Rugby metal-stud rules: what to check before you buy

Where the rules come from

World Rugby's equipment specifications set the technical standard for outsoles: studs have a 21 mm maximum height and must have no sharp or burred edges. The current specification is maintained by World Rugby and can be updated, so you can read it directly at World Rugby — Outsole specifications.

On top of the laws, individual unions, leagues, schools, venues and referees can set their own requirements — especially for artificial pitches and youth rugby. Those local rules decide what you can actually wear on the day.

How the finder handles metal studs

• Metal allowed: Yes — metal-stud and non-metal products are both eligible.
• Metal allowed: No — every metal-stud product is excluded.
• Not sure — treated the same as No. We won't recommend a product you may not be able to wear.

In our catalog every soft-ground boot is recorded with metal studs. So if you choose SG and "Not sure", the finder returns no strong verified match. That's deliberate: confirm the rule, then come back.

Which products have metal studs

All FG, AG and FG/AG products in the catalog — including the rugby-specific Gilbert Cage Torq MSX Firm Ground — are recorded without metal studs.

Questions to ask before you buy

• Does my competition allow metal studs, and are there age-grade restrictions?
• Is any venue an artificial pitch with its own footwear policy?
• Will the referee inspect studs before kickoff?
• If metal isn't allowed everywhere, do I need a second, non-metal pair?

Two surfaces, two pairs

If you play on soft ground and turf, the finder's two-pair outcome keeps metal-stud SG boots and non-metal turf options in separate groups. See SG vs FG vs AG and artificial-turf cleats.

Not legal advice

This guide helps you know what to ask. It isn't an official interpretation of any law or regulation, and it isn't medical or safety advice.