Rugby ball
The rugby ball is the game ball of the sports in the rugby family with a rotationally elliptical shape. It is often confused with football , but the ends are pointed, smaller, heavier and, in addition to the typical brown color, also has a white seam on the side. In the past, a rugby ball consisted of four identically shaped leather surfaces that were sewn together. Modern balls have a rubber surface with small knobs, which improve the slip resistance.
Rugby balls come in five sizes. Size 5 is the largest that is usually played with in adult rugby. Such a ball has a length of 280 to 300 millimeters, the circumference on the main axis is 760 to 790 millimeters, the circumference on the minor axis 580 to 620 millimeters with a weight of 400 to 440 grams.
According to a decision of the International Rugby Board , size 4 balls, which are also used in youth games, should be played in women's rugby . This is often seen as discrimination; Many national associations such as the German women's rugby association DRF have therefore decided to continue to play with size 5 balls. However, in international tournaments that are governed by the official IRB rules, size 4 balls must be used.
Web links
- History of Rugby Balls (English)