Women’s Rugby Sevens Trial: New Size 4.5 Ball Debuts in HSBC SVNS Series

Introduction

In a bid to tailor the sport to female athletes, World Rugby is testing a smaller ball for women’s rugby sevens in the HSBC SVNS Series. The size 4.5 ball is about 3% smaller than the standard size five, but it weighs the same, with the aim of improving grip and on-field control without altering the kicking game.

What’s changing

The new size 4.5 ball is being used in the HSBC SVNS Series kicking off in Dubai. It keeps the same weight as a size five ball while reducing circumference, helping players handle and move more comfortably.

Why this move

Officials say the adjustment reflects anatomical differences and aims to empower women players to showcase world-class skills. World Rugby’s Melodie Robinson stresses the effort to tailor equipment to the women’s game rather than simply mirror men’s gear.

Reaction and costs

Opinions are mixed: some players welcome the change as a natural evolution, while others worry about the cost of separate equipment for grassroots clubs and questions of parity with the men’s game.

Other adaptations

Beyond the ball, brands are designing boots and kits specifically for female bodies rather than scaling down men’s lines. Safety rules also differ: mouthguards trigger at 65G for women, compared with 75G for men, reflecting concerns about concussion risks.

Kicking accuracy and trends

At the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, kickers converted about 61% of attempts, up from 51% at the previous edition, but still below the roughly 80% seen in the 2023 men’s World Cup.

Conclusion

The move to a size 4.5 ball underscores a broader push to tailor rugby equipment to female players’ needs while maintaining competitive standards. As the SVNS Series unfolds, the sport will gauge whether this change improves grip and on-field performance without compromising the game’s integrity.

Key Takeaways

• New size 4.5 rugby ball for women’s sevens in the HSBC SVNS Series; weight remains the same as a standard ball.
• Player reactions vary; some welcome the change, others worry about costs and parity.
• Other gender-specific equipment and safety standards are evolving, including mouthguard triggers.

Expert comment

Experts say tailoring equipment to players' needs is part of growing the game, not creating division. The change could improve handling while preserving kicking quality.

Summary

The shift to a smaller ball for women’s sevens represents a strategic effort to better fit female players’ physiques, with feedback guiding its rollout. Officials emphasize practicality and performance gains, while fans watch to see how the new gear influences competition. As the SVNS Series unfolds, the sport will assess the balance between tailored equipment and inclusive competition.

Key insight: Tailoring gear to female athletes can boost performance and enjoyment while preserving competitive standards. BBC Sport