Trial expands on successful use at U18 and U20 international competitions
\nNew ball specially designed to suit female players
\nPositive player feedback to date suggests new ball gives a better platform for showcasing handling skills<\/p>\n
World Rugby is expanding trials of a new ball for women\u2019s rugby to this years\u2019 HSBC SVNS Series.\u00a0 The new bespoke size 4.5 ball has been developed in partnership with Gilbert to be the same weight as a size 5 whilst maintaining the advanced aerodynamic and technological features.<\/p>\n
The expansion follows positive player feedback from trials that include U18 and U20 international competitions, domestic competitions in Spain and Colombia and elite domestic club training sessions.<\/p>\n
Feedback from players\u00a0 says that they felt the new ball gave them greater control and accuracy, providing a platform to showcase their world class skills while not impacting other elements of the game such as kicking.\u00a0<\/p>\n
World Rugby is committed to developing a women\u2019s game designed in its own right, rather than as an imitation of the men\u2019s game, and has trialed a smaller ball at a variety of different levels within the sport.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Global sports such as basketball, cricket, athletics and football already use equipment specifically designed for female players.<\/p>\n
Player feedback on the new balls will be collected across the HSBC SVNS Series as well as other competitions and any future decision will be informed by this feedback \u00a0alongside analysis of the impact on game metrics and injury rates.<\/p>\n