Rugby training equipment lets teams practice contact safely, rehearse set pieces and sharpen individual skills. Clubs typically need tackle bags, contact shields, cones, bibs, plenty of balls and, for more advanced teams, a scrum machine and lineout lifting aids. Individual players can make big improvements with just a ball, a kicking tee, a few cones and a wall to pass against, plus optional agility gear such as ladders and hurdles. The right equipment reduces injury risk by letting players practice technique before live contact, keeps sessions organized and makes training more engaging. Start with the basics that support safe contact and core skills, then add specialist equipment as your team develops. Always check equipment regularly for wear and damage.
Health note: This article is general information, not medical or professional advice. Contact equipment should be used under the supervision of qualified coaches, matched to the age and size of players, and maintained in good condition. Follow your union’s player welfare guidance, especially for scrummaging and lifting.
Rugby training equipment at a glance
| Item | Use | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Tackle bags | Tackling technique without live contact | Clubs and teams |
| Contact shields | Ball-carrying, ruck and clear-out drills | Clubs and teams |
| Scrum machine | Safe scrummaging practice | Senior and experienced teams |
| Lineout lifting blocks | Practicing lifts safely | Teams with lifting in their lineout |
| Kicking tees | Place kicking | Kickers and teams |
| Cones and markers | Setting up drills and channels | Everyone |
| Agility ladders and hurdles | Footwork and speed | Everyone |
| Balls | Skill work, several per group | Everyone |
| Bibs | Team identification in games | Clubs and teams |
Contact equipment
Tackle bags: Large, padded cylinders that players tackle to practice technique, including approach, head position, shoulder contact, wrap and leg drive. They allow many repetitions with less risk than live tackling and are essential for teaching beginners. Some tackle bags are weighted or designed to bounce back upright, making drills more efficient.
Contact shields: Handheld pads used by coaches or players to simulate defenders. Ball carriers practice running into contact with good body position, and forwards practice rucking and clear-outs against shields. Shields come in different sizes and shapes, from rectangular hit shields to curved pads.
Ruck and breakdown pads: Specialized pads help players practice entering the ruck through the gate, staying low and driving defenders back.
Set-piece equipment
Scrum machine: A frame with padded shoulder contacts that allows forwards to practice engagement, body position and drive without an opposing pack. Machines range from simple sleds to sophisticated models with adjustable resistance. They are typically used by senior and experienced teams under qualified coaching.
Lineout lifting blocks and aids: Devices that help players practice lifting technique safely, sometimes by allowing jumpers to be lifted onto a raised platform or supported frame. They are useful for teaching lifters how to grip, lift and lower safely before practicing with live jumpers.
Throwing targets: Hookers use hoops, targets or partners at set distances to practice lineout throwing accuracy.
Skills and fitness equipment
Balls: Having several balls per group keeps drills moving and maximizes repetitions. Adults typically use a size 5 ball, while younger players use smaller sizes as specified by their union.
Kicking tees: Essential for place kickers. Tees come in different heights and shapes, so kickers should choose one that suits their technique.
Cones and markers: Used to mark channels, grids and target areas. Flat disc cones are safer than tall cones for many drills.
Agility ladders and hurdles: Improve footwork, coordination and acceleration.
Resistance equipment: Sleds, resistance bands and harnesses can build strength and power for acceleration and contact.
Bibs: Help players identify teammates in small-sided games and opposed drills.
Equipment for individual practice
- A ball: for passing, catching and kicking practice.
- A kicking tee: for place kicking practice.
- Cones: for agility, speed and kicking targets.
- A wall: for passing practice and catching rebounds.
- A resistance band: for warm-ups and strength work.
- An agility ladder: for footwork drills.
Sample session using equipment
A typical team session might start with a dynamic warm-up using cones and agility ladders to prepare the body. Next, a handling block uses plenty of balls and cones to set up passing lines and small grids, keeping everyone busy. A contact block follows, with tackle bags for tackling technique and contact shields for carrying and clear-out drills, progressing from walking pace to controlled speed. Forwards might then split off to practice lineouts with lifting aids and throwing targets, or scrums on a machine, while backs work on kicking and catching with tees and markers. The session could finish with a small-sided game using bibs, bringing skills together under pressure. Planning the equipment layout before players arrive saves time and keeps the session flowing.
Using equipment to build safe contact skills
Contact equipment is most valuable when it supports a clear progression. Players should first learn body position and technique with static pads, then practice moving into pads at walking pace, then at jogging pace, and only then progress to controlled live contact. This approach lets players build confidence and correct habits before facing real opponents. Coaches can adjust the difficulty by changing the speed, the angle of approach or how much resistance the pad holder gives. For young and inexperienced players, spending more time at the early stages is a sensible investment in safety.
Technology and video
Many teams now use simple technology to support training. A smartphone or tablet can record drills and matches so players can review their technique, from tackle height to kicking follow-through. GPS vests and heart rate monitors, common at professional level, help track workload and fitness, while stopwatches and timing gates measure speed. Even at community level, short video clips shown during a session can make coaching points far clearer. Technology should support, not replace, good coaching and plenty of practice time.
Choosing equipment for a club
- Start with essentials: balls, cones, bibs, tackle bags and contact shields.
- Match equipment to age groups: smaller balls and lighter pads for juniors.
- Buy durable, well-reviewed products that will withstand regular use.
- Consider storage for bulky items such as scrum machines and tackle bags.
- Budget for replacement of worn items.
Caring for equipment
Inspect contact pads and tackle bags regularly for tears, exposed seams or damaged handles, and repair or replace them as needed. Keep equipment dry and clean to prevent mold and odors. Check scrum machines for loose bolts, worn padding and stable bases before each session. Rotate balls to spread wear, and keep them inflated to the correct pressure. Well-maintained equipment is safer and lasts longer.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using damaged pads that no longer protect players.
- Skipping progressions and going straight to live contact.
- Using adult equipment for young players.
- Too few balls, leading to long queues in drills.
- Using scrum machines without qualified supervision.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment do I need to practice rugby alone?
A ball, a kicking tee, a few cones and a wall for passing practice will cover most individual skills.
Are tackle bags safer than live tackling?
They let players rehearse technique with less risk, which makes them ideal before progressing to controlled live tackling.
What size rugby ball should I use?
Size 5 for adults, with smaller sizes for younger players as specified by your union.
