Are mesh necktubes good for rugby?
Jul 15, 2025
Hey there, rugby enthusiasts! I'm a supplier of mesh necktubes, and I've been getting a lot of questions lately about whether mesh necktubes are good for rugby. So, I thought I'd write this blog to share my thoughts and insights on the matter.
First off, let's talk about what a mesh necktube is. A mesh necktube is a tube - shaped piece of fabric made from a mesh material. It's lightweight, breathable, and can be worn in a variety of ways, like around the neck, as a headband, or even as a face mask.
Advantages of Mesh Necktubes in Rugby
1. Breathability
One of the biggest benefits of using a mesh necktube in rugby is its breathability. Rugby is an intense sport where players are constantly on the move, sweating a lot. The mesh material allows air to flow through easily, keeping your neck and face cool. When you're running up and down the field, trying to score a try or tackle an opponent, the last thing you want is to feel hot and stuffy. A mesh necktube helps prevent that. For example, our UPF50+ Elastic COOLBUFF Neck Gaiter is made with a high - quality mesh that provides excellent ventilation. This means you can focus on the game without being distracted by discomfort caused by heat.
2. Protection
Mesh necktubes can also offer some level of protection. They can act as a barrier against the sun's harmful UV rays. Many of our mesh necktubes, like the UPF50+ IceCool Summer Cooling Neck Gaiter, have a UPF50+ rating. This means they block 98% of the sun's UV rays, protecting your neck and face from sunburn during those long outdoor games.
In addition to sun protection, they can also offer a bit of protection against minor abrasions. When you're diving for the ball or getting involved in rucks and mauls, there's a risk of your skin getting scraped. The necktube can act as a buffer, reducing the chances of getting small cuts and scratches.
3. Versatility
Rugby players love things that are versatile, and mesh necktubes fit the bill. You can wear them in different styles depending on your needs. If it's a sunny day, you can pull it up over your nose and mouth to protect your face from the sun. If you're feeling a bit cold at the start of the game, you can wear it around your neck like a scarf. You can even wear it as a headband to keep sweat out of your eyes. Our Dyeable Merino Wool Neck Gaiter is not only versatile in terms of wearing styles but also because you can dye it to match your team's colors.
4. Comfort
Comfort is crucial in rugby. You need to be able to move freely without any restrictions. Mesh necktubes are soft and flexible, so they won't chafe or irritate your skin. They're also lightweight, so you won't even feel like you're wearing anything extra. This allows you to play your best without any distractions.
Disadvantages of Mesh Necktubes in Rugby
1. Limited Impact Protection
While mesh necktubes can offer some protection against abrasions, they don't provide much in terms of impact protection. In rugby, there are hard tackles and collisions. A mesh necktube won't be able to prevent serious injuries like a proper neck brace or padding would. So, if you're looking for full - on impact protection, a mesh necktube isn't the answer.
2. Durability
The mesh material, while breathable, may not be as durable as some other materials. In the rough and tumble of a rugby game, there's a risk of the mesh getting snagged or torn. However, we've taken steps to improve the durability of our mesh necktubes. We use high - quality materials and strong stitching to make them more resistant to wear and tear.
Considerations When Choosing a Mesh Necktube for Rugby
1. Material Quality
As mentioned earlier, the quality of the mesh material matters. You want a necktube that is both breathable and durable. Look for necktubes made from high - grade mesh fabrics that are resistant to tearing and have good ventilation properties.
2. Fit
A proper fit is essential. The necktube should be snug enough to stay in place during the game but not so tight that it restricts your movement or blood circulation. Most of our necktubes are adjustable or have an elastic design to ensure a comfortable fit for different players.
3. Functionality
Think about what you need the necktube for. If sun protection is your main concern, choose one with a high UPF rating. If you want something that can be worn in multiple ways, look for a versatile design.
Conclusion
So, are mesh necktubes good for rugby? In my opinion, they definitely have their place. They offer breathability, some protection, versatility, and comfort, which are all important factors in rugby. While they may not provide full - scale impact protection and may have some durability issues, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for most players.
If you're a rugby team or an individual player looking to add mesh necktubes to your gear, I'd love to talk to you. We have a wide range of mesh necktubes to choose from, and we can work with you to find the perfect ones for your needs. Whether you're looking for a specific color, style, or functionality, we've got you covered.
Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and start a procurement conversation. We're here to help you get the best mesh necktubes for your rugby adventures.


References
- "The Science of Sports Apparel Materials", Sports Science Journal, 2022
- "Rugby Equipment and Player Safety", International Rugby Research Foundation, 2023
