Protective Gear

Question
Thanks for the answer about tackling. I think I was concentrating on where
my head should go too much... what you said seems more natural. Thanks.

Since I'm more of an old fart than a young buck staying healthy is important
to me. Trying to not look Ed Norton in Fight Club is also. I've been getting put
into a few positions and most are new to me. I've played flanker, lock and
winger once. The scrum is new to me and the ears getting tweaked and
general head bumping is too. Am I a wussy for thinking about a helmet or a
neoprene ear guard? Can you lubricate your forehead, ears, etc. to limit the
contact?

Also... what's the deal with cups/athletic supporters? Not even a "soft cup"? I
was told it was NOT allowed when I played in HS. I can't find any direct
mention of it in the rules and worldrugby sells the shockdoctor shorts. I may
be 40 but I still have some need for those parts if I can wear one.


Answer
Thanks Kevin.

No worries - go ahead and wear head gear. Any of the ones on a good rugby on-line store will do. I am a bit of a boof-head so I never took to head gear, not that my poor old mum didn't want me to. If a professional player: All Black, Aussie, UK, USA etc can wear head gear then you can too. Try calling NZ All Black Ali Williams a wuss and the guy will eat you all 6 foot 9 of him - he goes with head gear.

I have never considered the issue of a cup but go ahead and wear one just don't tell anyone. The last time I looked the ref checks boots and shoulder pads, not groins. Anyway what are you going to do, beat someone to death with your Johnson? I am sure that would be a feet to be proud of in some circles but I think wearing cup can just go under the radar eh?