World Rugby Introduces Size 4.5 Ball For Women’s Rugby WXV Global Series

World Rugby has moved to expand the use of a smaller ball for women’s rugby by introducing a size 4.5 ball into the WXV Global Series later this year, after it was previously used in sevens this season. The BBC says size 4.5 balls are “about 3% smaller, but the same weight as a regulation size five,” and will be used for the tournament in September and October. The Independent adds that the Gilbert ball is about three per cent smaller than a regulation size 5 while carrying the same weight, aiming to address concerns over its impact on the kicking game. The change follows a trial on the top-tier Sevens circuit in November, with World Rugby saying it is making equipment proportionate to physical differences between male and female players.

“- Published England fly-half Zoe Harrison says the introduction of smaller balls for this autumn's WXV Global Series is "the worst decision someone has ever made"”

BBC

England fly-half Zoe Harrison has condemned the smaller-ball trial as the “worst decision someone has ever made,” telling the BBC Sport that “It's the worst decision that someone has ever made.” The BBC reports Harrison learned about the trial only when asked about it by journalists, and she said, “I've not kicked any less than a size five since I was the age of 14.” In her explanation of the mechanics, Harrison told the BBC that “There is not the same amount of surface area for you to wrap your foot around.” The Independent frames her view as a direct challenge to World Rugby’s rationale, noting that Harrison is regarded as one of the best kickers in the world and that the trial is “entirely unnecessary.”

World Rugby says it will evaluate the change during the WXV Global Series by taking stock of player feedback, injury surveillance and “shape of the game data.” BBC Sport quotes World Rugby’s chief player welfare and rugby services officer Mark Harrington saying, “Along with the sevens players, we'll carefully take stock of player feedback, injury surveillance and shape of the game data from the WXV Global Series.” The BBC also reports that England will face Canada three times as part of the new showcase for women’s Test rugby, and that the Red Roses have home fixtures against Australia and New Zealand during an eight-week international window. In parallel, the Independent notes that John Mitchell’s side host Australia, Canada and New Zealand in the WXV Global Series in September, before travelling for a tour of North America a month later. For Harrison, the stakes are immediate in the tournament’s kicking outcomes, with the BBC reporting she has landed all 15 kicks she has taken at goal so far in the Women’s Six Nations.

“Mathieu Warnier, Media365 : publié le mardi 16 décembre 2025 à 18h15 Afin d'aider au développement de la pratique féminine du rugby, un ballon d'une taille légèrement inférieure à celle habituellement utilisé est mis à l'essai en rugby à 7”

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