What to Take to Your First Training Session
Here’s everything we think you’ll need for your first rugby session. From boots and gumshields to what clothes to wear.
👟 Boots
For your first session you can absolutely turn up in trainers, especially if you’re not sure if rugby is for you. That being said if you can take boots with you, you’ll find running and changing direction a whole lot easier. They don’t need to be expensive, you can find a decent pair for around £40, they just need to be something comfortable. In terms of boots there are broadly two options
Metal studs (soft ground boots) these are often worn by forwards, particularly front-row, or when playing on muddy/boggy pitches to give greater traction.
If you’re a back or a back row, or are training on artificial ground, mouldies (boots with small plastic studs) are usually fine. You may see these advertised as firm ground football boots.
For your very first session, don’t stress too much though. You’re unlikely to know what position you’ll end up playing! You can read more about rugby boot options in our rugby boot guide. The only thing we wouldn’t advise is blades as these aren’t legal in rugby.
🎽 Clothing
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy if your new team trains on grass. Occasionally, tops can get torn in training if someone accidentally grabs them, so avoid anything you’d be upset about ruining.
Bottom half: Shorts or leggings are both fine, so go with whatever you feel most comfortable and confident in. Later on, if you play as a forward, you might be asked not to wear leggings so you can be lifted more easily in lineouts. For now, just pick what suits the weather and feels right for you.
Top half: Any t-shirt or sports top works. If it’s cold, add thermal skins/a base layer, or a sweatshirt or hoodie. If its really hot you can wear a vest. A waterproof is always handy too. Lots of players have rugby smock-style waterproofs with no zips or pockets (so nothing digs in during contact), but for your first session any waterproof you don’t mind getting muddy is fine.
🧦 Socks
Traditionally rugby socks are the long ones that go to just below your knee. These are the kind of socks usually worn for matches. For training however, most people wear crew length sports socks. Trainer socks will also do, however slightly longer socks are usually comfier in boots.
🩷 Sports Bra
This one is really important! Rugby is a high-impact sport, so making sure you’re properly supported will make a huge difference on the pitch. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our full guide to sports bras here.
👄 Gumshield
For your first session, you probably won’t be doing contact (though you can double check with the coach beforehand). Once you do start doing contact though, it’s absolutely crucial that you have a gumshield. Not only does it protect your teeth, but not wearing one may also affect your insurance if you get injured. It’s worth having one ready to go even if its just a cheap one.
🎒 Other things to Bring
A water bottle
Hair ties
Warm, dry clothes for afterwards
A couple of snacks for before or after training
For more info on rugby kit check out our women’s rugby kit guide.
