If you're in the market for a rugby ball, then this guide should steer you in the right direction of getting a better understanding about them. Not only will we talk about what makes them different, but we'll be talking about which ball types you should be after. If you're interested in how rugby balls are made, check it out here!
As you can see with rugby balls, they're elongates balls that are similarly shaped to an egg. Most are made with brown leather, which is a good material for grip. However, natural rubber and artificial materials have been known to last longer in bad weather. Each ball is also coated with a wax to keep it alive and to give a better grip.
Rugby Ball Types to Consider
Regulation Rugby Ball - The regulation ball for Rugby is considered a Size 5. In other words, regulation balls are 27 cm around and bigger than any other type of ball. These balls are also considered match balls which are used in the actual rugby games. There are a lot of brands and types of match balls that exist, with brands such as Gilbert being very popular. There isn't much of a difference between regulation match balls and premium match balls. The only difference is that professional leagues usually use the premium balls to ensure that the players are playing with the best equipment possible.
Women's Rugby Ball - Women's rugby balls aren't much different from the regulation ones. In fact, they're only slightly off in size, being a size 4.5 rather than a size 5. Also, these balls are only just a little bit thinner than the regulation ones as well. Usually, women's regulation rugby balls are used by kids under the age of 15. Similarly to most other sports, the smaller ball is usually proportional to the age of the students playing, which allows them to train at a younger age with a ball they can handle.
Mini Rugby Ball - Mini rugby balls are just what the title states. These are typically used in young kids who aren't ready for the women's size, but they're also fun for people to buy and play with for recreational use. If you're interested in a promotional mini rugby ball, check these out!
Training Rugby Ball - Training rugby balls are usually the same size as the regulation rugby balls. However, they're still a little bit different. These balls are typically weighted down. This is beneficial for the players to practice with because it lets their body get adjusted to a heavier ball. By the time gametime rolls around, the regulation ball almost feels like nothing. This is very similar to baseball and how the players sometimes train with weighted bats before they get up to the plate. The training rugby balls don't usually look any different from regulation rugby balls, so don't be fooled when you're looking for a regulation one to buy.
What to Look for in a Rugby Ball
Here are some of the things you should consider when you're buying a rugby ball to help you make the best decision possible.
Size - As we just went over, size is important. Nothing is better than to train with the same size ball that you're going to be playing with. If you're a woman or a minor, buy the women's size. If you're buying for your kid, get the mini size. This will allow you to get better at your size ball so you can dominate in your next match!
Brand - Stay away from brands that don't have a good reputation. The best balls you can get are made from manufacturers like Gilbert, Kooga, Lusum, and Puma. Obviously there are many other good brands. Just be smart when buying so that you don't get a cheap, run-down version of a ball.
Bladder - The bladder in the ball, similarly to a soccer ball, keeps the ball so that it maintains air. This, in a way, prolongs the life dramatically of your rugby ball. Look for high quality bladders and pay attention to super if you can manage to find one in a low-cost ball. This will allow your ball to stay alive longer and get you more for your money's worth.
Material - Another thing to look at is the material of the ball. Obviously the higher quality balls are going to have better material in them. However, this will affect the price. If you're trying to make it professionally in Rugby, choose a ball that has a flatter shape and sharper point. This is how the professional players play, and you should play with this style if you want to play in a league. Some of the best material to have in a rugby ball is polyester, cotton, polycotton, and laminate construction. Stay away from material such as plastic.
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