R and A support item for a different sport (6)

I believe the answer is:

rapier

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'item for a different sport' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'r and a support' is the wordplay.
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'support' becomes 'pier' (type of structure).
'r'+'a'+'pier'='RAPIER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rapier that I've seen before include "A small spring flower" , "A thin double-edged sword" , "Fine-bladed sword" , "Thin sharp sword" , "Thrusting weapon" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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