Rugby Contact Shields may go by several names such as contact shields, hitting shields or driving shields. The purpose of these units is to enable coaches to teach the correct techniques when entering into a contact situation, either in open play or in a ruck or maul situation. Contact Shields have strategically placed handles for players to hold during a training session and allow for scenario plays, protecting the ‘attacking’ and ‘defensive’ players as much as possible.  These come in junior, youth, senior and ‘double shield’ sizes for the various age groups. Contact shields can be custom branded, if required.

Padded body suits may come in slightly different configurations, but the primary purpose is to provide body protection to a player acting as ‘defensive opposition’ in a contact situation. Body suits can be used in conjunction with contact shields for maximum player protection in high speed, high contact training sessions.

Tackle bags are manufactured and weighted for the various age groups: junior, youth, senior and international level. These products allow rugby couches to teach the correct tackling techniques that will protect both the ‘tackled player’ and the ‘tackler’ during a game of rugby. There are numerous exercise drills that can be done over and above the standard tackling exercises and coaches often use tackle bags during ruck and maul training sessions.

Scrumming is arguably one of the most technical aspects of rugby union. Scrumming technique and ability provides for peak performance and safety of players at all times, particularly the front row – The front row is the most vulnerable if correct scrumming techniques are not practiced effectively. This may lead to serious injury, specifically to the neck, spine and head regions. Scrum machines are usually manufactured for junior or serious levels. There are numerous designs from the basic model to some very hi-tech versions. The basic models normally consist of a steal framework, three sets of scrum pads on fixed or spring-loaded fixtures. Scrum machines allow for weight to be added during scrum practice in the form of players or free weights.

Rockets Weight Bags come in various weight options – 3kg, 5kg, 10kg, 15kh, 20kg, 25kg, 30kg and 40kg models. These are ideal for strength and fitness training from static positions or while players are on the move. Handles are strategically placed on the Rockets Weight Bags offering a large range of exercises – Every sports coach should have a few weight options available for their team. Please ensure the correct weights are used for a particular age group and provide adult supervision for younger athletes.

Agility/ Speed Ladders usually come in 4m or 8m lengths and offer a diverse range of agility and fitness exercises for almost any sporting team or individual. Build up speed, strength and agility by including agility ladder exercises at all training sessions.

Agility/ Speed Hurdles are complementary products to your speed ladders and come in varying heights. Various height options can be used in combination and speed hurdles can be individually placed at varying distances. These too assist with a players speed, strength and agility.

Resistance Belts allow athletes to run again the resistance of a team mate to help build strength, fitness and agility. Evasion belts allow two athletes to stay in close contact where one athlete chases the other, and the ‘chased athlete’ needs to avoid contact at all times. This allows for unpredictable and high-paced strength, fitness and agility training.

Sleds and parachutes are two completely different pieces of equipment, but ultimately serve the same purpose. Sleds are used for pulling weight across a field of play or inside an indoor gym/ arena, allowing for a greater range of weight adjustments – whereas fitness-parachutes make use of ‘air-resistance’ when running across an open field and are more for outdoor use.

Cones come in various sizes and are ideal to demarcate an area of a sports field for strength and fitness drills. These versatile products’ use is only limited by the coach’s imagination.

How fit is your team?

Combine numerous exercises with the use of a proper sport’s stopwatches to accurately measure performance over a designated time period.

Combine numerous exercises with the use of a proper sport’s whistle to provide clear communication to team members during practice sessions. These are also used by a referee or umpire during match play.