The approval process is, broadly, the same for whichever device you are looking to get tested and approved and relies on World Rugby Accredited Test Houses (ATHs) to undertake the testing. There are five broad stages in the approval process:

Design & Develop 

• Brand develops and in-house tests device in line with Regulation 12 and any national requirements in place.  
• Manufacturers should consider the requirements of Regulation 11 when designing devices, especially when supplying for international competitions.  

Independent Testing  

• Brand submits devices to Accredited Test House to test against the requirements of Regulation 12 
• Where a design is used by multiple brands then results for each brand must be submitted separately to World Rugby 
• The following testing requirements are in place for changes to devices that have been previously tested: 
• A new colour is provided for (external surface only and the fabric is the same) – No additional testing required (there may be additional reporting requirements to World Rugby in future) 
• A change to the outer fabric is made (either new supplier or material) or a logo is removed or replaced – One device of the most commonly sold size is to be submitted for testing and the results compared to those for the initial device test 
• Any other change is made to the device – This is considered a different device and so the entire initial device testing must be undertaken.  

Results Submission 

• ATH submits results to World Rugby who issue a letter to the Brand accepting the terms of World Rugby Approved mark use.

Approval Mark

• For headgear and padded clothing, World Rugby Approved labels can be purchased from World Rugby to affix to the device. 
• For all other devices World Rugby Approved mark may be affixed to the device in line with the terms identified. 

Sale & Use 

• Devices can now be sold as being Regulation 12 compliant and used by players in games.

Additional Testing

If changes are made to an approved product, depending on the changes, the following details the testing that is required:

1. A new colour is provided for (external surface only) and the materials are all the same - No additional testing required (there may be additional reporting requirements to World Rugby in future)
2. A change to the outer fabric is made this is either new supplier/material or a logo is removed or replaced - One device of the most commonly sold size is to be submitted for testing and the results compared to those for the initial device test
3. Any other change is made to the device - This is considered a different device and so the entire initial device testing must be undertaken.