Rugby Glove Guide
Most rugby games are played in the Winter, and as the hands are a vital part of the game it is very important to protect them and make sure they’re warm. If the hands are not warm, they may not be able to perform as well as they usually would; warm hands are much more flexible than cold ones. This is where rugby gloves come into play.
Wearing rugby gloves offers protection as well as warmth and grip. Most rugby gloves offer enhanced grip on the palms, so players can still catch and carry the rugby ball without it slipping out. Rugby gloves also offer a small amount of protection to the hands; fingerless ones less so in that area, but all offer protection to the palms and wrists.
Rugby gloves are available for junior and senior players. It is important to choose a glove that fits correctly; this means the glove should be tight but without cutting off circulation. Players must still be able to play to the best of their ability without their gloves affecting performance.
To select the correct size of rugby glove, the player must first measure their hand circumference. Rugby gloves are usually sized depending on hand measurements. There are 6 different sizes ranging from SB/LB (small boys/large boys) to XL.
| Full Finger & Fingerless Gloves Sizes |
Hand Circumference (cm) |
Hand Circumference (inches) |
| SB |
15 – 17 |
5 - 6 |
| LB |
17 – 19 |
6 – 7 |
| S |
19 – 21 |
7 – 8 |
| M |
21 – 23 |
8 – 9 |
| L |
23 – 25 |
9 – 10 |
| XL |
26 – 27 |
10 – 11 |
Please check size guides provided against individual items.
The core materials used in rugby gloves are usually polyester, silicone and spandex. This combination allows the gloves to be durable, sturdy, flexible and have enough grip for the player to catch and throw the rugby ball without dropping it. They usually come with a silicone print across the whole hand, not just the palm. This provides excellent grip, even in slippery conditions.
Rugby gloves are also made to be lightweight, as heavy gloves would affect performance. They tend to have thermal qualities with a fleece lining, so even when its cold the hands will feel warm and secure.
After playing a game of rugby, your gloves are most likely going to be dirty. The best thing to do is soak them in warm water with a mild soap to get any ingrained dirt off.
After they have been soaked, it is important to rinse them thoroughly and let them dry naturally rather than applying artificial heat. If you apply heat the gloves will lose shape and start to become stiff. Make sure you give them enough time to dry so they are not uncomfortable to wear. Turning the gloves inside out may help the insides dry faster, which is beneficial because of the fleece inside the glove.
Selecting the right size glove the most important factor, which will be dependent on your hand size. If you need help with this, please look at the table underneath the heading ‘Sizing’.
After size, you need to consider comfort, durability and performance. Some players have favourite brands and select only from these, whereas others will buy based on cost as well as the other factors. Reading reviews will also help to make an informed decision.