Looking for the best rugby ball for your game? Whether you play Sevens or 15s, on grass or artificial turf, in wet weather or hot, dry conditions—choosing the right rugby ball matters.

With so many rugby ball sizes, surfaces, and playing styles out there, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry. We’ve broken it all down in this ultimate guide to help you find your perfect fit.

This guide focuses on rugby union balls, rather than rugby league.

What Impacts Your Choice of Rugby Ball?

Weather & Surface: Are your training sessions in wet, muddy weather or dry heat? Is your pitch artificial turf or natural grass?
Playing Style: Are you playing 7s where handling speed is everything, or 15s where kicking control is key?
Rugby Training vs. Match Play: Not all balls are built the same. Some are for skill-building, others for match day precision.

Pro Tip: Many rugby balls wear out faster on artificial turf due to abrasive surfaces. Choose a ball with reinforced grip and tougher materials for synthetic pitches.

Rugby Ball Size Guide

Many people often ask what size is a rugby ball, but there are many out there, and the size of rugby ball depends on your age group.

Size 3 Rugby Balls – Mini Rugby (Ages 5–9)

Perfect for players aged 5 to 9, size 3 balls are smaller and lighter, making them easier to grip, pass, and catch. This is the best ball for beginners and young players developing their core skills.

Size 4 Rugby Balls – Junior Rugby (Ages 10–14)

A step up in size and weight, size 4 balls are designed for junior players aged 10 to 14. They help develop kicking and passing technique while preparing players for full-size match and training balls.

Size 5 Rugby Balls – Senior Rugby (Ages 15+)

This is the official match size used at senior level for players aged 15 and above. Size 5 balls are built for power, precision, and all-round performance—used in both rugby training and matchdays.

Tips for Choosing the Right Rugby Ball

Use Age Guidelines: Match ball size to age group for best skill progression.
Know Your Conditions: Wet or dry? Grass or turf? Choose a ball with the right grip and durability for your playing surface.
Training vs. Match Balls: Training balls (like our coreplay academy training balls) are built for durability and air retention for those tough training sessions, while match balls (like our eliteflight™ match balls) are designed for high-performance gameplay.

Why Grip Matters in Rugby Balls

The grip is what connects the ball to your hands. Just like tyres on a car, the pimple pattern (shape, depth, and spacing) plays a big role in how a ball handles:

Defined Pimples: Better grip, more control. Ideal for match play.
Lower-Profile Pimples: Less grip but more durable. Perfect for training.

Different codes and formats of rugby (youth, 7s, touch) need different grip styles. That’s why W RUGBY offers a variety of grip patterns tailored to how you play.

Material Breakdown

Natural Rubber: Superior grip. Best for match balls.
Synthetic Rubber: More durable. Best for training balls.

Why W RUGBY Balls Stand Out

Every W RUGBY ball is designed with a purpose and we’re committed to making the best quality balls for players of all levels. Each ball is engineered for:

Precision Flight: For accurate passes and pinpoint kicks.
Unmatched Grip: To maintain control in all weather.
Durability: With a natural rubber outer and latex bladder for long-lasting performance.

And here’s what makes us different: