Why Do Rugby Players Tape Heads, Thighs & Wrists? Explained

Watch any rugby match and you’ll spot tape on heads, thighs and wrists. It is not just for show. Each wrap has a job to do, from protecting the ears in scrums to keeping lineout pads in place.

So what does the tape actually achieve, and which types are used? This guide explains the practical reasons behind taping, how players use it safely, and where the limits are.

You’ll also find the key rules, common pitfalls, and a simple overview of when taping helps and when it is best avoided, all with player welfare in mind.

Read on to learn more.

Why Do Players Tape Their Heads?

Head taping is mainly about the ears. Forwards spend a lot of time in close contact during scrums, mauls and rucks, where rubbing and pressure can damage ear cartilage and lead to “cauliflower ear.” A neat wrap helps keep the ears flat against the head and reduces friction during repeated collisions.

Players might also cover minor cuts or sensitive skin so they can get through a match without reopening a knock. Tape is not a cure-all, and it is not designed to absorb heavy impact, but as a light barrier and anchor, it does a useful job.

Scrum caps offer another option, yet some forwards still prefer a simple ear wrap that sits comfortably under the cap or on its own. More on what tape can and cannot prevent is covered in the concussion section below.

Why Tape Thighs Before A Match?

Thighs are often taped to secure lifting blocks for lineouts. Those small pads need to stay put so lifters can grip cleanly, and a firm wrap gives them a consistent surface to hold. If the blocks slip, timing and safety in the jump suffer, so reliability here matters.

Players also use tape for gentle compression over bruised or sore areas, or to hold thin protective padding in place under the shorts. The aim is practical: keep equipment still, reduce rubbing, and avoid distraction while running or jumping.

With the legs sorted, attention turns to the hands. Ball control and tackling ask a lot from the wrists.

Why Tape Wrists For Rugby Games?

Wrist taping adds stability for the small joints that take strain in passing, tackling and clearing out. A scrum-half firing long passes or a flanker hitting repeated contacts might choose a supportive wrap to manage load through the joint.

It can also help players protect areas that have been bruised or previously sprained, giving a consistent feel while still allowing enough movement for handling. Some will add a thin layer to keep a small pad in place or to manage sweat so it does not affect grip. The focus is utility: support without getting in the way.

What Types Of Tape Do Players Use?

Most squads rely on a few staples: zinc oxide tape, elastic adhesive bandage, and cohesive bandage.

Zinc oxide tape is rigid and holds firm. It is used to anchor areas that should not move much, such as a wrist joint or the ears during scrummaging. Because it does not stretch, it stays put through heavy contact.

Elastic adhesive bandage, often called EAB, has a slight stretch and a sticky backing. It suits areas that need support with a bit of give, like a wrist that still needs to flex for ball handling.

Cohesive bandage sticks to itself rather than the skin. It is handy for holding padding or dressings in place and is quick to remove. Many players place a soft underwrap beneath stronger tapes to protect the skin, then finish with a layer of EAB for comfort.

Knowing what sits in the kit bag helps explain the benefits.

What Are The Protective Benefits Of Taping?

Taping creates targeted support. Around joints such as wrists, a firm base layer limits unwanted movement while allowing essential range for skills like catching and passing. That balance can make repeated actions more consistent over 80 minutes.

As a surface shield, tape reduces friction that causes cuts and abrasions, especially in scrums and tackles where kit and skin meet repeatedly. It also keeps pads and dressings where they should be, so protection does not shift mid-play.

For minor knocks, a light, even compression can help manage discomfort and swelling during a match. The key is appropriate use: applied with care, tape supports performance and comfort without masking serious problems.

Does Taping Prevent Concussion?

No. Concussion results from forces that affect the brain, and tape does not reduce those forces. Head taping is mainly for ear protection and skin coverage, not impact absorption.

Approved protective gear, such as scrum caps, can help with cuts and abrasions, but they do not prevent concussions either. Medical guidance and proper return-to-play protocols are what matter for head injuries. Tape has other roles, and it should be used with that in mind.

If taping has limits, technique becomes important. The next section focuses on safe, comfortable use.

How To Tape Heads, Thighs And Wrists Safely

Applying tape starts with simple preparation. Clean, dry skin helps the adhesive work, and trimming heavy hair in the target area reduces irritation. Choosing the right tape for the job matters too: rigid for anchoring, slightly elastic for comfort, cohesive for holding pads or dressings. Keeping scissors, soft gauze and an adhesive remover to hand makes adjustments and removal easier.

Prepare The Skin And Equipment

Good taping builds on a smooth base. Players often use a thin underwrap over the skin, then add the chosen tape on top to reduce rubbing. Any padding that needs to be held in place should sit flat with no folds, so the surface remains comfortable under movement.

Basic Head Taping Technique

Head taping typically focuses on the ears. A soft layer of gauze or padding sits over each ear, followed by a continuous wrap that runs above the eyebrows and passes over the tops of the ears. The aim is a snug, even hold that keeps the ears flat without restricting jaw or neck movement.

Basic Thigh Taping Technique

For lineout blocks or light protection, the wrap usually begins mid-thigh and builds upward in smooth, overlapping turns. A stable base layer holds any pads in place, while an outer layer provides a tidy finish. The tape should feel secure without pinching or limiting sprinting and jumping.

Basic Wrist Taping Technique

A wrist wrap often starts with an anchor below the palm, then a few smooth turns across the joint to create support. Where handling is key, players keep the wrap slightly looser near the hand so they can flex and catch comfortably, with a firmer section over the joint itself.

After play, tape should come off promptly. Slow, close-to-skin removal is kinder, and an adhesive remover or warm water helps lift stubborn edges.

What Are The Risks And Skin Issues From Taping?

Most issues arise from adhesive sensitivity, pressure, or poor application. Redness, itching and rashes can follow from certain glues, especially if tape stays on too long or is reapplied over irritated skin. A patch test in training, or switching to hypoallergenic options, can help.

Taping too tightly may reduce blood flow or cause numbness and blistering. Smooth, even tension is important, and any tingling or colour change is a sign to remove the wrap. Pulling tape off quickly can also damage skin or hair, so gentle removal is best and the area should be checked afterwards.

Skin needs recovery time. Rotating tape types, using underwrap, and keeping the skin clean and dry between sessions all reduce problems over a long season.

With the skin cared for, the next consideration is legality on match day.

Is Taping Allowed Under Laws And Referee Checks?

Yes, within clear limits. World Rugby’s laws require taping to be safe for both the wearer and opponents. Wraps must not create hard edges or rigid bulk that could cause injury, and anything around the head needs to be soft and sensibly layered.

Referees and match officials can inspect tape before or during play. If a wrap is judged unsafe or non-compliant, players may be asked to adjust or remove it. The goal is simple: allow sensible support without turning tape into an advantage or a hazard.

When Should Players Avoid Taping?

Taping is not suitable for everyone or every situation. Known adhesive allergies, open wounds, infections, or fragile skin are clear reasons to avoid direct application. In these cases, medical guidance or alternative supports are better options.

It should not be used to cover up a serious injury. Ongoing pain, instability, or suspected structural damage needs professional assessment, not a tighter wrap. Even for minor issues, taping should never cause numbness, sharp pain, or skin discolouration. If it does, it should come off.

How Long Should Tape Stay On And How To Remove It?

Tape is best worn only for the session or match it was applied for. Leaving it on longer can trap sweat, soften the skin and increase irritation.

Removal is easier when done slowly and close to the skin. Warm water or a dedicated adhesive remover loosens the bond and reduces pulling. Once off, the area should be cleaned and checked for redness or marks. If irritation appears regularly, changing tape type, adding underwrap, or adjusting tension usually helps.

If you choose to bet on rugby, set sensible limits and keep it occasional. Help and advice are available from independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware.