THE SCIENCE
Powered by Enkayse®
At the core of everything we do, Enkayse® is a temperature-stabilising formula for PU foams, elastomers, and rubbers used in impact protection.
Why we are different
This isn’t a flashy website. We’re not here for gimmicks or vanity. We’re here to show you what we do, why we do it, and how we’re building better protection — properly, and with purpose. Starting with headguards and helmets, we’re improving manufacturing and performance through our Enkayse® technology — as Hedkayse, and with partners beyond.
Hedkayse R5
The R5 is different by design. It’s the only headguard made with Enkayse®, a material that holds its shape and effectiveness even at body temperature — where it actually matters. There are no gaps in coverage, no assumptions about what’s “good enough.” Every part of it is built with intention, and unlike anything else, it can be customised to suit the player wearing it. This isn’t about following standards. It’s about raising them.
Max Lahiff - Bristol Bears
"The brain's our most precious commodity. Hedkayse's commitment to concussion education can help ensure players and this glorious game have a long and healthy future."
Get your custom colours
Go one step further when you order for your club or school you can choose your design. Minimum order quantity applies.
Something for everyone
Players
Players strive to be the best they can. Those 1% improvements come in the form of training techniques, coaching, nutrition, hydration, recovery and equipment.
Education allows for informed decision making, and improvements. Learning the benefits, and limitations of a headguard can help a player learn what is right for them. An effective headguard may help a player feel more confident and play with improved technique and improved safety.
Whilst we believe rugby should be an evasion game, contact remains a fundamental part of the sport. No headguard can claim to prevent concussion. A headguard is not the solution to head injury concerns, but it can be part of the solution.
Coaches
Firstly, thank you. Grass root coaches are the lifeline of our sport and, quite simply, without you there is no sport.
You are coaches, teachers and motivators. You share your passion, enthusiasm and love of our game, helping to create the future of our sport and the unrivalled sense of community and camaraderie that is unique to rugby.
The overwhelming issue for coaches is, of course, player welfare and prevention of injury. This links closely with the second main issue which is player availability. The fewer injured players, means more players available for selection.
Player development, building skill sets, keeping players engaged and motivated are all essential, yet player welfare is the key issue.
A survey conducted by the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (March-April 2023) asked 131 coaches whether they would recommend a headguard which is shown to mitigate against potential brain injuries. 92% said yes!
No headguard can claim to prevent concussion. A headguard is not the solution to head injury concerns, but it can be part of the solution… and part of the solution to improve player welfare and availability.
Parents
Being a rugby parent is a tough job.
The inevitable ‘mum/dad taxi service’ for training nights, weekends and games; you have to remember all the times, locations and details, you motivate, encourage and console, all whilst trying to stay warm pitch side in the winter!
Perhaps the hardest element though is to watch your loved ones play a physical contact sport and try not to neither worry about injuries nor be swayed by the sensationalist media reports about how ‘dangerous’ rugby is!
Injuries are part of every sport and anything that can be done to mitigate them should be applauded.
A recent survey by the British College of Osteopathic Medicine revealed that 79% of parents are concerned about potential brain injuries to their children and that 36% believed that traditional scrum caps offer some form of protection. (They don’t).
Not all headguards are the same and education is the key to allow an informed decision. No headguard can claim to prevent concussion. A headguard is not the solution to head injury concerns, but it can be part of the solution…and part of the solution to ensure very best experience for young players.
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International distribution
We have distributors in key rugby playing nations. Please get in touch with them for all of your headguard needs - individual, club or school.
If you don't see your country, not to worry, we ship globally.
The R5 Rugby Headguard
Learn more about our Innovate | Educate | Protect approach to headguards through our audio and visual presentations.
FAQs
What makes the Hedkayse rugby headguard different from traditional scrum caps?
It’s built with Enkayse®, a smart foam that responds to your body heat, shapes to your head, and handles knocks without losing its structure—even after repeated use.
Is this approved for match play?
Yes, our R5 rugby headguard is World Rugby approved.
Can it handle more than one hit?
For sure. This headguard is designed for repeat performance. It doesn’t flatten or degrade after contact, so it stays game-ready session after session.