Why Do Rugby Players Tape Their Heads, Thighs & Wrists?
At first glance, the tape seen on rugby players’ heads, thighs, and wrists can seem decorative, almost part of the uniform. In reality, it serves a purpose far beyond looks.
Each taped area addresses a different challenge the game presents. Rugby’s physicality means players experience repeated force, close contact, and fast, awkward movement. Taping offers a way to manage those pressures depending on what a player does on the field.
This blog post breaks down why tape is used, what it achieves, how it aligns with official regulations, and the types of tape suited to the demands of match play. Read on to learn more.
Why Do Rugby Players Use Tape in Matches?
Tape is mainly applied to reinforce parts of the body that face frequent strain or friction. Around joints and major muscles, it can help the body stay aligned during sharp turns, sudden contact, or prolonged physical effort.
It also reduces irritation. On areas that handle the ball or scrape the ground, such as fingers or forearms, tape acts as a barrier. The same goes for holding something in place, whether that’s kit, padding, or a dressing.
Though it serves a supportive function, how tape is applied matters. It must follow clear standards. Match officials check taping before games to ensure it remains within the laws of play and does not cause unintended consequences for others on the field.
One of the most noticeable uses appears above the shoulders.
The Purpose of Head Taping in Rugby
Taping around the head is not designed to shield against heavy blows. Its role is far more surface-level, yet still practical. The forehead and ears are particularly exposed during moments of tight contact—think scrums, mauls, and low tackles. Tape helps smooth over skin, flatten protruding areas, and cut down on scrapes.
This is most commonly seen among forwards, who tend to play in physically enclosed spaces. Some pair the tape with permitted headgear, using it to secure the fit or guard areas that rub against the edges.
There are clear limits on how this is done. Tape cannot obscure vision or breathing, and it must lie flush with the skin. If it looks likely to cause a snag or pose an issue in play, the referee can insist it be redone.
From the head, the focus often moves to areas that generate drive, reach, and lift.
Why Do Players Tape Their Thighs & Wrists?
While head taping protects skin under pressure, taping around the thighs and wrists serves slightly different functions.
High on the thighs, tape can stop gear from slipping—whether that’s compression pads or more specialised wraps. But it’s also used for another reason, one specific to a particular set-piece. In the lineout, where players are lifted overhead, certain team-mates tape their thighs to give lifters a place to grip securely and legally. This doesn’t involve added equipment, just a cohesive wrap that helps hands stay in place.
Wrist taping is more about subtle control and protection. When players handle the ball, fend, or engage in contact, pressure builds around the joints. A light wrap can support without limiting motion. It can also shield skin that’s been previously bruised or scraped.
Occasionally, players mark their wrist tape with words or initials—something personal they carry with them into the match, so long as the taping stays within the rules.
Which brings us to what those rules actually allow.
Rules on Taping in Professional Rugby
Tape may appear simple, but it sits within a clear framework set by governing bodies. These rules ensure that any form of taping enhances play without crossing into interference.
Here’s what matters most:
- No rough edges: The surface of the tape must be smooth and free from any element that could scratch, poke, or injure.
- No exaggerated build-up: Taping should fit close to the body. Bulky wraps that could interfere with how a player is grabbed, tackled, or lifted are not permitted.
- No residue or adhesives on the outside: Tape must not leave anything behind on others, and any area designed to be gripped must remain acceptable to touch under the rules.
Officials may check taped areas before a match or at any point if concerns arise. If something’s out of order, the player is asked to adjust or remove it.
So, how do players decide what tape to use in the first place?.
What Tape Do Rugby Players Use?
Not all tape is the same—each type does something slightly different, depending on what the player needs.
A stretchy, adhesive bandage is often used on the wrists or ankles. It adds light support while still allowing movement, so handling the ball remains natural. When a firmer wrap is needed, some turn to zinc oxide tape. This tape does not stretch, so it’s good for stabilising joints or locking a pad firmly in place during physical contact.
For jobs like thigh wrapping in the lineout, players reach for cohesive bandages. Unlike other tapes, it sticks only to itself—not to skin or fabric. This makes it ideal for secure but clean holds. Because it isn’t sticky on the outside, it avoids the issue of unwanted transfer during contact.
Some players combine these with thin, kinesiology-style tape underneath to ease pressure on certain muscle groups or help keep everything aligned.
Regardless of type, tape must remain smooth and securely in place. If it starts to peel, tear, or clump, it’s usually replaced at the next opportunity to make sure it still fits within the laws of the game.
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