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World Rugby trials smaller ball in women's international competition amid mixed player feedback

World Rugby is testing a size 4.5 ball during the WXV series, according to BBC News.

Updated Sep 7, 2026 · 08:46 UTC1 reports

The short version

World Rugby introduced a size 4.5 ball for the September and October WXV Global Series, maintaining standard weight while reducing size by roughly 3%.[BBC News]
Player reactions are split: England players cited difficulties with kicking margins, pass distance, and line-out throwing, while a Wales player welcomed better grip.[BBC News]
England coach John Mitchell noted it remains too early to determine the trial's impact before early Tests are played.[BBC News]
World Rugby plans to complete a full evaluation of the trial in early 2027 following the conclusion of tournaments.[BBC News]

World Rugby is trialling a size 4.5 ball during the September and October WXV Global Series that is roughly 3% smaller than a size five ball but maintains standard weight.[BBC News]
The size 4.5 ball previously underwent trials in the Under-18s and Under-20s Women's Six Nations and the HSBC Sevens Series.[BBC News]
England hooker May Campbell reported line-out throwing difficulties and observed shape variations across different training weeks.[BBC News]
England fly-half Helena Rowland indicated the ball increases the margin for kicking error and makes passes drop earlier.[BBC News]
Wales wing Lisa Neumann endorsed the smaller ball, citing enhanced grip that benefited her passing game.[BBC News]

World Rugby stated that because the ball has not previously been used in international XVs, there is no directly comparable data yet available to share with players.[BBC News]
The full impact of the smaller ball remains unassessed; full analysis will not conclude until early 2027.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.