Which rugby players wear padded hats?

Question

In rugby some of the players wear things on their heads, but I can't tell which ones wear the padded hats and why. Could someone tell me why only some players wear the hats?

Answer 1

some props wear them but mostly second rows, mainly because they dont want funny looking ears to keep it simple

Answer 2

Head-gear is worn to protect rugby players from head injuries.  The fowards wear them mainly because of head injuries e.g concussion, or to prevent "cauliflower ears" (which is when rough treatment of the ears causes the cartilage in the ear to die, leaving the ears swollen).  The backs wear them generally to prevent head injuries.  However, scrum caps are mostly worn by fowards because of their participation in scrums, and to a lesser extent, rucks and mauls.

Answer 3

Traditionally they are worn by second rows or No.8's as they have to squeeze their heads into the scrums which can result in cauliflower ears etc.

However, they are worn by others as they do offer an amount of general protection from knocks and bumps in what is nowadays a very physical game. That said there is no proof of protection against concussion and major head traumas.

At the end of the day it is personal choice.

Answer 4

The scrum caps are mostly worn by the forwards, who do the scrumming.  However, I have seen entire (amateur) teams wearing them, but that looks foolish.  I've heard that some people wear them to protect from concussions... but they're not much help.  I think the main benefit is that they keep your ears from getting bent up and ripped up in scrums.  That's the only help I've ever seen them give.

Answer 5

Mainly the forwards who don't want to get mashed up ears the forwards are the players who contest line outs and scrums.You may see some backs wearing them too this is mainly to prevent head injuries.

Answer 6

do you mean scrum caps?

and if so here are some

danny cipriani(wasps)

james haskall(wasps)

dewet barry(quins)

magnus lund(sale sharks)#

alex sanderson(i think repeat think worcester)