As physical as this sport is, it’s no surprise that knee injuries account for the highest number of days missed in the English professional rugby union. Of these injuries, ACL injuries are the most common and trailing it are MCL sprains. Thus, the importance for finding the best knee braces for rugby.
But, how do these braces even help anyway? And, of the nearly infinite amount of choices, how do you pick what’s best suited to you?
That’s where we come in. Our team of physical therapists compiled a list of the most effective knee supports for rugby using a tough criteria that we will also share further down.
For now, though, here are reviews to help narrow your choices.
Top 3 Picks
Best for Recovery: Cocoon Knee Flex Pros
The most unique and feature-packed brace we’ve seen to date. It’s a knee sleeve that doubles as a heat or cold pack.
Best for Preventing Injuries: Braceability Hinged ROM Knee Brace
With adjustable metal hinges on each side of the brace, this makes it the most effective at preventing ACL and MCL injuries.
Best All-Around: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
This has everything you’ll need from a compression sleeve. Excellent compression, improves blood flow, relieves pain, and controls inflammation.
9 Best Knee Braces for Rugby Players
1. Cocoon Knee Flex Pros
Pros
- Multiple therapeutic benefits from compression, heat, and cold
- Superior comfort from lycra
- Leakproof and double-stitched for top-of-the-line durability
- For serious rugby players
- Multiple size options with each sleeve fitting multiple body parts
Cons
- Only one color option
- Slightly pricey
The Cocoon Knee Flex Pro is more than just a traditional knee sleeve. It provides the benefits of both hot/cold compressions as well, which helps with rapid post-game recovery.
Comfort and Stability
Cocoon Knee Flex Pros are not your average compression sleeve. For one, they’re made with lycra and hydrogel – a combination that few others have.
Not only does this make them superiorly comfortable, but it also gives them the ability to double as a hot or cold pack.
Depending on what you need, you can put the cocoons in the microwave or in the freezer.
The sleeve also does a fantastic job of staying in place. So, it can provide your knees with compression and support throughout all of your lifts.
- Size options: S, M, L. (These three different sizes will fit many parts; not just your knee.)
- Color options: Blue
Durability and Quality
Lycra’s legendary durability is still intact today. Each cocoon is doubly stitched and the hydrogels are leakproof, in addition to being more durable than even natural rubber.
Who this brace is for
The Cocoon Knee Flex Pro is a serious recovery brace for all sports. The benefits of compression, heat, and cold that it offers will serve you well all throughout your rugby games.
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace might not be your best option if you’re on a budget. The lycra, hydrogel, and double-stitching raised the price tag of this MyCocoon sleeve to slightly higher than average. We think it’s well worth it, though!
2. Braceability Hinged ROM Knee Brace
Pros
- Adjustable metal hinges
- Durable
- Helps prevent and recover from ACL and MCL injuries
- Wide size range
- Affordable
Cons
- Can sometimes feel too warm
If Cocoon Knee Flex Pros are perfect for recovery, the Braceability Hinged ROM Knee Brace is made to prevent the most frequent knee injuries in rugby. And, if you’re already injured, it’s going to help get you back in the game.
The way it does so is through its metal and adjustable hinges on each side. For one, these hinges add support to your ligaments so they don’t easily get sprained. Secondly, they can be adjusted to limit certain movements which will serve you well if you’re rehabbing from an ACL or MCL injury.
In terms of comfort, it sometimes gets hot. Nothing too uncomfortable, though, so you’ll still want to wear it. There’s also a pair of velcro strips that prevent it from slipping. Durable as heck, too.
Its sizes range from XS to 6XL, so we’re confident it’ll fit most, if not all rugby players. Plus, compared to how hinged knee braces are priced these days, this actually is easy on the wallet.
3. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- 360-degree compression for better blood flow
- Great for knee pain relief
- Great for controlling inflammation
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Not for playing through unstable knees (i.e. sprains)
Our ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve is designed to have bits of everything, so it’ll be your safest bet. We pride ourselves in this being just a solid all-around knee support – whether that be for pain relief, support while playing, and even post-play recovery.
The fabric of our knee sleeve is made so it gives you excellent, 360-degree compression so the entirety of your joint gets some much needed attention. This, in turn, effectively promotes better blood flow, pain relief, and controlled inflammation.
Plus, it looks and feels amazing. It’s breathable, durable, will not compromise your movement, and competitively priced.
However, it won’t be your best choice if you have severely unstable knees. For that, look at Braceability.
4. McDavid Knee Brace for Knee Stability
Pros
- Promotes pain relief
- Comes in three sizes
- Perfect for rugby
- Made of high-quality neoprene
Cons
- A bit expensive
- The Velcro straps may not be compatible with some fabrics
First off is the McDavid knee brace, which has the capability to provide you with firm compression, as well as soft tissue support.
It also can retain warmth, as well as relieve pain while promoting healing from a recent knee injury. It comes with adjustable straps that add extra stability whenever you are playing rugby.
What made us consider this as one of the best knee braces for rugby is that it comes in three sizes, allowing you to get the perfect fit.
Comfort and Stability
This knee brace features durable neoprene construction, as well as adjustable straps, ensuring that you experience comfort and stability while playing rugby.
Durability and Quality
It is made of high-quality materials, allowing you to get the most out of it for a longer period.
Cost and Value
It is considered a mid-range product that does its intended job perfectly.
McDavid Knee Brace for Knee Stability Review
5. Knee Brace Compression by Athledict
Pros
- Affordable
- Made of high-quality materials
- Features an anatomical shape
- Delivers instant pain relief
Cons
- The size chart may be a bit inaccurate
- Might start to slip down after several uses
If you are looking for the best rugby knee brace, then you might want to consider this product created by Athledict.
It features an anatomical shape, allowing better support, stability, as well as pain relief for specific spots you need for mobility.
It also comes with the new anti-slip silicone design, as well as the adjustable and removable strap for a more customized fit. In addition, it delivers instant pain relief, support, and comfort for your injured knee.
Comfort and Stability
It features an ergonomic design, as well as adjustable straps, allowing you to feel comfortable and stable whenever you engage in strenuous activities like rugby, cycling, weightlifting, and jogging, among others.
Durability and Quality
Its capability to deliver instant pain relief says a lot about its high-quality construction.
6. Ace Knee Brace
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Breathable
- Comes with adjustable straps
- Made for rugby players
Cons
- Might cause you to sweat a lot
- A bit bulky
Another great product on this best knee brace for rugby review is this offering by ACE, which provides adjustable support and compression, perfect for rugby players with weak, stiff, or sore muscles and injured knees.
It comes with adjustable straps and is made of soft neoprene material for breathability and added stability. It comes with comfort sleeves, making it a lot easier for you to wear, as well as adjust. Lastly, it is odor-resistant, and it comes in one size.
Comfort and Stability
This knee brace is made of breathable neoprene and is equipped with adjustable straps for maximum comfort and stability.
Durability and Quality
This high-quality knee brace created by Ace has the capability to provide adjustable support and compression, perfect for rugby players who are troubled with knee pain and discomfort.
Cost and Value
It is also a very affordable knee brace but will never disappoint you when it comes to its features and benefits.
Ace Knee Brace Review
7. Bracoo Knee Support
Pros
- Made of thick neoprene
- Comfortable and stable to wear
- Suitable for use in rugby
- Affordable
Cons
- Might cause minor abrasions
- The brace itself might have a strong odor
This knee brace created by Bracoo features an open-patella design, which effectively relieves pressure while reducing stress on your knee joint.
Indeed, this knee brace is perfect for those who are recovering from knee surgery or those who want to prevent rugby-related injuries.
It is made of extra-thick neoprene but will not lack comfort. It also comes with straps that allow you to customize the fit, as well as prevent slippage.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of high-quality and sturdy neoprene that promotes comfort. It also is equipped with straps for a more customized and stable fit.
Durability and Quality
This knee brace by Bracoo would endure even the most rigorous sports such as rugby.
Cost and Value
It is a mid-range product that is up for the challenge of providing protection and support for your knees.
8. Hipstone Knee Compression Fit Support
Pros
- Very affordable
- Made of breathable materials
- Perfect for rugby players
- Provides maximum support and comfort
Cons
- The strap may be too short for some
- Might start to wear out after a few weeks
ASOONYUM created this amazing knee support for rugby, made with high-quality nylon and spandex, perfect for use by rugby players.
It features the 3D weaving technology, as well as soft and breathable construction for maximum comfort. This knee brace made for rugby is also highly adjustable, allowing you to fit it better on your knee.
Lastly, it is not only suitable for rugby but also for other active sports including cycling, golf, running, and basketball, among others.
Comfort and Stability
It is made from the combination of nylon and spandex, allowing a more comfortable and stable game of rugby.
Durability and Quality
This knee brace by ASOONYUM has the capability to keep up with such a high-impact sport like rugby.
Cost and Value
By far one of the cheapest on this review of the best knee support for rugby, this product will not come short when it comes to its amazing features.
9. SB Sox Compression Knee Brace
Pros
- Very affordable
- High-quality construction
- Perfect for rugby players
- Made of breathable materials
Cons
- Might start to wear out after several uses
- Product replacement might be a pain
SB SOX came up with a knee brace that offers improved blood circulation while delivering outstanding compression and support.
It is made of premium-quality materials that are breathable, lightweight, anti-odor, and moisture-wicking. It comes with a non-slip top and bottom cuffs that provide you with unmatched comfort.
Truly, this knee brace created by SB SOX is a must-have, especially if you are a rugby player with knee pain.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of high-quality, breathable, lightweight, anti-odor, and moisture-wicking materials, as well as non-slip cuffs for added comfort and stability.
Durability and Quality
This knee brace has the capability to provide you with premium support, compression, and comfort without compromising your mobility.
Cost and Value
You would not need to spend more than $6 to get this amazing knee brace for rugby.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Knee Brace for Rugby
Comfort and Stability
These two factors are very important because of the nature of rugby. The sport will forever require you to make big movements, aside from the fact that tackles mostly affect your lower extremities. With this, you need a very comfortable and stable knee support to wear whenever you are playing the sport.
Durability and Quality
When choosing the top knee brace for rugby, make sure that the knee support made of high-quality materials and it comes with features that you need or prefer. With this, you are sure that you are only getting the best out of the price you pay for it.
Cost and Value
While your budget must come last in your priorities, it is also very wise to consider the price of the knee brace you are buying. To be able to determine if the knee brace for rugby is worthy to purchase, you need to know if its features can suffice the support needed by your knee.
Conclusion
Choosing the best product on the market can become very tricky, especially if you come across hundreds of brands and products.
However, we hope to make things a lot easier for you, with this review. Hopefully, you get to make an intelligent buying decision after you have read this best knee brace for rugby review.
