessions, are not affected in the same way.

Official source: French Rugby Federation — “Mouthguards: essential for safe rugby” (in French).

Standard rugby mouthguard or custom-fit mouthguard: what is the difference?

There are several types of rugby mouthguard. A simple model bought in a sports shop always protects better than nothing. But for a regular player, a custom-fit rugby mouthguard, or gum shield, offers a real advantage in terms of comfort, hold and safety.

The boil-and-bite mouthguard

The boil-and-bite mouthguard is often the first model players use. Thermoformable, it softens in hot water and is then moulded directly in the mouth, at home.

It is affordable and quick to use, but it often has limitations:

• less precise hold;
• discomfort when speaking or breathing;
• thickness sometimes unevenly distributed;
• risk of it moving during exertion;
• comfort that varies depending on your teeth.

For occasional play, it may be suitable. But for a player who trains regularly or plays competitively, a custom-fit model is generally more appropriate.

The custom-fit mouthguard

The custom-fit mouthguard is made from the player's dental impression. It therefore fits the exact shape of the teeth and jaw.

It has many advantages:

• better hold in the mouth;
• superior comfort;
• more natural breathing;
• better stability during play;
• protection suited to your teeth;
• less discomfort in training and in matches.

A good rugby mouthguard should stay in place without you having to clench it all the time. That is where custom-fit makes a real difference.

Why choose a custom-fit mouthguard for rugby?

Rugby demands intensity, commitment and concentration. If your mouthguard moves, restricts your breathing or stops you from speaking properly, it quickly becomes a problem.

A custom-fit rugby mouthguard lets you play with more comfort and confidence. It is particularly recommended for:

• players who train several times a week;
• competitive players;
• young players who are progressing fast;
• players who have already had a dental injury;
• parents who want to protect their child properly;
• clubs that want to equip their members with reliable kit.

With a custom-fit model, players think less about their mouthguard and more about their game.

Proteksports: custom-fit rugby mouthguards

At Proteksports, we design mouthguards for contact sports, including rugby. Each custom-fit model is made from your dental impression to achieve a precise fit.

Our aim: to offer a mouthguard that combines comfort, safety, performance and design.

Protection suited to how you play

Not all players have the same needs. A young player at a rugby school, a back, a forward or a senior player do not necessarily face the same intensity of contact.

That is why Proteksports offers several models depending on how you play, how often you train and the level of protection you need. The rugby guide explains how to choose according to position and age.

A dental impression kit sent to your home

To order your custom-fit mouthguard, you receive a dental impression kit at home. You take your dental impression, then we make your mouthguard from it.

If needed, we can guide you to help you get a correct impression. The instructions cover every step.

A personalised mouthguard

A mouthguard can also reflect your style. Depending on the model chosen, you can opt for different colours, designs or personalisation options.

Whether you want a plain mouthguard, one in your club colours or one with a more original design, Proteksports lets you play protected without neglecting style.

Children's rugby mouthguards: why you shouldn't wait

With the changes to the FFR rules, young players will be made increasingly aware of wearing a mouthguard. For parents, now is the right time to get into the habit.

A child who gets used to wearing a mouthguard early will find it easier to keep it in during training and matches. Comfort is therefore essential. If the mouthguard is too uncomfortable, poorly fitted or hard to tolerate, the child may take it out or not wear it properly.

A custom-fit mouthguard can be a good solution for young regular players, especially when they play contact rugby several times a week.

Rugby clubs: equip your players before it becomes compulsory

The 2026-2027 season is an ideal time to plan ahead. Clubs can use this prevention phase to inform players, raise awareness among parents and establish good habits before the requirement planned for 2027-2028.

Proteksports can support rugby clubs with suitable solutions:

• custom-fit mouthguards for players;
• models personalised in the club's colours;
• support with taking impressions;
• bundle offers for teams;
• advice on choosing the right model.

Equipping your players also shows that the club takes safety seriously. The club offer lets you set up a team order.

Which rugby mouthguard should you choose?

The right choice depends on your level of play, how often you train and how much comfort you need.

For occasional play, a boil-and-bite model can be a first solution. For regular play, a custom-fit mouthguard is more comfortable, more stable and better suited to your teeth.

If you play competitively, if a standard mouthguard has already bothered you or if you want to get ahead of the FFR requirement, custom-fit is the most serious choice.

Order your custom-fit rugby mouthguard

The mouthguard is becoming an essential piece of equipment in modern rugby. With the changes to the FFR rules, it is better to plan ahead now rather than wait for it to become compulsory.

At Proteksports, we help you get a rugby mouthguard that is comfortable, stable and suited to how you play.

Protect your teeth. Play with confidence. Get ready for the new regulations now.

Discover our custom-fit rugby mouthguards from Proteksports and choose the model suited to how you play.

FAQ – Rugby mouthguards

Is a mouthguard compulsory in rugby?

The mouthguard is strongly recommended and will become compulsory from the 2027-2028 season for forms of the game involving contact or tackling.

Who is affected by the rugby mouthguard requirement?

Formats with contact or tackling are affected, notably rugby schools, youth players, seniors, training sessions with tackling and matches.

Is a boil-and-bite mouthguard enough for rugby?

A boil-and-bite mouthguard protects better than nothing, but it can be less comfortable and less stable than a custom-fit mouthguard.

Why choose a custom-fit rugby mouthguard?

A custom-fit mouthguard is made from your dental impression. It offers a better hold, more comfort and protection better suited to your teeth.

Does Proteksports offer mouthguards for rugby clubs?

Yes, Proteksports can support clubs with custom-fit mouthguards, personalised models and bundle offers for teams.