The upcoming HSBC SVNS World Series will be using a different-sized ball for the women.
World Rugby is expanding trials of a new ball size, a 4.5, for women’s rugby to this year's SVNS Series.
For years the ball sizes have been 5 for adults and 4 for youth. There have been periodic calls for a smaller ball for women simply because the average hand size of an adult male is about 12% large in length and breadth, and 22% larger in overall circumference than those of adult females (source: NASA during their study of body proportions and the effect spaceflight has on them>>).
The new 4.5 ball mirrors those proportional differences (although, not exactly), and was developed in partnership with Gilbert to be the same weight as a size 5 while also maintaining the advanced aerodynamic and technological features.
The expansion follows positive player feedback from trials that include U18 and U20 international competitions, domestic competitions in Spain and Colombia, and elite club training sessions.
World Rugby says that feedback from players indicated that they felt the new ball gave them greater control and accuracy (as it's a little easier to catch the ball in the fingertips and pass again quickly), providing a platform to showcase their skills while not impacting other elements of the game such as kicking.
Global sports such as basketball, cricket, athletics, and soccer already use equipment specifically designed for female players.
