World Rugby’s smaller ball trial divides women’s international players
A size 4.5 ball is being tested during the WXV Global Series, with players reporting contrasting effects on passing, kicking and line-outs.
World Rugby is trialling a size 4.5 rugby ball in women’s international matches during September and October’s WXV Global Series. The ball is about 3 per cent smaller than the standard size-five ball used in the men’s game, but has the same weight.
The trial is intended to assess whether the smaller ball better suits women’s physiology and improves skills. England are scheduled to play Australia, Canada and New Zealand over the following three weeks as the assessment continues.
England hooker May Campbell has reported difficulties with line-out throws, while fly-half Helena Rowland said the smaller ball has increased the margin for error in kicking. Rowland also said some passes have fallen short of their expected distance.
The response has not been uniform. Wales wing Lisa Neumann said the ball’s improved grip had benefited her passing, illustrating the trial’s mixed reception among players with different roles and skill sets.
World Rugby said players, coaches and match officials involved in the WXV Global Series would provide feedback through surveys, with each view given equal value. England head coach John Mitchell said it was too early to judge the trial and that conclusions should be drawn after the world champions’ campaign.
