What's our story...?
The importance of wearing a mouthguard is something our family learnt the hard way. The day before his 21st birthday, Chris lost two of his front teeth during a basketball game — an experience that showed just how crucial mouthguards are for anyone playing sport.
Our family has been involved with rugby in Auckland for more than 25 years. Chris has coached and managed teams at Mt Albert Grammar School, including the 1st XV and Under 15s, and spent eight years coaching at Suburbs Rugby Club, where he was named Coach of the Year in 2006.
The idea for Protect Mouthguards began when our son received a mouthguard in his club colours from overseas. Other players immediately wanted to know where they could get one too. We realised there was a real need to make affordable, quality, club-coloured mouthguards available right here in New Zealand.
At first, we looked at having our mouthguards manufactured overseas. But because we couldn’t be sure of the materials used, we decided to keep production local. It was important to us to guarantee that every mouthguard was safe in every way. That’s why we chose to have them made in New Zealand.
In 2023, we launched our own design — an ergonomically shaped, BPA-free mouthguard with smooth, rounded edges. Easy to mould and comfortable to wear, it’s made locally and built with one goal in mind: to protect smiles and keep players safe, while letting every team show their colours with pride.
Helping others
While working with Wellington City Mission we were devasted to find that some players were making their own mouthguards from milk bottles! Other families were sharing mouthguards between family members.
In 2022 we donated 200 mouthguards to Wellington City Mission
In 2023 we donated 100 mouthguards to Tereora College in the Cook Islands
In 2025 we donated 200 mouthguards to the Fiji Rugby Union
Mouthguards play a crucial role in helping to prevent injuires and protecting teeth and reducing the risk of concussion.
Auckland Dental Association subsidy
To make our mouthguards even more affordable and accessible, we’re proud to partner with the Auckland Dental Association. Through their support, funding is available to help subsidise clubs and teams where financial assistance is needed.
If your Auckland club would like to learn more or check if you qualify, please get in touch - our goal is to make mouthguards accessible for every player.
2024 Recipients - Aoere College, Kelston Boys High School, Mangere East Rugby League, Papatoetoe Rugby Football Club, Waitakere Rugby.
2025 Recipients - De la Salle College, East Tamaki Rugby, James Cook High School, Mangere East Rugby League, Mt Roskill Rugby Football Club, Waitakere Rugby.
