Does my child need a mouthguard?

• U13 provincial teams: yes. SA Rugby's Primary School Law Variations make mouthguards compulsory for all players in provincial teams.
• All SA Rugby tournaments: SA Rugby's 2026 tournament medical standards say it is advisable for every player to wear a mouthguard at practices and in matches.

BokSmart's protective equipment guideline adds that a mouthguard should be checked regularly for splits and loss of shape, and that growing children should replace theirs at least every 6 months.