FAQ
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions | How We’re Making the Best Rugby Headguard
Currently, scrum caps do little to nothing to prevent concussions. Their main purpose is to reduce cuts, abrasions, and cauliflower ear. They offer minimal measurable protection against brain trauma, which is why there’s a need for innovation in this space. Pro’Tech Rugby is focused on developing advanced headgear to address this challenge.
For a full breakdown of the research, see our detailed article: Do Rugby Scrum Caps Prevent Concussions?
Most current scrum caps focus on preventing cuts and cauliflower ear, offering little measurable protection against concussions. Pro’Tech Rugby is different, our headgear is engineered using advanced materials and data-driven testing to target both linear and rotational forces that contribute to brain injuries. By combining rugby-specific testing protocols with modern protective technologies, we’re creating the best rugby headguard, designed to actually reduce head impacts, not just absorb surface knocks.
You can read more on our blog.
No, scrum caps are optional in rugby. World Rugby allows them but doesn’t require them, since research shows they don’t meaningfully reduce concussions. An exception is youth rugby in Japan, where players are required to wear headgear. Many players still choose scrum caps for comfort and protection from cuts, but they remain optional at most levels of the game.
Yes, multiple studies show that traditional scrum caps do not significantly reduce concussion risk. For example, a 2021 study led by Bath University researchers found no measurable reduction in concussions with standard rugby headgear. These findings highlight the need for better designs and materials that can reduce both linear and rotational forces. Pro’Tech Rugby is using data-driven testing to build headgear that addresses these gaps.
We’ve broken this down in detail in our blog post Do Scrum Caps Prevent Concussions?
Mouthguards are important for teeth, jaw, and facial protection. Evidence for concussion reduction is mixed; some studies show possible benefit, others show no effect. We recommend a properly fitted mouthguard as part of overall safety, but not as a stand-alone concussion solution.
We’re in late-stage development and validation now. Our current prototypes already outperform anything on the market, but we aren’t stopping there.
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In the meantime, stay up to date on our blog.
Yes. World Rugby is tackling concussions on three fronts:
- Detecting head impacts: Smart instrumented mouthguards from Prevent Biometrics are now used in elite matches to measure head acceleration in real time and alert medical teams when impacts exceed safety thresholds.
- Responding to injury: The Head Injury Assessment (HIA) system and “Recognise & Remove” rules ensure players showing any signs of concussion are taken off immediately and follow strict return-to-play protocols.
- Reducing incidents: The international game has changed dramatically, referees now enforce zero-tolerance for head contact, handing out more red cards for high tackles and reckless collisions. World Rugby is also trialling lower tackle-height laws in community competitions to further cut head impacts.
Absolutely. Research shows a significant concussion risk in rugby, for example, a meta-analysis of 96 studies found ~4.73 concussions per 1,000 player match hours in men’s rugby union. These rates make concussion one of the most common injuries in the sport, especially in contact phases like tackles and scrums. Given that traditional headgear offers little protection, innovation in safer headgear and stricter protocols are urgently needed.
If you suspect a concussion, stop playing immediately. Do not return to the field. Seek medical assessment as soon as possible. World Rugby’s guidance is clear: “Recognise and Remove.” A doctor should guide your recovery and return-to-play timeline. You can read the official guidelines here: World Rugby Concussion Guidance.
Helmets are typically hard-shelled with an inner energy-absorbing layer. While effective in sports like cycling or American football, this design poses risks to other players and is not permitted in rugby. World Rugby regulates what is allowed on the field. Rugby scrum caps, also called headguards, are soft-shelled. Sometimes the term “rugby helmet” is used synonymously with a rugby scrum cap or rugby headguard.
Read the full breakdown here: Is a rugby helmet the same as a rugby scrum cap?
Rugby players don’t wear hard helmets because not everyone wears one or any padding, so they’d actually create more danger on the field. A hard shell could seriously hurt others in tackles, and adding that kind of bulk would change the nature of the sport entirely.
Read more on the topic: Do Rugby Helmets Actually Exist?
Rugby bans hard helmets under World Rugby’s equipment laws to protect players during head-to-head contact. The sport’s safety approach focuses on controlled tackling, concussion management, and soft, compliant headgear (not rigid armour).
Learn more about this approach in our article: Why Rugby Players Don’t Wear Helmets