Can I wear leggings, a headscarf, a base layer or protective padding?
Rule- England
- RFU
- Women's and girls' rugby
- Girls Under 11-Under 18 and adult women
- Regulation 15
- Gender Participation Policy
- 2026/27
- Players
Kit in England must comply with World Rugby Law 4 and Regulation 12. The RFU's player welfare guidance confirms:
- Leggings/tights: cotton-blend long tights or leggings with a single inside-leg seam, worn under shorts and socks, are allowed. World Rugby lists them as an additional item, recognised for modesty and religious reasons, and the RFU also allows compliant base-layer leggings for adult and age grade players.
- Upper-body base layers are allowed if their design and material comply with Regulation 12.
- Headscarves and religious head-dress are allowed if they don't endanger you or other players; remove any pins or metal or rigid fasteners.
- Padding: approved shoulder pads or chest pads are allowed. Shorts or leggings with padding sewn into them are not.
- Mouthguard and headgear are optional; World Rugby recommends every player wears a mouthguard.
- Not allowed: jewellery, gloves in contact rugby, and anything with buckles, clips, zips or rigid parts.
The referee can stop you playing until any item they consider dangerous is removed.
Updated 21 Oct 2026