Why do some rugby players wear bandages on their thighs?

Answer 1

The Rugby players that wear bandages around their thighs are predominantly those that compete in the lineout, the phase of play used to re-start a game when the ball has crossed a touch line. The bandages are meant to assist the players supporting the "jumpers" who compete for the ball at the lineout and are supposed to aid with grip. Some players even put the plastic tube from the inside of an elastoplast roll under the bandage to act as a "handle" for the player giving the support.