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Apparels |
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How do I determine what my size is for apparel? |
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Most of the apparel should have a link for more information on sizing information
on the item detail screen above the price. All sizing information is approximate.
The chest is measured 1" below the armpit. Your inseam is the measurement from
crotch to floor. If you take measurement in centimeters, be sure to convert them
to inches. (2.54 centimeters = 1 inch). |
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Shoulder Protection |
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What shoulder pads would best suit me? |
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Players require different levels and types of protection depending on their position.
Front and second row would require more protection than the other positions The
padded elements are positioned to protect vital areas of the body whilst allowing
a full range of movement. The lightweight materials and performance fit allow the
body to regulate temperature, ensuring the wearer stays cool. |
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How much protection do you require? The basic upper body protectors only include
a single solid foam pad on each shoulder. Others include a sternum pad, kidney pads,
back pads and bicep pads. |
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It is your preference whether you choose a vest design or a full t-shirt design
shoulder pad. Some people find that having arms on the shoulder pad inhibits movement.
However the more expensive shoulder pads have a honeycomb type pad around this area,
which moulds to the shape of the shoulders, making it more comfortable and effective
to play in. |
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Are all shoulder pads legal to play in? |
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All the items that we sell meet the specific requirements of the International Rugby
Board (IRB) and are approved for match play. The Gilbert protection line is widely
endorsed by international players from around the world. |
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Head Guards |
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Should I wear a head guard? |
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Head guard use is down to preference, if you feel safer wearing one, then it´s
a good idea. It is worth noting that all manufacturers do state that "head
guards are intended to prevent cuts and abrasions, they are not intended to prevent
concussion or similar injuries." |
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How do head guards vary from each other? All head guards are designed for protection
of the head, the better ones have antibacterial agent to stop odor, and are ventilated
to prevent excessive heat. The better ones have improved hearing. |
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How do I choose the correct size? Measure the circumference of the head to determine
the size. Click here for relevant size guide. |
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Rugby Balls |
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What size rugby ball should I be using? |
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The standard size rugby ball (Size 5) measures 11.5" should be used by ages
15+. Size 4 rugby ball should be used by ages 10-14. Size 3 rugby balls should be
used by ages 6-9. We also carry two souvenir sizes: Midi (9") and the Mini
(6"). |
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Rugby Imports´ Gilbert balls are size 5 unless otherwise noted. Size 4 balls
are available in XT400 Practice Ball (p/n #GIL026), XT 500 Rugby Imports Ball (p/n
#GIL005B), Vapour Truflight Match Ball (p/n #GIL122). Size 3 balls are available
in XT400 Practice Ball (p/n #GIL076-3). |
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The table below illustrates which balls to use for the type of rugby you are playing: |
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Model Use |
Synergie Match |
Revolution X Match |
Barbarian Match |
Vapour Match |
Dimension Match |
XT - 500 Training |
XT - 400 Training |
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International |
X |
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Senior Rugby |
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X |
X |
X |
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Club Rugby |
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X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Schools |
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X |
X |
X |
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Mini & Juniors |
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X |
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X |
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What is the difference between expensive and cheap rugby balls? |
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Higher quality rugby balls have better balancing (for kicking) and better grip surface.
The quality of the cotton rubber laminate is greater on a match ball than a training
ball. Some match balls are pre-kicked and most match balls are hand stitched. Generally
training balls cost around $20-$30 and are for training use only. Match balls start
at around $30 and rise to over $100. |
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What are the differences in Gilbert rugby ball technology? |
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Multi Matrix 3D Grip |
Maximizes hand contact with the ball and provides
ultimate passing and catching control. Performs in all conditions.(only
Synergie ball #GIL199 has this technology) |
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Figure of Eight Bladder |
Redefines the pressure zones inside the ball to enlarge the strike zone and increase
kicking accuracy.(only Synergie ball #GIL199 has this
technology) |
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Reaction Laminate |
Ensures optimal energy transfer between boot and ball to improve strike consistency.(only Synergie ball #GIL199 has this technology) |
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Truflight |
GILBERT´s patented Truflight bladder improves aerodynamics to provide all
match balls with ultimate balance and truer, longer flight. The unique valve in
seam position ensures that the ball will not deviate from the line of kick, which
results in greater accuracy.(All Gilbert match balls
have this technology) |
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XACT-7 |
Designed specifically for Sevens rugby to assist long accurate passing, one-handed
off loads and increased ball security. The pimple formation also allows for controlled,
accurate drop kicks.(Only p/n #GIL139 has this technology) |
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Hydratec |
Technical fabrics and waterproof laminations are combined to enhance the life and
performance of balls. The outer surface repels moisture to maintain ball shape.(All training balls have this technology) |
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Pre-kicked |
Kicking machines strike the ball repeated to remove residual stress. Ready for match
play from the first kick.(Revolution Match ball #GIL136
and Synergie #GIL199 have this technology) |
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IRB Spec |
All balls conform to IRB size specifications. |
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What types of grips do the Gilbert rugby balls have? |
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Type of Grip |
Product |
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Reaction laminate construction |
Synergie Match Ball |
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High Grade Rubber Surface |
Revolution X, Xact-7 Ball |
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Core-spun polyester and cotton laminate construction |
Barbarian Match Ball |
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Cotton & leather laminate construction |
Vapour Match Ball |
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Rubber Surface |
Dimension Match Ball |
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3 ply cotton rubber laminate construction |
XT400 & XT 500 Training Ball |
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All balls ship deflated. |
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Rugby Boots |
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How do I choose rugby boots? |
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This is a big one! There are quite a few options with rugby boots - hard toe or
soft toe and low cut, mid cut or high cut. The most popular boot combinations are
low cut soft toe, and mid cut hard toe. Most back players wear low cut soft toe
boots; some may also opt for a high or mid cut in a soft toe, for extra ankle support
/ protection. Backs do not generally opt for hard toe boots, as you will lose the
feel of the ball when kicking. Forward players are generally in a lot closer proximity
with the opposition, toes can easily get stood on, for this reason forwards generally
prefer a hard toe boot. Most hard toe boots are sold in either a mid cut or high
cut version, this gives the ankle extra support whilst pushing in a scrum or maul. |
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Boots: What Position and What Height |
This is only a recommended chart.
Use your own personal preference. |
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1 |
Prop-Front Row. Hi or Mid Boot |
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2 |
Hooker-Front Row. Hi or Mid Boot |
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3 |
Prop-Front Row. Hi or Mid Boot |
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4 |
Lock-Second Row. Hi or Mid Boot |
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5 |
Lock-Second Row. Hi or Mid Boot |
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6 |
Flanker-Blind Side Flanker. Loose Forward. Mid or Low Boot |
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7 |
Flanker-Open Side Flanker. Loose Forward. Mid or Low Boot |
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8 |
Number 8. Loose Forward. Mid or Low Boot |
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9 |
Scrum Half/Half Back. Back. Low Boot |
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10 |
Fly Half-Out Half-1st Five Eight. Back. Low Boot |
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11 |
Wing- Back. Low Boot. |
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12 |
Center-2nd Five Eight. Inside Center Back. Low Boot |
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13 |
Center-Outside Center. Back. Low Boot |
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14 |
Wing-Back. Low Boot |
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15 |
Fullback-Back. Low Boot |
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We also recommend that Kickers do not use a hard toe boot. |
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Should I buy more expensive boots? |
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Buying an expensive boot does not mean the boot will last longer. A higher priced
boot is made for comfort and performance, not durability. Higher end boots are normally
made from the very best leather (usually kangaroo) this makes for a comfortable
breathable upper. Kangaroo leather will mould to the shape of your foot to a higher
degree and keep its shape better over time. |
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What should I know about different rugby boot soles? |
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Boots with traditional metal studs are designed for use on soft ground. Soft ground
boots usually come with 8 studs in each boot (some boots for back players have 6
studs for reduced weight). Soft ground boots should generally be used from the middle
to the end of the season, when the ground is soft. At the start of the season and
/ or if the ground is hard (i.e. there has been no rain) soft ground boots should
not be worn, you should instead use a pair of molded sole boots. Wearing soft ground
boots on hard ground may push the studs up through the sole of the boot and make
the boot uncomfortable; this is not a fault of the boot! |
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Front Row |
Second Row |
Back Row |
Half Backs |
Back 5 |
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Type of Boot |
Mid/High |
Mid/High |
Mid/Low |
Low |
Low |
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All the brands differ slightly, but as a guide US men´s sizes are about 1
whole size bigger than UK sizes. For example a size (UK) 11 would be a size (US)
12. This is approximate; please check our sizing on each boot for further information. |
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