Law 4: Players' Clothing

All items of clothing must comply with World Rugby Regulation 12.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.1 · recall

A player wears a jersey, shorts and underwear, socks and boots; everything else is an optional extra.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.2 · recall

The sleeve must reach at least half-way from the shoulder point to the elbow.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.2 · recall

World Rugby recommends a mouthguard or dental protector for every player.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.2 · recall

Ankle supports go under the socks, reach no more than one third of the shin, and if rigid are not metal.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.3c · recall

Mitts (fingerless gloves) are permitted; gloves are not.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.3d; Law 4.4e · recall

Cotton blend long tights or leggings with a single inside leg seam are allowed; padded shorts or leggings are not.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.3k; Law 4.4f · recall

Headgear is on the list of additional items a player may wear.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.3g · applied

Goggles over the eyes, the mouth guard, shoulder pads, then shin guards on the lower leg.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.3 · recall

The basic kit is a jersey, shorts and underwear, socks and boots.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.2 · recall

Jewellery is banned; tape, safe head coverings and mitts are permitted.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.4d · recall

Shorts or leggings with padding sewn into them are banned.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.4f · recall

Communication devices are banned. Player monitoring devices are allowed.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.4h; Law 4.3m · recall

Items with buckles, clips, rings, hinges, zippers, screws, bolts or rigid parts not otherwise allowed are banned.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.4c · applied

The referee orders the item removed and the player takes no part until it is removed or made harmless.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.5 · applied

Any item normally permitted may still be banned if, in the referee's opinion, it is liable to cause injury.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.4g · applied

The referee must not let a player leave to change clothing unless it is bloodstained.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.7 · recall

A player told at the pre-match inspection that an item is banned, and later found wearing it, is sent off for misconduct; sanction penalty.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.6 · applied

First the decision, then the order, then the fix; only after that does the player rejoin.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.5 · recall

After a warning at the inspection, wearing the item on the playing area is misconduct.

Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.6 · recall