A gum shield or mouth guard can help prevent nasty cuts and mouth injuries in rugby, but the level of safety varies depending on the quality of the product.
However, unlike safety equipment like shoulder pads or head guards which are down to personal preference, I’d absolutely recommend any rugby player (regardless of age, gender or the level you play at) to wear a high-quality gum shield to protect your mouth.
Explore the best gum shields for rugby in my experience-based guide.
Best Rugby Gum Shields in 2026
Looking for the best gum shields to keep your mouth, gum, tongue and teeth safe during this rugby season? Look no further, I’ve got you covered!
Opro Gold Level Mouthguard
- Stars: 4.5/5
- Reviews: 470+
- Colours: Black, white, blue, England RFU theme, purple, red
- Sizes: Adults (10+), Juniors (Under 10)
- Cost: £17.99 (Adults), £20.76 (Juniors)
Opro is actually my choice of gum shield for rugby right now, and I don’t think I’ll be switching brands any time soon as it fits perfectly and is far more comfortable than some other options I’ve tried.
It is a best-seller online for both rugby players and other combat sports competitors.
You might recognise the brand, because it’s been supported by England Rugby and the Welsh Rugby Union.
It claims to be a revolutionary dental innovation by a renowned UK dentist and OPRO founder, backed by a Queen’s Award for Innovation. Opro gum shields feature a patented compression cage technology for an impeccably comfortable fit. Crafted and rigorously tested in the UK, it carries a 12-month warranty and dental coverage up to £15,000, showcasing its durability and effectiveness.
Titanium Premium Sports Mouth Guard
- Stars: 4.2/5
- Reviews: 2,400+
- Colours: Blue, black, gold, white, red, pink
- Sizes: Adults (12+), Juniors (Under 12)
- Cost: £6.95
Although slightly less striking, and possibly less well-known in the industry than brands like Opro, Titanium also bolsters its own range of cool gum shields.
You’ll be able to protect your teeth from hits with their versatile mouthguard suitable for rugby and other sports as well.
It has a comfortable, slim design with adaptable gel liner which suits both adults and young athletes.
As you’d expect, it also comes with a sturdy case for convenient travel. You can pick from 6 modern colors for all ages, with adult and youth mouthguards available.
SafeJawz Gum Shield
- Stars: 4.3/5
- Reviews: 12,255+
- Colours: Black and white (fangs), red and white (fangs), black and gold (human looking teeth), ice blue (plain), black and white (moustache), and more!
- Sizes: Adults (12+), Juniors (Under 12)
- Cost: £14.99
If you’re looking for something with a little extra bite (not my best, I know), then you might want to consider this fang-design SafeJawz mouth guard or gum shield for rugby and other sports.
Its design is likely more suited to juniors and young adults, as you might not be taken seriously as a 25+ year old wearing that type of gum shield in senior rugby.
It is, however, a nice option for kids and junior rugby players, so it could be a great option for your sons or daughters as we head into the season.
Optimum Matrix Gum Shield
- Stars: 4.3/5
- Reviews: 1,510+
- Colours: White, black, blue, green, orange, pink, red, yellow
- Sizes: Seniors, Juniors
- Cost: £7.99
Another gum shield I’ve personally used during many seasons of rugby union and league, the Optimum Matrix mouth guard is one worthy of consideration.
After a few seasons, it did eventually wear to the point that it became quite painful in my mouth. I then switched to Opro, but that’s personal choice in my side. Personally, I prefer the Opro.
Optimum offers an additional layer of protection (see the blue layer?), and is easy to fit when you first try it. It’s a solid choice of gum shield, so take a look and determine if it’s the right option for you.
What Gum Shields Do Pro Rugby Players Use?
It varies depending on the player, nation or club’s sponsors, but you will see many possibly rugby players in the UK wearing OPRO mouth guards.
Can I Use a Boxing Mouthguard for Rugby?
There’s nothing stopping you wearing any of the above gum shields or mouth guards in either rugby or boxing.
Having competed in both, however, I personally recommend getting a dentist-fitted gum shield for maximum protection, especially in boxing.
You’ll notice that a lot of these gum shields or mouth guards will mention that they’re suitable for many different sports.
Why Do Some Rugby Players Not Wear Gum Shields?
It’s certainly not compulsory to wear a gum shield for rugby, so it’s generally down to personal choice.
It is, however, definitely recommended to. While it can be uncomfortable at first, you’ll definitely save your mouth from some nasty injuries over your rugby years if you wear a gum shield.
Are Dentist-Fitted Gum Shields Better than Self-Fitted Options?
Dentist-fitted gum shields are generally better fitted as they’ve been done by a professional using a mould.
However, having used both, I must say that at-home options are catching up and getting better every year.
Where To Buy the Best Gum Shields For Rugby
Where you buy your mouth guard or gum shield for this rugby season depends on what you’re looking for.
While you might get a slightly better fit from a professional dentist, you can also buy high-quality self-fitting gum shields online in places like Amazon, Lovell Rugby and Pro Direct Rugby.
With your new high-quality gum shield, you can get stuck in whilst also feeling protected on the rugby field. Happy rugby season, all!
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