SmartPower Profiler stud set

[crossref]

we have done this before -- but the key bits are

Studs of players’ boots must conform to the “Safety Aspects of Rugby
Boot Sole Design” set out below:” (Appendix 2 hereto)

The following guidelines provide guidance on the design, dimensions and
performance of rugby studs/cleats. Suitable performance tests are
suggested which can be used to evaluate the performance of new
stud/cleat designs

The performance criterion for tests A and B is that the stud/cleat be
evaluated should cause no greater damage to the artificial skin than the
reference stud/cleat defined in Figure 1 above

SmartPower will tell you they have performed some tests and their profiler studs caused no greater damage than the reference stud. Hence they meet the regulation, hence they are 'world rugby approved'

Note that they don't even have to perform those exact tests, which are only suggested tests. Just some tests.

[Taff]

.... Note that they don't even have to perform those exact tests, which are only suggested tests. Just some tests.

Back in my my school playing days, we used to compare boots to see which one we preferred to be "raked" by. Do we still have "raking"? Back then, the Adidas Cap boot (with the single toe stud at the front) came out bottom, which may explain why the single toe stud was banned for years.

My test would be.

• Here is a boot with standard issue Regulation 12 studs in it - specifying minimum width, maximum length etc.
• Here is an identical boot with the new SmartPower Profiler studs in it.
• Now, lay on the ground and pretend you are making a nuisance of yourself at the bottom of a Ruck and Mr Tank here is going to show you the error of your ways.
• Which one hurts most?

If the answer is "To be honest, one was no worse than the other" then crack on - they've passed the test.

If the answer is "If you're going to do that again, can I have the standard issue studs please" - they've failed the test.

[crossref]

I think the law should be that everyone wears standard studs

[Pinky]

I think the law should be that everyone wears standard studs

Whilst I agree with this, this battle was lost in the late 90s when Adidas went in to bat in favour of Predator Blades and the then IRB allowed them.

[crossref]

Not too late to change

[Taff]

I think the law should be that everyone wears standard studs

For what it's worth, I agree.

Whilst I agree with this, this battle was lost in the late 90s when Adidas went in to bat in favour of Predator Blades and the then IRB allowed them.

The IRB / WR has changed it's mind once; it can change it again. I would phase in any changes, eg Standard Issue Regulation 12 studs only from 2020.

[crossref]

For what it's worth, I agree.


The IRB / WR has changed it's mind once; it can change it again. I would phase in any changes, eg Standard Issue Regulation 12 studs only from 2020.

I think it could say
On all boots where studs are changeable, standard studs immediately
On boots where the studs can't be changed , a years grace period

[TheBFG]

Sorry to dig this one up from so long ago, but allegedly WR were going to release a statement on these studs, has anyone ever seen it?

I see these doing the rounds again on Twitter, but think they've just regenerated the old story, but they rely on "someone at WR stated they were legal and would be issuing a statement"...……..?

[ctrainor]

Thanks BFG for digging this up.
About to embark on the season here where half the players have been playing RL all summer.
I don't believe there are any clear guidelines that are easily understood for what is legal footwear.
About time there was

[beckett50]

Thanks BFG for digging this up.
I don't believe there are any clear guidelines that are easily understood for what is legal footwear.
About time there was

Regulation 12 covers clothing - including boots and can be found buried in the RFU website.

Remember that you, as the referee, are the sole arbiter of fact. If you deem the footwear to be dangerous and unacceptable then the player must accept your decision.

As referees WE are the only people on a rugby field covered by 3rd Party Liability Insurance and so liable to be in the firing line of some ambulance chasing lawyer or 'where there's a claim, there's a blame' phone line.