World Rugby’s smaller ball trial is moving into the women’s 15s game.
The WXV Global Series will use a women-specific size 4.5 ball across the September and October international window. The ball is around 3% smaller than the standard size 5, with the same weight. It was developed with Gilbert, following earlier trials in U18 and U20 international competitions, domestic competitions in Spain and Colombia, elite club training environments and the HSBC SVNS Series.
World Rugby says previous player feedback suggested the ball offered greater control and accuracy without reducing areas such as kicking. The next stage is a stronger test: elite 15-a-side rugby, under pressure, in an international window involving the world’s leading teams.
The WXV Global Series runs from September 12 to October 31 and features the top 12 ranked teams: Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, USA and Wales. World Rugby says the new model will create 36 Tests this autumn as part of a home-and-away touring structure.
The reaction has already been mixed.
England fly-half Zoe Harrison called the move “the worst decision someone has ever made” when speaking to BBC Sport earlier this year. Her concern was practical: she has used a size 5 ball since she was 14 and pointed to the difference in surface area for kickers.
The Guardian reported this week that other players have been more open to the trial, while still raising questions about how it affects kicking, lineout throwing and handling at Test level. England full-back Ellie Kildunne pointed out that England had won a World Cup using a size 5 ball, while Wales hooker Kelsey Jones described a “back and forth” response to the trial.
The trial will be felt differently across positions.
Hookers will judge it in the lineout. Kickers will judge it from the tee and in open play. Scrum-halves will handle it more than anyone. Back-three players will judge it under high ball, exit pressure and kick return. The result will be shaped by more than first impressions in training.
World Rugby’s stated assessment will include player feedback, injury surveillance and shape-of-game data from the WXV Global Series. That means the trial is being judged through performance and welfare measures, rather than taste alone.
Ireland are part of that test.
Scott Bemand’s side open against USA at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, September 20, before facing Japan at Dexcom Stadium in Galway on Sunday, September 27. Ireland then play Japan again at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Saturday, October 3, although that game sits outside the WXV Global Series. They finish with two matches against South Africa at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on October 24 and October 31.
Bemand has named a 36-player training squad for the series, with seven uncapped players included after the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship: Jemima Adams Verling, Sophie Barrett, Beth Buttimer, Caitríona Finn, Kate Jordan, Lucia Linn and Alana McInerney.
For Ireland, this is a new competition structure, a new block for Bemand’s squad and a first proper 15s trial of equipment designed specifically around the women’s game. Passing speed, lineout accuracy, kicking confidence, handling errors and player feedback will all have a say.
By the end of October, World Rugby should know a lot more than it does now.
