Rugby League Shoulder Pads for Juniors: What the Rules Allow, and What to Buy in Australia
When a child moves up to tackle footy, the question every parent asks at the canteen is whether they need shoulder pads. They do not have to wear them. If they do, the rules in New South Wales are short and clear: the padding has to be soft.
What the rules say
The NSWRL’s 2025 Community Rugby League manual covers it in one line under player equipment: “Protective equipment may be worn provided it contains nothing of a rigid nature.” A player must not wear anything that could be dangerous to other players. The referee or touch judge is meant to check equipment before each match, and a player wearing something dangerous is sent off the field until it comes off.
That rules out anything with hard plastic. It matters when shopping online, because a search for body armour on Amazon Australia fills up with padded shirts made for American football and baseball. Some of those are soft foam; some have hard sternum or rib plates. If the listing does not say the padding is soft, ask the seller or buy a rugby brand.
How much padding
Gilbert’s buyer’s guide puts the choice simply: decide where you want padding, then get the size and fit right. Its range goes from three pads across the shoulders and chest up to thirteen pads covering the arms, chest, ribs and back. For a junior’s first season, a vest that covers the shoulders and chest is a sensible place to start.
Fit matters more than the number of pads. The vest should sit close to the body under the jersey, so the pads stay where they should when the player is tackled. A vest bought two sizes too big so it lasts a few seasons will slide around. Measure the chest and check the size guide on the listing.
Three soft-padded options
All three were in stock for delivery in Sydney on 13 November.
Canterbury Kid’s Rugby Protection Vest. Canterbury’s children’s vest, made for juniors in tackle footy.
Canterbury Protection Vest. The adult version, for teenagers who have outgrown the kids’ range and for senior players.
Total Sports Super Lite Shoulder Pads. A lightweight rugby shoulder pad. The listing gives few details, so check the size and the padding description before you buy.
| Pads | Who it suits | On Amazon (affiliate link) |
|---|---|---|
| Canterbury Kid’s Rugby Protection Vest | Juniors in their first tackle seasons | See it → |
| Canterbury Protection Vest | Teenagers and senior players | See it → |
| Total Sports Super Lite | Players who want light shoulder cover | See it → |
The rest of the kit
Our guide to rugby league mouthguards explains what the NRL recommends, and our rugby headgear guide covers scrum caps. For a family Christmas list, our gifts for rugby league players has more.
