Rugby Protective Gears Market

Rugby Protective Gears Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The global rugby protective gears market was valued at USD 759.6 million in 2024 and will expand at a noteworthy CAGR of 3.5% to end up at USD 1,109 million by 2035.

Rugby as a sport has been gaining much importance in recent times, and all those associated with the sport are trying to popularize it worldwide. This has increased the demand for many types of rugby safety equipment and boosted sales.

Professional rugby players have been constantly employing the most sophisticated training method to improve their technique, which in turn raises the bar and makes Rugby more exciting. Inclusion of rugby union in the Olympics is a signal that this sport is developing towards gaining international recognition.

The introduction of a number of rugby leagues and world championships by World Rugby, the organization governing the sports of rugby union internationally, is expected to significantly drive the prospects of the global market for rugby protective equipment.

Manufacturers are expected to provide player specific protective gear. The focus will be making lightweight and dependable items that allow easy mobility while playing. The use of advanced technologies for real time body impact and padding resistance analysis will be crucial for producing high quality protective equipment.

Report Attributes	Details
Rugby protective gears market Size (2024A)	USD 759.6 Million
Estimated Market Value (2025E)	USD 786.2 Million
Forecast Market Value (2035F)	USD 1,109 Million
Global Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	3.5% CAGR
North America Market Share (2025)	30.7%
United States Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	3.7% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Adidas; Canterbury of New Zealand; Everlast Worlwide Inc.; Madison Sports & Entertainment Inc.; Mizuno Corporation; NIKE Inc.; PUMA SE; Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc.; Select Sports A/S; Under Amour Inc.; Visa Outdoor Inc.; Wilson Sporting Goods Co.; Other Prominent Players.

Historic analysis (2020 to 2024) and future (2025 to 2035) pathway analysis for the market

The market grew at a CAGR of 4.2% between 2020 to 2024 and the market was valued at around USD 759.6 million in 2024.

Historical Report Attributes	Details
Market Size (2020A)	USD 645.2 million
Market Size (2024A)	USD 759.6 million
Historical CAGR (2020 to 2024)	4.2%
Forecasted CAGR (2025 to 2035)	3.5%

• Short Term (2025 to 2028): During this period, the market is driven by increasing participation rates in grassroots and youth rugby, alongside heightened awareness of safety concerns. Innovations in both lightweight durable materials and the development of better concussion prevention technologies will encourage demand. More professional rugby leagues, with various rules concerning players' safety, would spur interest in more effective protective gear, including headgear and body armor or mouth guards in particular.
• Medium Term (2028 to 2031): In the medium term, the market will see a continued expansion, as safety standards become increasingly stringent and institutional investments in player health intensify. Demand will shift toward more customized, sport-specific solutions, driven by professional teams' focus on performance optimization. Technology adoption, such as smart gear integrated with sensors for real-time injury monitoring, will create new opportunities.
• Long Term (2031 to 2035): During this period, the market will be shaped by cutting-edge advancements in materials science, including next-generation impact-resistant materials and smart protection technologies. As global rugby participation matures, demand will become increasingly driven by replacement cycles rather than first-time purchases. With rugby's growing adoption in non-traditional markets, such as Asia and the Americas, the market will diversify.

On the back of the aforementioned facts, the rugby protective gears market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035, According to the Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider.

Market Dynamics

What are the factors propelling global sales of rugby protective gears?

“Increasing awareness of head injuries in rugby is driving demand for protective gear”

The Center of disease control and prevention in the U.S. estimate that 3.5 million Americans have brain trauma each year. In the past decade, brain injuries in rugby have increased, frequently putting victims in unstable situations and harming their long-term health, learning and memory.

As awareness of head injuries grows, manufacturers are increasingly focused on developing headgear for all sports and leisure activities. This shift is transforming head protection from a simple precaution to an essential safety measure. Players are now more likely to wear protective gear regularly, driven by safety concerns and the need to meet evolving safety standards.

As a result, the international market for rugby protective clothing has moved forward, with manufacturers carrying out design innovations to ensure that their headgear offers the highest level of protection while maximum levels of comfort and performance can be imparted. This trend is in line with the global movement towards safety and reliability of sporting equipment focused on reducing the risks of head injury and protecting athletes.

“Transformation from niche to mainstream sport to boost the sales”

Rugby is evolving from a specialized sport to a popular one, and the expansion of rugby unions development programs will be key factors in the market’s expansion. Sales of rugby protective gear are being boosted by an increase in the number of international rugby competitions.

In 2023, various popular events took place like Six Nations, Hong Kong Seven, The Rugby Championship and Rugby World cup. Such popular games are drawing the player’s attention towards enhanced safety during the game, due to which many players are shifting towards newer kinds of rugby protective gears. These factors are accelerating the demand for rugby protective gears during the forecast period.

What are the challenges encountered by manufacturers of rugby protective gears?

“Increased usage and sales of counterfeit products will impede the growth”

Management of the product supply chain along with the emerging concerns about duplicate products is a hurdle for the manufacturers to explore more towards market expansion. These duplicated products are offered at much low rates, due to which it has obstructed the fast movement sales of Rugby Protection gears.

Country-wise Insights

What is the outlook of rugby protective gears market in the United States?

“Rising interest in rugby along with increasing events to bolster the sales of these products”

The market in the United States is estimated at USD 170.4 million in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.7% through 2035. This market is projected to generate a USD 74.9 million absolute opportunity from 2025 to 2035.

Due to the growing interest in this sport among the youth of the United States, this market is expanding rapidly. USA Rugby is responsible for overseeing rugby at the colleges, high schools, amateur clubs, corporates, and international levels.

As of today, there are more than 130,000 players enrolled with USA Rugby. Around the nation, there are more than 2,500 rugby union clubs. The National Rugby League, grassroots initiatives, and an increased presence of rugby tournaments and competitions contribute to the sport’s expanding fan base. As more people participate in rugby at both amateur and professional levels, the need for protective equipment like helmets, shoulder pads, and mouth guards becomes more critical.

Why is United Kingdom a lucrative market for rugby protective gear manufacturers?

“Strong rugby culture and heritage in the United Kingdom”

The market in the United Kingdom is estimated at USD 177 million in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.4% through 2035 to end up at USD 248 million. This market is projected to generate a USD 70.9 million absolute opportunity from 2025 to 2035.

Rugby in the United Kingdom boasts a rich history, which almost relates to all the heritage that binds the country together. It is also widely played both at amateur and professional levels in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The country is home to prestigious competitions like the Premiership Rugby and the Six Nations Championship, which attract significant attention and participation.

This long-standing tradition results in high demand for rugby-related products, including protective gear, as player safety is a top priority. As rugby continues to thrive in the UK, the consistent need for quality equipment across all levels makes the market highly lucrative for manufacturers. The strong rugby culture ensures ongoing sales opportunities for protective gear brands in the region.

Category-wise Insights

Which product type is expected to gain traction during the forecast period?

“The headgear segment will gain the dominant market share”

Demand for protective headgear is projected to increase at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2025 to 2035 and the segment is projected to reach a market valuation of USD 626.6 million by 2035.

Rugby related injuries occur about 1,200 players annually. Concussions as well as brain injuries account for two third of these injuries. These injuries result in more than 50,000 visits to the hospitals annually, with individuals spending $60 million on their care. Therefore, to avoid such injuries and expenses, players are shifting towards enhanced head gears for safety.

For example, scrum hat is excellent for shielding the ears and minimizing minor head wounds like lacerations and abrasions. Other benefits of wearing headgears include improved comfort, less sweating, better airflow, ergonomic design, superior cushioning and shock absorption and am antibacterial lining. Such benefits are expected to accelerate the growth prospects for rugby protective headgears.

What would be the outlook of the sales channel segments?

“The direct to consumer online channel will become more significant from 2025 to 2035”

Direct to consumer online channel is estimated to account for 31.5% share of the market in 2025, and the segment is projected to reach a market valuation of USD 351.6 million by 2035.

The direct to consumer online channels offer the customers with various kinds of discounts on a single purchase as well as on bulk purchases. These sites offer attractive discounts and coupons during the various festivals and BlackFriday Sales which are targeted by almost 52% of customers.

With such online purchases from the original brand’s site there is no threat of fake or duplicate products being sold. Due to the direct to consumer online channels, customers are getting original products at discounted price making these channels highly preferable by the customers.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the rugby protective gears market are Adidas, Canterbury of New Zealand, Everlast Worldwide Inc., Madison Sports & Entertainment Inc., Mizuno Corporation, NIKE Inc. and PUMA SE among others.

Companies devote a significant portion of their revenue to R&D to resolve problems and offer creative solutions to draw in new customers and stay competitive. Companies are developing customized offerings for issues that meet industry-specific needs to compete with other players.

• In September 2024, Adidas has extended its partnership with the French Rugby Federation (FFR) as the official kit supplier for the next four years, starting September 2024. The new kits, designed for performance and comfort, will be worn by both men’s and women’s teams. The partnership also includes initiatives like ‘Challenge Rugby pour Elles,’ providing kits to 250 youth teams, and a coupon program supporting 650 women’s teams. This collaboration aims to promote rugby at all levels and inspire future generations.
• In November 2022, Adidas launched a French-inspired update to its lightweight rugby boot range, including the Predator Malice, Adizero RS7, and Kakari Z.1. Each model features design elements reflecting the Parisian sunrise and combines performance innovation with sustainability, incorporating recycled materials. The Predator Malice, designed for kicking accuracy, offers an improved lightweight upper and enhanced comfort with a GEOFIT heel. The Adizero RS7, focused on speed, integrates a blend of New Zealand and French symbolism, with a new lightweight synthetic material for agility. Both models are available in soft and hard ground versions.

Segmentation of Rugby Protective Gears Industry Research

• By Gear Type :

  • Mouth Guard
  • Headgear
  • Protection Vests
  • Gloves

• By Sales Channels :

  • Independent Sports Outlet
  • Franchised Sports Outlet
  • Modern Trade Channels
  • Direct To Consumer Brand Outlet
  • Direct To Consumer Online Channel
  • Direct To Consumer Institutional Channel
  • Third Party Online Channel

• By Buyer Type :

  • Individual
  • Institutional
  • Promotional

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa