Rugby is a game built on tradition, but for too long, the kit designed to support players hasn’t considered the needs of everyone on the pitch.
Through our innovative partnership with Gilbert athlete and Red Rose, Sadia Kabeya, we’ve created something that we think will be the kind of small change that has have a BIG impact:
Introducing Sadia’s Air Headguard lined with satin, and designed specifically to protect afro and curly hair.
How did the idea come about?
Traditional scrum caps can cause friction and breakage, especially for players with textured hair. For many women and girls, this has meant making compromises: either wear protective gear and risk damaging their hair, or avoid headguards altogether and sacrifice safety. So, through our regular conversations with Sadia we established a problem, that we knew we could solve. The solution? Something that meant players would no longer be forced to choose.
That’s where Gilbert Rugby comes in.
What makes it different from the rest?
The Satin Air Headguard still has all the core features you’d expect:
1. lightweight foam for impact absorption
2. ventilation zones to prevent overheating
3. adjustable fit for comfort
The addition of a satin lining is what sets it apart. The smooth fabric reduces rubbing, helps retain moisture, and makes the cap far more comfortable...
Having already scored 3 times at the RWC 2025, Sadia has proven time and time again that if you feel good, you play good.
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Why does it matter?
This design is about visibility and representation. By creating a product that acknowledges the needs of Black women in rugby, we’re sending a message that the game is for everyone. It’s a piece of kit with the potential to change not just how players feel on the pitch, but how they see themselves within the sport. The Satin Air Headguard is a symbol that everyone has a place in rugby.
Innovations like Sadia’s open the door to a bigger conversation about inclusivity in the sport. Equipment, training environments, and traditions can evolve to include everyone.
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