Rugby Ball Size Guide
Playing rugby requires a variety of different skills and competencies, in every position on the pitch. One thing that every good rugby player needs is a decent level of ball control ability, but with so many rugby ball sizes available, it can be hard to know which one will be right for your back garden training sessions.
The size of a rugby ball is generally measured by the length and girth of the ball, along with the length of the ball’s overall circumference. Unlike in sports with sticks and bats, the player’s height plays no direct relevance to the size of the ball, with age and, in turn, hand size, being the defining factor of what will suit a player.
We’ve put together this handy guide about rugby ball sizes, so you can purchase and practice with the confidence that you’re making the right choice for you, or indeed your children.
Rugby Ball Styles
When purchasing a rugby ball for your own usage there are two primary categories to choose from, Training and Match style balls. Training balls are by nature a little cheaper, and more suitable for training. Being made from higher quantities of synthetic material makes them sturdier and more tolerant of punishment, better for long-term training purposes. A Match ball is generally used on the pitch, made to be more aerodynamic from natural rubber, which can also make it easier to grip, while they may be a little less sturdy than training balls.
Kids Rugby Ball Sizes
Some of the greatest athletes in the world start from a very young age, and that applies in the realm of rugby. If you want your child to get a good head start on the competition, then you need to provide them with the perfect-sized ball so they can learn the ropes without being discouraged.
There are four rugby ball sizes that are better suited to children until they reach the age of around 14-15. These sizes are known as Mini, Midi, Size 3, and Size 4, growing incrementally to suit children and younger players as they get older and larger.
Mini Size Rugby Ball:
For the youngest children, who simply need to become acquainted with the shape and feel of a ball, a Mini will be the perfect starting point. With a length of around 160mm and a girth of around 315mm, along with a circumference of around 410mm, this is the right ball for sporty toddlers and infants who are just beginning their journey.
Midi-Super Midi Rugby Ball:
A Midi ball is the next step, better for children who are a little more mobile, learning the basics of throwing and catching. The length sits at around 215mm, the circumference at 525mm, and the girth around 420mm so it makes sense as the hands of players become more capable. This size is followed by Super Midi, growing a little in both girth and length, perfect for children up until they reach around age 7.
Junior Rugby Ball Sizes
Size 3 Rugby Ball:
A Size 3 Rugby Ball is right for children aged between 7-9 years old, as their first school and local teams will start taking the game a little more seriously. With a length of around 255mm, a circumference of 680mm, and a girth of 540mm. At this stage, contact will become more prevalent in the games they play, so learning good handling skills with more realistic balls will become important to their ability.
Size 4 Rugby Ball:
As your child starts to make their way through the early high school years, a size 4 rugby ball will be the tool they become most familiar with. The largest of the junior balls, these measure at about 275mm in length, 545mm in girth, and 720mm in circumference, suiting players between 10-14 years of age.
Adult Size Rugby Ball
Size 5 Rugby League Ball:
The standard rugby ball size for adults and more grown teenagers is the Size 5 Ball. Once a player is ready for and familiar with this ball, they’ll have reached the closest point to a professional standard of equipment. A size 5 ball has a length of around 285mm, a girth of about 585mm, and a circumference near 750mm.
Once you’ve found the right Size 5 ball for you, it’s important to also consider whether you want a Training or Match style ball, as per your requirements.
Rugby Ball Size Chart
Here we’ve collated all the information you need on rugby ball sizes by age, length, girth, circumference, and size name, so refer to this if you need a reminder before making that first purchase. Note: The mm measurements listed are approximations.
|
Size Name |
Age Range |
Length (mm) |
Girth (mm) |
Circumference (mm) |
|
Mini |
U7 |
160 |
315 |
410 |
|
Midi |
U7 |
215 |
420 |
580 |
|
Size 3 |
7-9 |
255 |
535 |
680 |
|
Size 4 |
10-14 |
275 |
545 |
720 |
|
Size |
14+ |
285 |
585 |
750 |
Where to Go
If you’re confident in what kind of ball is going to be right for you, or your children, it’s only right to take a visit to a trusted sports equipment supplier. Why not try out Mill Sports NZ, where we have a great range of rugby ball brands, sizes, and styles available so you can perfect your training routine.
The ball that you use in your training will give you the foundation you need to perform your best on the pitch. Make sure that you’re equipping yourself or your children properly and get the most out of your practice.