What are the best rugby practice cleats?

Question

I'm about to start practice on a new rugby team, and as I've never played before, I was wondering what would be the best footware for me? I don't really want to buy a pair of specilized cleats, as its just for practice, and as the team Im joining is the only one in my state, there wont be any officals to take me out for wearing the wrong cleats. I have both forms of football cleats, soccer cleats, and running shoes. Which of these would be the best, and are there any laws about the kind of cleats you can wear?

Answer 1

I used to own 1 pair of boots & studs, for about 10 years.

The aluminum studs got worn down on the concrete path from the changing room and had a wicked sharp edge to them. I accidentally slashed quite a few of the opponents shins in my time.

That wasn't playing dirty - I played tight-head prop & there's no such thing as dirty for tight-head prop.

SO - don't get hung up on gear for rugger. The game is about attitude, commitment and what you can get away with. Unless you are one of the backs. In which case you're a wimp & there's no hope for you.

Just get stuck in.

Answer 2

Really doesn't matter.  The surface you are practicing on is probably the most important thing.  You said it was the only team in the "state" so I am assuming you are in the US.  This increases the likelihood you are playing on artificial turf slightly.  If you are, then usually the people that own the turf have rules about the type of footwear you can use and they almost always ban metal cleats/studs/sprigs anyway.

If it is artificial, you can almost certainly just use running shoes, I was surprised how well they work on artificial turf.  If it is grass, then I'd skip the running shoes for anything other than a very dry hard surface.  You should almost certainly go to Soccer cleats for grass.  If you guys start getting into positional specific stuff and you end up in the forwards, then you may want to go to the Football cleats for the extra grip... or if the field is wet or muddy.

I'd say just take all three to your first practice and try them all and see what you prefer.  If you can get away with the comfort of running shoes then go for it, but you'll still have the others there and it only takes 2 minutes to change them.  I take running shoes to practice all the time for the warm ups... lots of running!

Answer 3

Depending on the type of ground you are training on. If it is a hard surface i suggest wearing metal studs. If it the ground is soft i suggest using blades... in my opinion..i suggest you just use your soccer cleats as like u mentioned, it is just for practice. Who knows if you decide to take up the sport, than only you buy one. I suggest Puma. I am not sure what the name is but Percy Montgomery (South African Full Back) wears them and i own one too...

Answer 4

You can't have a toe cleat.  If you're going to buy one pair of boots, I would buy 8-stud, s***w-in stud low top rugby boots.  This way you'll be able to play as a forward if needed to, as 8 stud boots are necessary for mauling and scrummaging, especially if you are a tight-five forward.  Molded studs will not do well in soft, wet ground, even if you are a back.  If you are going to play as a back, I would buy 6-stud s***w in studs.  This will allow you a bit more mobility and help your sidesteps and swerves.  Molded studs are great for just playing touch and summer sevens, when the ground is firm.  Playing on firm ground with long, s***w-in studs is uncomfortable, and may even lead to a sprained ankle or worse.

Answer 5

By cleats I assume you mean studs or the s***w in part under the boot.

I agree with you in that you should not go & buy a specialist boot when you are just tryingout.

Running shoes are not good.

Use the soccer boots for now with some extra protection/support around the anckles.

A good boot should have a minumun of 8 cleats/studs & offer good support to the ankle.

Have fun & hit em hard!!

Cheers

B.