Rugby Tackle Bags & Pads Buyers Guide 

If you want to practice tackling technique for rugby, then you need the right equipment. Developing tackling-specific power, strength, timing and technique, requires practice sessions that mimic in-game situations as closely as possible – without risking injury. With this in mind, rugby tackle pads, bags, shields and rings are an essential training tool for any serious team.

Why Use Rugby Tackle Bags & Pads?

Tackle bags and pads enable high repetition practice sessions specifically for tackling. They get players conditioned to taking impacts and let them replicate the timing and technique involved in a rugby tackle as closely as possible. 

The advantages of using rugby tackle bags, pads and shields include:

• Let players practise full-contact tackles with reduced impact on joints and muscles
• Many bags & pads are designed to encourage correct technique
• Provide a safe introduction to rugby tackling for beginners

In this guide we will look at each of the available tackle bags, pads, shields and tubes from FORZA and explain the benefits.

Sizes available - Mini, Junior, Youth, Senior, Jumbo
Primary use - Tackling drills designed to promote correct technique & power
Also used for - Fitness training, ruck and turnover drills

Sizes available - Mini, Junior, Youth, Senior
Primary use - Tackling practice that reinforces good technique & legal height.
Also used for - Fitness/conditioning work, plus maul and turnover practice.

According to top coaches and World Rugby, players should aim to tackle opponents at the upper thigh/hip level. This helps mitigate the risk of injury to both players. The low tackle bag can only be tackled at legal height, and therefore encourages players to build muscle memory and technique that is safe and effective.

Benefits of FORZA Low-Height Rugby Tackle Bags:

• Encourages players to tackle low- promoting safe and effective technique.
• Features a double strap to hold the ball for jackal and turnover drills.
• Letters printed on the bag provide varied target points for practice.
• Freestanding design lets players train solo or in group drills.

Sizes available - Junior, Senior
Primary use - Partner tackling practice
Also used for - Functional fitness, maul and passing practice

The FORZA Rugby Tackle Shield guides players into the right position and tackle height. It also provides an extra level of cushioning and protection to greatly reduce the chances of any injuries. FORZA double wedged shields are an excellent training tool for realistic maul drills without the impact experienced in a match. They give players a clear target zone and solid, realistic resistance when they drive into the maul or tackle.

Frequently used by elite level rugby teams, FORZA tackle shields are ideal for a variety of tackling, and maul drills. The two wedges create a cushioned hit zone in the middle. It features twin-side padded straps for handling. Ideal for both junior and senior rugby players. The shield's reinforced seams are designed to provide extended durability.

Benefits of FORZA Tackle Shields with Double Wedge:

• Central target band encourages correct tackle technique.
• Second wedge adds protection and helps reduce injury risk.
• High-density foam with shock reducing properties.
• Padded twin straps improve comfort and control for the holder.
• Rip-proof with reinforced seams and vinyl.
• Perfect for tackling, rucking and passing drills.

A classic and iconic training tool, rugby shields allow player to practice tackles, rucking and offloading. The shield cushions any impacts significantly, so players can work on set plays and technique without being sore the next day. Alternatively, the shields can be used at a higher speed and more forcefully, to simulate the impacts expected in a live match.

You can use them in small-sided attacker-vs-defender drills. The defenders hold shields to mimic tackles. Attackers practise quick passes or side-steps.

Remember to try and match players by size, especially in youth teams. Whilst professionals and high-level players might need to get used to impacts from bigger players, beginners and youth players would normally be matched with a shield-holder(s) of a similar size.

Benefits of FORZA Tackle Shields with Top Wedge:

• Simulates contact for tackler and holder.
• Conditions holder & tackler to high-speed impacts.
• Offers safe tackling technique practice.
• Top wedge adds extra padding.
• Rip-proof with reinforced seams and vinyl.
• Perfect for tackling, rucking and passing practice.

Sizes available -  Junior, Youth, Senior
Primary use - Pairs with tackle bags to promote correct tackle height.
Also used for - Fitness training, ruck and turnover drills with tackle bags.

The tackle ring pairs with FORZA full height tackle bags. It adds a clear line that dictates the “maximum height” of a tackle. This allows players to blend the resistance provided by a full size tackle bag, with the low-tackle practice of a shorter bag. Players still face a realistic, player sized target. Great for beginners to advanced players looking to build good tackling technique and mechanics.

Benefits of FORZA Rugby Doughnut Tackle Ring:

• Boosts tackle accuracy.
• Teaches low technique on full-height bags.
• Makes full-height bags more versatile.
• Provides weight of a full height bag & accuracy of a low bag

Sizes available - Junior, Youth, Senior
Primary use - Tackling practice designed to develop tracking & timing
Also used for - Turnover drills; Footwork and practising low tackles

Known as tackle tubes and tackle rings, this rugby training tool is used to help players develop their ability to track players with the ball and time their tackles. They are rolled across the ground to create a moving target. The low height promotes best practices for safe tackling and body mechanics. Whilst the tube doesn’t appear to replicate the body of a rugby player, the player executing a tackle can grip the hollow ring with a similar technique as gripping opposing player's legs.

The risk of injury is low when using this training aid. Focusing on timing and accuracy, the greatest risk of injury comes from an impact with the surface of the rugby pitch. FORZA tackle tubes also feature a strap on the inside. This can be used to practise jackal moves and turnovers right after contact.

Benefits of FORZA Rugby Tackle Tubes:

• Moving target replicates real gameplay conditions.
• Thickness and height support leg wrapping in tackles.
• Double strap secures ball for jackal and turnover drills.
• Woven 615gsm material ensures rip-proof durability.
• Enhances footwork, speed and reaction training.

Sizes available - Junior, Senior
Primary use - Tackling drills
Also used for - Fitness, set play practices/tactics, and passing drills

Like all of our rugby training equipment and tackle training aids, our FORZA rugby curved shields are designed by our in-house team of experts. The shields use high-density foam and 615gsm woven material for the highest level of cushioning. The curve of the shield allows players to simulate the body-angles often presented in rucks and tackles. The curve also provides a target in the middle, to encourage the correct height of a tackle.

Waterproof and tear-proof shields, can also be used to drill passing under-pressure, set-plays and mauls. It can also be used for fitness-based sessions that develop conditioning to impacts and driving and correct timing of tackles when tired.

Benefits of FORZA Rugby Curved Hit Shields:

• Perfect for tackling, maul and rucking drills.
• Develops lower-body and core strength to drive opponents back.
• Foam and vents maximise shock absorption.
• Builds resilience for both tackler and holder.

Sizes available - Senior
Primary use - Tackling & turnover drills
Also used for - Rugby-specific fitness drills

The jackal is a player who tries to steal the ball immediately after a tackle to gain his or her team possession of the ball. The jackal is often the same player who makes the tackle, he needs to release the tackled player, stand up, and try and steal the ball from a standing, squatted and bent over position.

The FORZA Jackal Bags have an indent with straps, that holds the rugby ball securely. The weight and shape of the bag make it a great tool for carrying, dragging and rolling the bag. A simple jackal drill would involve tackling the bag with a ball placed within it, standing up and ripping out the ball.

Benefits of FORZA Jackal Tackle Bags:

• Ideal for jackal and turnover drills.
• Freestanding for solo sessions.
• Great for fitness and set-piece practice.

Sizes available - Junior, Senior
Primary use - Rucking practice
Also used for - Fitness & tackling practice

FORZA Ruck & Roll Pads give the pad-holder more control and purchase to move the tackling player. The large surface area provides more resistance, and the pads can be moved laterally or up and down to challenge the tackler’s ability to keep driving forwards. The pad helps the tackler to develop core strength and stability in their tackles. The curved design keeps the risk of head collisions very small and forces a low, optimal tackle height.

Benefits of FORZA Ruck & Roll Pads:

• Dipped shape boosts holder control.
• Curved top cuts face collision risk.
• Central target promotes correct height and technique.
• Builds lower-body and core drive strength.

Sizes available - Junior, Senior
Primary use - Rucking & tackling practice 
Also used for - Fitness & passing practice

The FORZA Contact & Push pads are cost-effective rugby pads that provide many of the benefits of other tackle pads. They are great for introducing young and novice players to the impacts involved in rugby tackles. Fully weatherproof, they are packed with high density foam, a PVC cover and two reinforced handles.

They are great for small-sided training games, for practising passing under pressure and side-stepping a defending player.

Benefits of FORZA Contact & Push Rugby Pads:

• Affordable tackle shield option.
• Suits tackling and rucking drills.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Ideal for juniors and injury rehabilitation

Sizes available - One size fits all
Primary use - Rucking & tackling practice
Also used for - Small sided full contact drills

Arguably the best rugby tackle training aid for accurately simulating tackles around the waist. The body pad/shield wraps around the body of the pad-holder, providing cushioning whilst enabling the tackling player to grip the upper thighs and waist. Players can effectively train tackles exactly as they would in a match, without the impact.

Coaches can use the pad in pre-match warm-ups. It readies the body and nervous system for game impacts. The comfortable fit leaves arms free. Players can wear it in full-contact small-sided games, to reduce the risk of injuries to ribs or sternum.

Benefits of FORZA Body Rugby Tackle Pad:

• Shields midsection and shoulder fronts.
• Arms stay free for passing and catching.
• Works for full-contact small-sided games.
• Mimics tackling a real opponent.

Sizes available - One size fits all
Primary use - Rucking & mauling practice
Also used for - Tackling practice

90cm tall and 68cm wide, this large shield has thick straps secure FORZA for the pad man to hold. Perfect for rucking and mauling skill development, the wrap-around shield allows coaches to replicate rucking scenarios without the same risk of injury.

Impact-resistant foam fills the interior for cushioning. Tear-proof PVC exterior stands up to weather and countless impacts.

Benefits of FORZA Rugby Wrap Around Shield:

• Top protection for holder’s front and sides.
• Built for maul drills.
• Shock-absorbing foam core.
• Fully weatherproof and tear resistant.

Sizes available - Small, Medium, Large
Primary use - Tackling drills & indoor training
Also used for - Rucking practice

FORZA crash mats, provide a soft landing for tackling practice. Ideal for indoor training and fun tackling related games. They are also an essential training tool during hot summers when rugby pitches are extremely hard and rough. The crash mats fold easily for storage. Combine the crash mats with a body tackle pad for full speed, full force tackle practice - great tools for developing powerful tackles safely.

For safe dump and front-on tackle practice - coach supervision is required.

Benefits of FORZA Rugby Crash Mats:

• Enables indoor & summer tackling sessions.
• Suits wrestling and functional practice.
• High-density foam cushions impacts.
• Heavy-duty PVC adds durability.

Sizes available - Full size, ⅔ size
Primary use - Tackling practice
Also used for - Rucking, mauling, passing & set game-play practices

The FORZA 360 Hit Rugby Tackle Bag is the ultimate training tool. It promotes safe, full force tackle practice with minimal risk of injury. The thick padding and the concave hit zones allow players to make full contact tackles without the risk of slipping up or down and crashing into the pad holder.

The full size version has two hit zones for high and low tackles. The freestanding design also enables solo practice sessions. The concave, narrower hit zones allow players to wrap their arms around the waist or legs of the pad holder.

Benefits of FORZA 360 Hit Rugby Tackle Bag:

• Guides proper tackling technique.
• Ensures correct tackle height.
• Cushions shoulders from above and below.
• Supports hand-wrapping practice.
• Freestanding for solo drills.
• 22kg and 19kg weights suit fitness work.
• Weatherproof PVC, closed-cell foam, reinforced seams.

Sizes available - One size fits all
Primary use - Tackling practice
Also used for - Rucking, mauling, passing & set game-play practice

The FORZA 360 Hit Rugby Contact Shield is designed to improve and add another dimension to tackling practice. The shield features a Hit Zone area, which acts as a target to promote the correct tackling height, position and body mechanics. The Hit Zone cushions impacts but is narrow enough to allow players to simulate tackling by gripping the upper thighs and waist of the holder.

The shield is manufactured using ultra-durable material including tough, rip-proof PVC, and a high density foam interior for excellent shock absorption.

Benefits of FORZA 360 Hit Rugby Contact Shield:

• Encourages tackling at the correct height.
• Allows players to wrap arms around the shield-holder for realistic tackling.
• High-impact foam and target area reduce injury risk for both players.
• Weighs 4kg, making it portable for dynamic drills and practice games.
• Weatherproof PVC and reinforced seams ensure durability.

Our tackle bags, pads and shields offer many options for junior and senior players. Choosing the right ones can feel difficult – the table below highlights the key features and benefits.

Picking the Right Rugby Tackle Bags & Equipment - Final Tips

Rugby tackle bags let you build technique and conditioning, by enabling high-repetition practice. Reducing the impact and the chance of any injuries occuring, tackle bags, shields and pads also enable a steady introduction into the contact involved in the game.

Choosing the right tackle training equipment, comes down to specifically what you are coaching:

• If you want full-body contact or solo drills, start with a full-height tackle bag. The 360 Hit tackle bag is great if you want clearer "hit zones".
• To teach safe and legal tackle height - use a low-height tackle bag. You can also add a doughnut tackle ring to a full height bag.
• For partner sessions, tackle shields and wrap around pads let players hit, drive and clear out safely without heavy knocks.
• Body shields also provide a target that closely replicates in-game scenarios and gets both the tackler and the shield-holder used to impact.
• Tackle tubes bring movement into training, helping players work on timing, footwork and wrap accuracy.
• For jackal or turnover drills, pick a jackal bag or a bag with a ball strap to link contact straight into the contest.

Developing powerful matchday tackles starts on the training ground. Many junior coaches will invest in fundamental tackling equipment like full size tackle bags and tackle pads, before adding more specialist equipment like jackal bags that allow for more specific training sessions and practices. Pro academy and senior teams will likely need a wide array of tackling equipment, including shields and crash mats - anything to get the edge on the opposition. High quality tackle bags and pads make training safer, more effective and easier to recover from.

FORZA Rugby Training Equipment

Develop powerful matchday tackles, with our selection of rugby tackle bags, shields and pads. Designed by our in-house team and former rugby players, all our rugby training equipment can help you take your game to the next level. You may also be interested in our range of rugby rebounder balls, speed & agility tools, and passing targets & nets.