Bespoke gumshield From £31 www.guardkit.com

A properly fitted gumshield that’s moulded to your mouth is essential to protect your teeth. A dentist will make one for you, but a number of websites, such as GuardKit, offer the same service for a lower price. First you are sent a kit to take an impression of your teeth. You send this back to GuardKit, which will make a bespoke gumshield for you in its dental laboratory.

Flexitop rugby body armour £39 www.canterburyofnz.com

Most professionals wear some form of light padding under their shirts to help protect from injury. This breathable top wicks moisture away from the body to keep you dry during the match and allows a decent level of movement.

Telescopic kicking tee £15.28 www.centurion-rugby.co.uk

Using a proper kicking tee may not turn you into Jonny Wilkinson overnight but it will help you to refine your technique. This moulded plastic tee offers adjustable heights to kick from.

Asics Gel Warno rugby boot £50 www.asics.co.uk

Don’t bother with old-style, high-ankle rugby boots. Though they offer slightly better protection, they also limit your ability to accelerate or change direction quickly. This pair offer a decent compromise between mobility and protection, and include a shock-absorbing sole.

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