Slitherine

I've just come up against Gauls in a DAG game amongst whose ranks are the dreaded Gaesati. As I understand it these gentlemen fought naked to show their prowess (amongst other things). Indeed the gentlemen concerned do appear to be unclad. How is it then that they are classified as 'protected'?

What's their protection, kevlar budgie-smugglers?

They had magic tattoos to protect them... that or their shields... or both
Not to talk about the distraction effect suffered when fighting a guy showing his dangling private parts

They have a shield, so that is why they are classified as protected. Normal Gallic foot would quite ofetn fight bare chested, so the difference is usually just a pair of trousers. Plus they were tough buggers to say the least if you believe the press they get, finally they did believe in their magic tattoos and self belief is all to most people.

budgie-smugglers??

Australian for very small briefs as worn on Bondi Beach....