Rugby Gear Reviews and Buying Guide:

Best Rugby Equipment: We'll start with one of the most essential pieces of equipment: the rugby ball. As with a soccer ball, a rugby ball has to meet certain standards to be eligible for game play. It needs to be no more than 300 millimeters in length, have a middle circumference of no more than 580 to 620 millimeters, a weight of no more than 440 grams, and it must have four stitched panels. The stitching is crucial because it impacts the balance of a ball and its performance. Referees check the ball before games and certain brands are accepted as standards for game play. Of course, you want to practice with the same type of balls so you can get a feel for its performance and handling. According to LiveStrong, Gilbert is the premiere brand. The company has been making rugby balls since the 1850s. Gilbert is the ball of choice for international rugby play. View all the top rated rugby balls here The match-quality Synergie ball features Multi Matrix 3D pimple technology, in which interlocking star-shaped pimples enhance the aerodynamics of the ball. The Synergie has 7000 extra pimples (compared to their Xact ball). Handling is improved by up to 30 percent in wet conditions, and kicking performance is balanced. The Synergie was the Official Match Ball at the 2007 Rugby World Cup games. Gilbert is top-of-the-line and so prices will be higher. The Synergie is $140. You can find amateur league and training balls for much less (about $30 to $35). LiveStrong also recommends the lower-priced Adidas rugby balls, as well as those from Kooga (available from ACA Sports and other sporting good stores). You can find rugby shirts from top designers like Ralph Lauren, but if you plan on actually using it for play, it's better to stick with a jersey designed specifically for rugby. These will have a short stiff collar, rubber buttons, and at least some polyester content - all of these are designed to help the jersey make it through intense, competitive play intact. You can look to top brands Adidas and Kooga for your rugby jerseys. The Adidas 3 Stripes Jersey, for instance, features a 100 percent polyester construction and ClimaCool materials; this allows for great ventilation and breathability. These shirts will last through even the toughest games. You can find them for about $45. The Kooga Osprey Match Jerseys are also great, though a bit more expensive than Adidas. Look for those that do not have logos screen-printed on them, which you can find at sites like Ruggers.com for about $55-$65. Find your rugby shorts from Kooga and Adidas as well. One other brand to check out: Barbarian. This is a top brand sold by Ruggers.com and other sporting vendors. You can round up the usual suspects for your rugby boots, shoes, or cleats. Adidas and Kooga are top manufacturers, and you can find rugby boots from companies like Nike and Puma. Just make sure you are getting rugby cleats, not those intended for soccer or football. The specific type of shoe you get depends on the league regulations as well as on your position. If you are, for instance, a flanker, ReviewCentre recommends the Adidas Flanker Rugby Boots. The Adidas Men's Flanker IV WF "Wide Fit" Rugby Cleat features leather construction, extra-wide fit, EVA insole, screw-in studs for grip on soft, natural turf, 8-studded outsole, Shield Protection, and Traxion outsole. The Flanker IV is $90 - $95. To find the right shoe for your position, Google it. You'll get a list of suggestions from forums and other sites. Popular rugby cleats here Rugby is one of the most physically grueling games in the world. It demands total concentration, agility, and endurance. It also demands proper equipment so you are ready to step out onto the field. This is not a sport that you want to be unprepared for! Get all the best rugby gear from top brands like Kooga, Adidas, Gilbert, and more.