5 Reasons Rugby Players Need Compression Wear to Enhance Their Game

While we’ve talked about the benefits of compression athletic wear with our HauteD line, there are aspects inherent to rugby that make this type of gear even more powerful for the players who wear it. If you want to ramp up your game, wearing compression gear might give you the physiological and performance-related advantages you’re after.

“We need to ask ourselves, ‘What are we here for, and what have we worked so hard to be here for?’” — Jonny Wilkinson

Here are five reasons rugby players need compression wear to enhance their game, supported by scientific evidence.

Improved Muscle Support and Recovery

Compression wear provides graduated pressure, which can enhance blood circulation during physical activity. This improved blood flow can help reduce muscle fatigue, soreness, and swelling, ultimately leading to faster post-match (or post-training!) recovery. Faster recovery is great news for when that game and training schedule ramps up, and you need to be back on the field at a break-neck pace. Plus, you know how we feel about that Law of Compound Gains. If you can get back to your train even just a shred ahead of where you would be otherwise, it will be a win in the long run.

A study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine demonstrated that wearing compression gear after exercise can reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery markers. Our other trick for reducing inflammation and boosting recovery is a CBD recovery product like this one from the DRYWORLD shop.

Increased Joint Stability

Rugby involves dynamic movements and physical collisions (sometimes even massive hits) that can stress the joints. Compression gear can help stabilize the joints by providing extra support to the ligaments and tendons. For more vulnerable joints like our knees, this is great news! Compression gear can help decrease joint movement during gameplay, big hits, and training.

Enhanced Performance and Power

Research suggests that compression clothing can improve your proprioception, which is your awareness of body position and movement in space. Proprioception is crucial for sports performance, and the more aware you are of your body, the better you will play. Not only will you have more control over your movements, but you’ll also be able to boost your power output. As we learned with sprint training and rugby, the better your form, the better your output.

Temperature Regulation

Rugby matches are physically demanding and an absolute beast on your body. The nature and aggression of the games (plus variable field conditions) can lead to increased body temperatures and the potential for overheating. Compression gear made from new tech and moisture-wicking materials can help regulate body temperature by effectively moving sweat away from your skin. The cooling effect not only improves comfort but boosts performance during prolonged exertion. Besides keeping temperatures in check during the game or training, it can also be perfect for your cooldown after you’ve given your all. Wearing compression gear after a workout can boost your recovery by keeping that blood flowing, helping your muscles rebuild, and clearing out lactic acid buildup.

Reduced Risk of Injury

The increased muscle support and stabilization mentioned previously can help reduce the risk of certain injuries, such as strains and tears. Plus —not that we’re afraid of knicks and bruises — the garments themselves can also offer protection against cuts and bruises from impacts during the game.

While it may seem like a small addition to your training or gameplay wardrobe, the right compression gear can greatly impact your overall athletic performance. In the end, it’s an easy way to give yourself an edge out there on the field. What’s there to lose?

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” — Michael Jordan