# Law 4: Players' Clothing (World Rugby Laws of the Game)

Rugby · Law 4: Players' Clothing · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/rugby/laws/law-4-players-clothing/)

What players must and may wear, what is banned, and what the referee does about dangerous or illegal items.

## 4.41 What a Player Wears

Regulation 12, the basic kit, sleeves and the permitted extras.

### Test 1: What a player wears

- All items of clothing must comply with World Rugby Regulation 12. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.1)
- 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)
- The sleeve must reach at least half-way from the shoulder point to the elbow. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.2)
- World Rugby recommends a mouthguard or dental protector for every player. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.2)
- 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)
- Mitts (fingerless gloves) are permitted; gloves are not. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.3d; Law 4.4e)
- 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)
- Headgear is on the list of additional items a player may wear. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.3g)
- Goggles over the eyes, the mouth guard, shoulder pads, then shin guards on the lower leg. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.3)
- The basic kit is a jersey, shorts and underwear, socks and boots. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.2)

## 4.42 Banned Items and Inspection

Items a player may not wear, the referee's powers, the pre-match check and changing clothing.

### Test 1: Banned items and inspection

- Jewellery is banned; tape, safe head coverings and mitts are permitted. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.4d)
- Shorts or leggings with padding sewn into them are banned. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.4f)
- Communication devices are banned. Player monitoring devices are allowed. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.4h; Law 4.3m)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- The referee must not let a player leave to change clothing unless it is bloodstained. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.7)
- 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)
- First the decision, then the order, then the fix; only after that does the player rejoin. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.5)
- After a warning at the inspection, wearing the item on the playing area is misconduct. (Source: World Rugby Laws 2026, Law 4.6)

Sources: World Rugby Laws of the Game, Rugby Union 2026, Law 4 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the law book, not reproduced)

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