When you watch JP and Ruan Smith on the training field with their Eight7Rugby athletes, it’s clear their purpose extends far beyond drills and conditioning. Alongside their dedicated coaching team, the Smith brothers bring a lifetime of professional experience, global exposure and a deep love for the game to every young player they mentor. Eight7Rugby is more than a rugby clinic. It’s the continuation of a journey that began in South Africa, moved to Australia where they started playing at the young age of sixteen, stretched across the world, and has now come full circle with a focus on giving back.

MENTORSHIP, VALUES AND REAL DEVELOPMENT

The Smith twins bring a unique dynamic shaped by years of growing through the sport together. Their sessions, supported by a passionate team of coaches, are not just about technique or fitness. They focus on discipline, mindset, humility and resilience. Young athletes at Eight7Rugby learn from professionals who understand both elite competition and grassroots challenges, a rare balance that makes the environment so impactful.

Rugby, they remind their players, “is all about attitude.” Every drill, pass, and tackle becomes a lesson in mindset as much as skill.

And when players push through tough moments in training, the lessons run deeper: “The strength of a scrum reveals the character of a team.”

At Eight7Rugby, the scrum is more than a formation; it’s a test of trust, unity, and heart. It’s where boys dig deep, lean on each other, and show courage, grit and character beyond the game.

Their coaching style reflects their journey personal, attentive, and rooted in genuine care for each athlete, whether a beginner or a rising young prospect.

As they put it themselves, “Biggest thing for us at Eight7 is to find a coach that is able to work with children!” This philosophy guides everything they do on the field.

Beyond protection, MAX® empowers athletes to focus on their game with confidence, knowing their safety is never compromised.

The players at Eight7Rugby learn to value their bodies, make smart decisions that support long-term performance, and understand that the right gear is part of building an athlete’s future. They discover that protecting themselves is a form of respect for their game, their teammates, and most importantly, themselves.

For 18 years, Gavin Bailey has dedicated himself to coaching rugby, and he is now at Wierdapark Primary, shaping young athletes both on and off the field. As Head of Rugby, Gavin isn’t just teaching game tactics, he’s instilling values that last a lifetime.

When times get tough, Gavin motivates his team by connecting them to the rich history of the school and reminding them of what they can achieve together. One of his proudest moments came in 2010, when his team won the league, a testament to dedication, teamwork, and preparation. Safety and preparation are a top priority in Gavin’s coaching philosophy. He has worked with MAX® Mouthguards for several years and speaks highly of the product and process.

Athletes today want more than protection. They want gear that reflects who they are. A mouthguard is one of the most personal pieces of equipment an athlete wears and it should feel like a natural extension of their identity. The Rainbow Range was created for athletes who want bold protection with even bolder style. This is colour designed with intention and performance built into every millimetre.

WE PROTECT MORE THAN TEETH. WE PROTECT POTENTIAL.

Sport has always been more than a scoreboard. Every time we step onto a school field, walk into a rugby union, or visit a local club, we are reminded that young athletes are shaped long before the final whistle. The field is where resilience is built, where character is tested, and where young people begin to understand that they are stronger, braver, and more capable than they ever imagined.

When it comes to sports, protection is not optional. For athletes, a mouthguard is more than a piece of gear. It is a critical piece of safety equipment, and the fit matters more than most people realise.

Myth: “A boil-and-bite mouthguard is good enough.”
Fact: Boil-and-bite mouthguards are inexpensive and convenient, but they rarely provide a precise fit. A loose or uneven guard can shift during play, reducing shock absorption and leaving teeth, jaws, and soft tissue vulnerable to impact.

WHY FIT MATTERS
A custom-fit mouthguard is individually molded to an athlete’s teeth and gums. This precise fit provides multiple benefits:

Superior protection. A mouthguard that fits properly absorbs and distributes impact forces more effectively. This reduces the risk of chipped teeth, broken jaws, concussions, and soft tissue injuries.

Enhanced comfort. Athletes are more likely to wear a mouthguard consistently if it feels natural and unobtrusive. A poorly fitting guard can be bulky, slip out, or interfere with breathing and speech.

Better performance. When a mouthguard fits correctly, athletes can breathe freely, communicate with teammates, and focus on the game rather than adjusting their guard constantly. Confidence and concentration on the field are maximised.

Long-term dental health. Properly fitted mouthguards help prevent tooth and jaw injuries by absorbing and distributing impact forces during sports, supporting overall dental health over time.

Durability. A custom guard is designed for long-lasting use, maintaining its shape and protective properties even through repeated impacts.