Rugby Equipment

1. Cleats/boots - rugby or soccer.  Anything that does not have the center toe stud.  There is an actual rugby cleat, but many of the players use soccer shoes.  The newer players often use soccer cleats because that's what they have, and used one's are easier to find; experienced players have rugby and soccer cleats because rugby cleats are designed for softer fields in moist climates and Calgary fields are often harder so the soccer cleats work better.  The choice is yours.  You will see a ritual of a "cleat check" at center field before every game.  This is to ensure the cleats are not dangerous; this includes broken or jagged studs, so buy a couple of spare studs when you buy the boots/cleats.  For the pre season practices, players usually wear running shoes not cleats, because fields may be partially frozen or really muddy, and running shoes do less damage to the fields and create fewer injuries in really poor conditions.  
2. Team socks - provided with registration, and are required for every game.
3. Black rugby shorts –are required for games and you should also have pants/sweats (depending on the weather) available for practices. There is an actual rugby short that is made of a heavier fabric that will not tear very easily, but some players wear soccer shorts for the first while.   Many girls and boys also wear a spandex short under their rugby short - sounds weird but the boys don't wear cans.  This is to facilitate "boosting in the line out".  Some rugby shorts come with in side pockets, which are often used for the mouth guards.  There are also reinforced rugby shorts for kids that will be lifted in the lineouts.  (If those kids know who they are already--older age groups only need to worry about this).
4. Playing jerseys - provided at games.  These are kept by the coach and handed out at each game.  The number on the jerseys usually indicates the position the player is playing that game.
5. Practice shirt/ sweats (depending on weather).  You can buy a Hornets tee shirt for, but any tee shirt will do.  They do get dirty and they do get torn.  For those playing tackle rugby, (U14 and older), an old or inexpensive rugby jersey works great as a practice shirt.  You can often find these at second hand stores.
6. MOUTH GUARD - most important.  Get a good quality mouth guard that does not have the strap in front.  (not the football mouth guard – unless you cut the strap off)   If a player forgets their mouth guard THEY CAN NOT PLAY.  But, in an emergency, there is a supply of mouth guards at the CRU bar.  They are available for sale.  The player will need to ask for hot water to mould the mouth guard to fit properly, so consider this emergency back up only.
7. Shoulder Pad – in the older age groups, depending on position played, a few players wear a very light weight shoulder pad/protector
8. Scrum cap – in the older age groups, depending on position played, a few players wear a very light weight head protector to protect their ears in scrums.  Electrical tape or athletic tape over the ears works well too. (no I’m not kidding).