Rhino Guide to Headguards & Scrum Caps
Every Rhino headguard is World Rugby Approved, built with high-density foam, and trusted by grassroots and professional players worldwide. This guide covers sizing, model comparisons, position recommendations, and care.
What is a Rugby Headguard?
A rugby headguard — also called a scrum cap, skull cap, or rugby hat — is a padded head covering worn during training and matches to reduce superficial head injuries. Originally developed for forwards to prevent cauliflower ear in scrums, they are now worn by players in all positions at every level of the game.
Rhino headguards are built with high-density foam and an impact-resistant outer shell. They significantly reduce cuts, abrasions, lacerations, and the risk of ear trauma during rucks, mauls, and tackles. No headguard prevents concussion, but they are an essential piece of protection for contact rugby.
Every headguard in the Rhino range is World Rugby Approved, meeting the required safety standards for use in sanctioned matches at all levels — from age-grade rugby through to international level.
How to Measure & Find Your Size
Getting the right size is the single most important step. A correctly fitted headguard stays in place, provides full protection, and remains comfortable for the full 80 minutes.
| Size | Head Circumference | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| S | 52–54 cm | Smaller Adult |
| M | 54–57 cm | Average Adult |
| L | 57–60 cm | Larger Adult |
| XL | 60–63 cm | XL Adult |
| Size | Head Circumference | Age Guide |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 48–51 cm | Mini / U8–U10 |
| S | 51–54 cm | Junior / U11–U13 |
| M | 54–57 cm | Youth / U14–U16 |
Compare All Headguards
A quick reference across the full Rhino headguard range. All models are World Rugby Approved and available in junior and senior sizes.
| Model | Foam | Protection | Ventilation | Price Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro (Senior & Junior) | High-Density | Maximum | Standard | Mid | All positions, best-seller |
| JB VII (Senior & Junior) | High-Density | Maximum | Enhanced vents + larger ear holes | Premium | Front row, player-endorsed |
| Senator (Senior & Junior) | Closed-Cell | High | Multi-Vent | Mid | Backs, warm conditions, open-sides |
| WRU (Senior & Junior) | High-Density | Maximum | Standard | Mid | Wales / WRU-affiliated clubs |
All Rhino Headguards
Four models, each available in junior and senior sizes, covering every level from mini rugby to professional. Every headguard is World Rugby Approved.
- High-density foam with impact-resistant outer shell
- Streamlined design for maximum mobility and minimal weight
- Adjustable chin strap and rear strap for a custom fit
- Anti-microbial inner lining for sustained freshness
- 7 colour options: Black, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Blue + more
- Endorsed by James Botham, Cardiff RFC & Wales Rugby
- Larger ear holes for better hearing and on-pitch communication
- Enhanced fully adjustable chin strap, reduced irritation
- Additional air vents for improved cooling
- Lightweight with full Pro-level protection specification
- Closed-cell foam for comfort and protection
- Multiple air vent sections keep head cool during intense sessions
- Ideal for backs, open-sides, and warm-weather play
- Adjustable straps for secure fit throughout the game
- Available in junior and senior sizes
- Officially licensed Wales Rugby Union product
- Pro-specification high-density foam and impact-resistant shell
- WRU badge and official colour scheme throughout
- Adjustable straps for a secure fit at any level
- Available in junior and senior sizes
Which Headguard for Your Position?
Different positions face different contact demands. Here is what each area of the field needs from a headguard.
Front rows and locks spend the most time in scrum, ruck, and lineout situations where head contact is frequent and direct. Ear protection is the priority — repeated ear trauma in scrums is the leading cause of cauliflower ear. Full coverage and a secure, immovable fit are essential.
Back row players move between set pieces and open play. They need a headguard that stays put during explosive movement and does not shift at the breakdown. Low weight and a secure fit matter as much as protection specification.
Backs increasingly wear headguards for aerial ball protection and tackle situations. Breathability and low profile are the priorities — backs cover more ground and need headgear that does not restrict movement or peripheral vision.
Junior headguards are proportioned for smaller heads — not simply scaled-down adult models. Use the junior size table, not the senior one. All four Rhino models are available in junior sizes for consistent protection at every age group.
Common Questions from Players & Coaches
Six real decisions players and coaches face when choosing a headguard, and the right answer for each.
Front row forwards in high-volume scrummaging need maximum ear protection and a headguard that locks in place. The Pro provides the highest impact specification in the standard range. The JB VII is also a strong choice if you want enlarged ear holes for better communication on the pitch.
The Senator is the right choice here. Its closed-cell foam design with multiple air vent sections is built for players who find standard headguards too warm. Low profile and well-ventilated for back row and open-side use.
All four models are available in junior sizes. For the most complete protection at the best price, the Junior Pro is the first recommendation. Use the junior size table to measure each player — junior headguards are proportioned differently to senior and must be fitted correctly.
The Junior Pro provides the same high-density foam and impact-resistant shell as the senior Pro, sized and proportioned correctly for junior players. Measure using the junior size guide — a correctly sized junior headguard is one of the most important pieces of kit a young player owns.
The WRU Headguard is the official Wales Rugby Union licensed model in junior and senior sizes. Same Pro-specification protection in official WRU colours and branding — available for the whole squad.
The JB VII is Rhino's flagship — endorsed and worn by James Botham of Cardiff and Wales Rugby. High-density foam, enlarged ear holes, premium chin strap, extra air vents, and the brand's red colourway. The top of the Rhino range in junior and senior.
World Number One in Technical Training Equipment
Rhino has been manufacturing technical rugby equipment since the early 1990s. Our headguards are worn by grassroots players, age-grade squads, and professional players worldwide. Every model in the range is independently tested and World Rugby Approved to meet the required safety standards for match play at all levels.
From a junior player wearing their first scrum cap to a professional hooker scrummaging at international level, the foam specification, shell construction, and build quality is the same throughout the range.
Shop the Full Headguard Range
Browse every Rhino headguard, or get in touch if you need help choosing the right model for your position or squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions players, parents, and coaches search most. If your question isn't here, email us at [email protected].