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To assess rugby players' preferences for using a mouthguard and to determine the factors contributing to the use and discontinuation of a mouthguard.

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in two rugby tournaments from 2009 to 2010. Samples were selected by convenience sampling. Participants were required to complete a self‐administered questionnaire, which inquired about awareness and pattern of mouthguard use, as well as reasons if discontinued.

Completed questionnaires were returned by 456 participants, with an estimated response rate of 77.8%. All participants were male (mean age = 22.73, SD = 3.98). Median duration of playing was 6 years, and median frequency was 6 h per week. Overall mouthguard use was low (31.1%, n = 142), especially for custom‐fitted mouthguard (1.8%, n = 8), followed by stock mouthguard (7.7%, n = 35). Boil‐and‐bite type was most …