Which Rugby Ball Size Do I Need? The Ultimate Rugby Ball Guide
With so many different styles, pitches, player needs out there, there is a lot to think about when choosing the correct rugby ball.
Will you be playing mostly in dry, hot climates or wet, muddy, and cold?
Will you be playing 7s rugby where handling is more important than kicking, or will you be playing 15s rugby where kicking is a vital part of the game?
Which rugby pitch will you be using? Are you playing and training on artificial pitches, or grass and muddy pitches? Lots of rugby balls don’t perform well on artificial pitches and the grip wears off very quickly.
This rugby ball size guide guide breaks it all down, so you know exactly what size to grab and why. Let’s find your perfect fit in the best rugby ball guide you’ll find online.
Which Rugby Ball Size Do I Need?
Size 3 Rugby Balls: For Under 9s
Size 3 rugby balls are perfect for players aged 5 to 9. These smaller, lighter balls are easier for young players to handle, helping them learn key skills like passing, catching, and kicking with confidence.
If your child is just starting their rugby journey, a Size 3 rugby ball is a great choice for building their technique while keeping the game fun and manageable.
Size 4 Rugby Balls: For Ages 10–14
For junior players aged 10 to 14, Size 4 rugby balls are the ideal step up. These balls are slightly larger and heavier than Size 3, giving players a feel for a more advanced game.
Size 4 rugby balls help prepare players for the transition to senior rugby by improving their handling and kicking skills.
Size 5 Rugby Balls: For Ages 15 and Up
The Size 5 rugby ball is the official size used in senior rugby matches and is made for players aged 15 and older. These balls are designed for precision, grip, and performance, making them perfect for competitive play and advanced training.
If you’re stepping up to senior rugby, the Size 5 ball will help you master game-changing passes, kicks, and tries.
Tips for Choosing the Right Rugby Ball
Follow Age Group Guidelines: Age is a great starting point, but players may prefer slightly larger or smaller balls based on their comfort and skill level.
Match vs. Training Balls: Training balls, like our coreplay academy, are perfect for skilling up, while match balls, such as our eliteflight™ match balls, deliver top-tier performance in competitive games.
Weather and Surface Conditions: Choose a ball with excellent grip, like W RUGBY’s range, to maintain control in wet or muddy conditions.
Why W RUGBY Balls Stand Out
At W RUGBY, we’re committed to making the best rugby balls for players of all levels. Each ball is engineered for:
Precision Flight: Designed to keep passes and kicks accurate.
Unmatched Grip: Perfect for all weather conditions.
Durability: Built to handle tough training sessions and matches.
Plus, with our Project: Won for Won™, for every rugby ball you purchase, we donate one to grassroots rugby communities. When you choose W RUGBY, you’re not just improving your game—you’re helping grow rugby where it’s needed most.
Which Rugby Ball Grip is best?
Now, let’s talk about grip—a crucial factor when choosing the right rugby ball. A textured outer layer provides players with grip on the ball. Just like a car tyre’s grip on the road, the player’s hand must grip the surface of the ball extremely well. The spacing, shape, and depth of the ‘pimples’ on the ball determine how both the player and the ball perform.
Why Grip Matters: The Key to Control and Performance
But not all grips are the same. The spacing, shape, and depth of those pimples determine how well the ball performs. A more defined pimple provides better grip but can reduce kicking distance due to increased drag. On the flip side, lower-profile, rounder pimples offer less grip but last longer, making them ideal for training balls.
Different types of rugby—youth rugby, 7s, and touch—each require different levels of grip, depending on how much kicking and passing are involved. That’s why W RUGBY designs balls with varying grip patterns, so you always have the right tool for the job.
The type of rubber also plays a role:
Natural Rubber: Offers superior grip, making it the go-to choice for match balls.
Synthetic Rubber: Provides durability, perfect for training balls that see heavy use.
We carefully balance these materials to give you the performance and durability you need, whether you’re training, playing socially, or competing at the highest level.
