Protection shorts sale
This selection of protective shorts on sale includes padded under-shorts for rugby: Gilbert XP25, McDavid Hex, G-Form Pro, under-short Force XV and compression shorts Shock Doctor with cup. Worn under the match shorts, they absorb impact on the thighs and hips during tackles and falls, along with our tips for choosing the right size.
Protect thighs and hips at a discounted price.
EVA Foam, Hex or SmartFlex: three ways to cushion
Not all protective shorts cushion in the same way. The Gilbert XP25 features molded EVA foams around one centimeter thick at the hips, with ventilation channels designed for hard pitches and young players learning to tackle. The McDavid Hex combines small closed-cell foam hexagons that move independently, contouring the thigh instead of stiffening it; the Wrap-Around version has them wrap around the leg. The G-Form Pro uses SmartFlex pads, soft and light at rest, which harden instantly upon impact before returning to their flexibility.
The other equipment
Sales also include:
All equipment sales are gathered on the equipment sales page.
Compression and shell: support and protect
Beyond its foams, the protective short is a compression garment: its stretchy fabric supports the thigh muscles, limits vibrations with each impact, and reduces friction between the legs. The Force XV under-short, worn under the match short, provides this everyday support. The Shock Doctor compression short adds a pocket for a removable, anatomical and ventilated shell to protect the groin during tackles and falls; it can simply be removed to wash the short. This protection reassures players exposed to low contact, particularly in scrums and rucks.
Size, placement of foams, and care
A protective short should be chosen based on waist circumference and thigh circumference: it should fit snugly without compressing, otherwise the foams shift out of their zone. It’s important to ensure that the pads sit correctly on the hip bone and at the top of the thigh, where tackles occur, and that the length is shorter than that of the match short. For care, a wash at thirty degrees, inside out, is sufficient; the waterproof SmartFlex pads can go in the washing machine, while the standard foams should air dry, away from the tumble dryer. Sales allow for the purchase of two, one for training and the other for matches.
The other good deals
Good deals can also be found in the good deals, clearance, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The key moments of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and the return to school.
Frequently asked questions
Protective under-short or simple shorts: what to choose?
The simple short supports the muscles and limits friction without any cushioning. The protective under-short adds foams at the hips and thighs, useful for hard surfaces or for a player who takes a lot of tackles.
Are there protective shorts for children?
Yes, several models, such as the Gilbert XP25, come in junior sizes. They reassure young players learning to tackle and protect their hips during falls on a dry, hard pitch.
Can female players wear the same models?
Yes, most under-shorts are unisex and are chosen based on waist and hip measurements. It’s especially important to ensure the foams sit on the hip bone, regardless of body shape.
Do protective shorts keep you warm in summer?
Current models use breathable fabrics that wick away sweat and perforated foams that allow air circulation. In hot weather, a lightweight model remains comfortable under the match shorts.
Should you wear underwear under a protective short?
No, it should be worn directly against the skin, like a sports boxer, to avoid bunching and chafing. Models with a shell include a pocket designed for this purpose, replacing the protective brief.
