Gilbert Edge Contact Shield – Rugby Contact & Ball Carry Training Pad

Developed With Richie Gray – Precision Contact Training for Modern Rugby

The Gilbert Edge Contact Shield is part of the Gilbert specialist contact range, designed in collaboration with breakdown and skills coach Richie Gray. This shield allows players to practise ball-carry technique, initial contact accuracy, footwork, timing and body-height control in a safe and controlled way before progressing to live contact.

Train Ball-Carry Mechanics With More Realism

The shield’s narrow edge design encourages players to:

• Lower their body height before collision
• Target the edge of the shield with precise shoulder contact
• Time their late step and foot placement
• Stay square or attack from multiple angles
• Maintain control through contact and follow-through

The top “lip” can also be used for height control, helping players perfect safe and effective contact posture.

Ideal for Tackle Technique & Collision Prep

Coaches can vary:

• Approach angle – left, right, square or off-line
• Speed and intensity
• Entry height
• Fatigue level before contact

This helps players develop accurate shoulder placement, strong arm wrap, stable footing and confident acceleration through contact.

Safe, Controlled Skill Development

The Edge Contact Shield is suitable for:

• Ball-carry technique
• Tackle accuracy
• Shoulder battles
• Body-height control
• Pre-collision footwork
• Timing and tracking
• Controlled contact progressions

Crash mats or a second coach can be used behind the shield-holder to support safe landing in tackle-related drills.

Built to Gilbert’s Premium Standards

Gilbert tackle equipment is engineered for heavy, repeated use by clubs and performance programmes. The Edge Contact Shield features:

• Water-resistant outer fabric
• High-density interior foam
• High-gloss, mud-resistant coating
• Special woven material for long-term durability and shape retention

Designed to stay clean, firm and reliable throughout the season.

Specifications

• Water-resistant outer layer
• High-density foam core
• High-gloss easy-clean surface
• Durable woven outer material
• Designed for: ball-carry technique, tackle accuracy, height control, contact footwork

RAM Rugby stands for excellent delivery, service, and quality at a fair price. We do not invest in sponsorships but in product development. This way, we provide high-quality products at a fair price. All our products are manufactured in our own factories, including those in England. By now, we supply thousands of clubs, schools, and associations – including Premier League clubs in the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Germany.

RAM Rugby, your No.1 rugby specialist