Rugby Sholder pads and base layers?

Question

Will wearing these help my game? Will they reduce the impact of my drive, or will it be the same power just slightly softer initial contact? Also what make is the best base layer?

Answer 1

Shoulder pads don't reduce the impact or the initial contact of your tackle, but do help to preserve your joints and help reduce soft tissue injury and yes your confidence grows and you can go it much harder, like a misile !

Answer 2

they are not going to make you invinsible, but they will reduce the mucle bruising  ever so slightly, they give you more confidence, people usually get injured in contact if they go in with only half and heart and try to pull out when its too late, its all about the confidence. They will not make you a better player, only you can do that, and its not the special boots or tight jersey its what you put into it.

I found that the canterbury flexitop is good, its got padding on the arms, chest and kidneys (which can all be removed if you want) it also has the honeycomb pattern which doesnt seem to slip as much as a simple pad. it also keeps you warm during the winter months. there are many different styles of padding, your best bet is to go into a sports store and tell them you are looking for a pair and try on different ones till you find the one that you think works for you. Make sure they are tight but not too tight to restrict your movement

Answer 3

Neither of these things will reduce the impact of a player driving in contact.  Also regarding the initial hit I would say they would not make the initial contact any softer and in some cases, due to increased confidence, they will make players go harder into contact.  In fact I would say the best reason for wearing shoulder pads is confidence.  There are lots of good makes of both shoulder pads and base layer clothing from all major manufacturers.  You just need to make sure whatever you buy is IRB approved.  I think referees at the current world cup are 'cracking down' on players wearing non approved equipment and this will filter down to lesser levels of the game.  Good luck.

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Answer 4

Wearing shoulder pads and stuff want stop you from getting hurt. It's just window dressing.