University Researchers Develop Protective Headgear for Junior Rugby

Researchers at the University of Canterbury have created a new protective headgear designed specifically for junior rugby players. Named ‘Ruru’ after New Zealand’s native owl, this innovative headgear could be available for purchase as early as March 2026, pending successful testing by World Rugby. The project is the culmination of a decade-long study involving over 300 players and First XV teams from various levels.

With junior players aged 8 to 18 representing around 80 percent of the rugby community in New Zealand, the need for safety gear is paramount. Notably, girls are the fastest-growing demographic in the sport. A recent study conducted by the University of Auckland and NZ Rugby revealed a concerning link between head injuries and an increased risk of neurological disorders, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.

Nick Draper, a professor in the health faculty at the University of Canterbury, highlighted the research team’s commitment to improving player safety. “All of the studies we’ve done over the years on collisions and the data we’ve collected from field trials on players, particularly in the junior grades, has helped us understand what kind of headgear will make a real difference,” he stated. He further noted the responsibility researchers have to ensure that the game remains safe for young players, who form the backbone of New Zealand rugby.

Innovative Design and Research Collaboration

The Ruru headgear integrates advanced engineering innovations, including impact testing and machine learning analysis of head collisions. The design symbolizes the protective role it aims to serve, with Draper referring to the Ruru as “the wise owl looking after our heads, looking after our brains.”

The headgear will undergo testing at an independent laboratory, likely located in the United Kingdom. Following this, the team anticipates a positive response from a United States-based company interested in licensing the product. Dr. Natalia Kabaliuk, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering, expressed enthusiasm about the potential market launch: “It’s very exciting, so once it’s approved for use by World Rugby, we will look to launch it on the market.”

This project was conducted in collaboration with the Canterbury Rugby Football Union and the Ellesmere Rugby Sub Union. The extensive research involved MRI scans and neurocognitive testing of players before and after the rugby season, alongside monitoring any significant impacts during games or training sessions.

Custom 3D-printed mouthguards equipped with sensors were developed to record speed changes during collisions, further contributing to the research data.

Addressing Safety Concerns and Affordability

Draper emphasized the importance of educating coaches about tackle techniques, noting that many tackles occur from the side or rear, rather than the front. “We’ve recognized through our research that up to half and in some cases over half of the tackles that players are involved in are tackles from the side or from the rear, whereas most coaching technique is around a front-on tackle,” he explained. This insight could lead to changes in coaching approaches to enhance safety.

As a rugby coach and a father of three sons who play the sport, Draper is keenly aware of the financial burden protective gear can place on families. He aims to keep the Ruru headgear affordable, ensuring it remains comparable to standard headgear currently available on the market.

The initiative marks a significant step forward in rugby safety, reflecting the University of Canterbury’s commitment to innovation and community well-being. The potential launch of the Ruru headgear could play a vital role in safeguarding the health of young rugby players across New Zealand and beyond.