Easy answers first: the only equipment you 'need' is a pair of boots and a mouthguard, if you decide you want to wear headgear or whatever else, that's up to you (not a bad idea to at least tape your ears when playing second row). Tips: Well, personally the quality I look for most in a lock is work ethic. A guy like Nathan Sharpe may not make a huge amount of metres with each carry of the ball, but he just keeps coming back for more. Work your backside off, hit every ruck with gusto, get your hands on the ball as much as you can and go forwards. Get in and make as many tackles as you can, if you miss one, get back up and have another go. I'd recommend working on lineout jumping, your height means you will be a target, but you will not always be the tallest once people start catching up to you in a few years, best to perfect your technique now while you have the advantage,
