What Protective Gear is Approved by World Rugby — And Why It Might Be Time for Change Players are faster, stronger, and more aggressive than ever, which means the risks are higher, too. So naturally, many ask: What protective gear is approved by World Rugby?
World Rugby has a clear set of guidelines outlining what gear is permitted in official matches. Mouthguards, shoulder padding, and scrum caps are all allowed, as long as they meet strict specifications on thickness, density, and design. The aim is to standardise protection while keeping the integrity of the game intact.
But here’s where things get complicated.
Recently, Fempro Armour submitted our female-specific FemGuard Pro Impact Vest for World Rugby approval. Engineered with CE-rated materials adapted from the motorcycle industry, our armour is designed to offer lightweight, breathable, high-impact protection to the chest, back, shoulders, ribs and sternum, a part of the body that has been historically overlooked in women’s sport. The feedback? It failed.
Not because it wasn’t safe. Not because it didn’t work. But because it protected too well.
When Protection is “Too Effective”
World Rugby’s rationale was that gear which offers such a high level of protection might make players feel “invincible, like superman.” That this sense of security could lead them to play more aggressively, potentially increasing the risk of injury to others. While we understand the intention behind that logic, it raises a very serious and very necessary question:
Shouldn’t we be focusing on how to better protect everyone, rather than limiting those who are protected?
The very idea that gear which reduces the likelihood of injury is “too much protection” is counterintuitive to the ethos of player welfare. Isn’t that the goal of protective gear in the first place?
Limiting Protection Isn’t Safety – It’s Settling
By discouraging advanced, high-impact protection, we risk sending a dangerous message: that it’s better to play it safe with outdated, substandard gear than to evolve with the needs of the modern game.
In a time where player welfare has taken centre stage, especially with growing awareness around concussions, body-blow trauma, and long-term injury risks, we believe it’s time to ask whether the current approval system truly serves its purpose.
Our gear was not designed to give players superpowers—it was designed to give them peace of mind. To allow them to run harder, tackle with confidence, and compete without the fear of serious chest injuries or body-blow concussions. Isn’t that what sport should be about?
A Missed Opportunity for Women’s Rugby
This decision also highlights a broader issue: the lack of innovation and tailored solutions in women’s sport. Female athletes have gone far too long without proper, purpose-built protection. They’ve worn ill-fitting, male-centric gear or no protection at all. Fempro Armour was created to fill that gap—not to replace the essence of the sport, but to elevate safety standards for a group that’s been underserved for decades.
And yet, here we are.
Instead of recognising a step forward in innovation, the system remains rigid, afraid of what happens when women can finally play as hard as they want without added risk.
The Real Solution: Make Protection Standard, Not Optional
Over the years, we’ve seen the laws of the game change time and again in attempts to make rugby safer. While well-intended, these changes often shift the gameplay instead of addressing the root issue: lack of proper protective equipment.
What if, instead of restricting gear that works, we encouraged its use universally?
Imagine a game where every player is protected to the highest standard. Where injuries from chest & back impacts, body blows, or collisions are drastically reduced not because players hold back, but because their gear does its job.
Making advanced protection mandatory across all levels of rugby wouldn’t change the spirit of the game. It would preserve it.
What’s Next for Fempro Armour?
While our gear didn’t get the green light for match play, it can still be worn during training. And that’s where we’ll start. Because every moment in training is a chance to build confidence, develop resilience, and prepare players to compete at their best.
We won’t stop pushing for change. This isn’t a failure—it’s proof that our gear works. We created something so effective, it challenged the system. And we’re proud of that.
To the players who want better, to the coaches and parents who want peace of mind, and to the sport itself—we hear you. We’re here for you. And we’re not backing down.
Join the Movement
We believe rugby can be both tough and safe. We believe protection shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a given.
If you agree, share this message. Tag your club, your teammates, your league. Let’s have the conversation. Let’s change the game.
Because settling for less isn’t safety. It’s compromise. And our players deserve better.