Share your goggles stories at #rugbygoggles

The World Rugby goggles law trial was launched in 2014 and is proving to be a significant enabler to participation, underscoring World Rugby’s mission of a sport for all.

The trial was launched to develop and test a pair of goggles that were specifically designed for use in rugby where the contact nature of the sport means that they require unique characteristics compared to other sports goggles.

The rugby goggles designed by Raleri, an Italian eyewear manufacturer, consider the risks to both the wearer and other players coming into contact with the external surface of the goggles.

The innovative use of an insert and visor maximises the field of vision and allows corrective lenses to be worn within a strong and robust device. 

The goggles were originally designed for players who need to wear corrective lenses and who can’t or don’t want to wear contact lenses. Very quickly it became clear that they would also benefit people who had sight in only one eye as they provide a certain amount of protection, despite this not being an initial design feature.

“The reason we purchased the goggles was to protect my daughter’s good eye, she is legally blind in her left eye and needs the protection for her right eye.” – Dawn Campbell (Canada)

The goggles have also been used by people who have damaged their eyes as it has enabled them to get playing rugby.

“My son was involved in an accident in May 2016, which resulted in damage to his retina. At the time we thought his rugby career was over but after some research he was able to carry on playing the sport he loved with the help of World Rugby and Raleri who in partnership had developed goggles to allow people with eye conditions to play.” – Andy Williams (Wales)

Phase two of the trial was launched in September 2017 when an upgraded design including a smaller size was launched. Existing trial participants were given the opportunity to get a free pair of the new design if they responded before 31 January. The uptake has been very encouraging with 647 of the 1,910 registrations from 52 countries buying the goggles so far. Phase two will focus on assessing the performance specification that has been developed with the help of the University of Ulster and Bradford University.

We hope to be in a position to adopt the goggles fully into law in the near future and need as much feedback from as many people as possible.

“I look forward to using them and providing feedback so the goggles will hopefully become fully acceptable equipment for those with eye problems that still wish to play rugby.  I have worn these goggles since the trial started and they have been a big benefit to me.” – Steven Hutt (USA)

If you are already participating in the trial then please share your story with us using #rugbygoggles, if you’re not and would like to get involved, you can find all the information you need at http://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/goggles.