A decidedly British and therefore often incredibly muddy sport, some kids looked forward to some rough and tumble of rugby at the end of a long school day, and others avoided it like the plague. If you belonged to the former group, you’ve arrived in the right place.
Rugby’s origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, specifically to a famous incident at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England, in 1823. According to legend, a young player named William Webb Ellis, amid a game of football, picked up the ball and ran with it towards the goal.
While the story’s veracity has been debated, it’s often credited as the birth of rugby. From there, the game quickly grew in popularity across British schools and universities. The first official rules, known as the Rugby School Rules, were codified in 1845, and the game continued to evolve into the sport we know and love today.
When it comes to rugby, the ball is more than just the object of the game – it’s the very heart of the sport. From the thrill of a perfectly timed pass to the satisfaction of a long-distance kick, the ball plays a key role in every facet of the game. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, the right rugby ball can enhance your skills, increase your enjoyment, and elevate your game.
In those early days, the rugby ball itself bore little resemblance to the sleek, aerodynamic designs we see on modern fields. The first rugby balls were made from inflated pig’s bladders, encased in leather.
By the late 19th century, advancements in manufacturing allowed for the production of rubber bladders inside leather casings, leading to a more consistent, durable ball. This period also saw the development of the modern oval shape, which was refined to improve its handling and kicking properties.
With the rise of synthetic materials in the mid-20th century, the rugby ball underwent another transformation. Today’s modern rugby balls are made from high-quality synthetic rubber or polyurethane and feature grooved panels for enhanced grip. They’ve also become more precisely engineered for optimal flight, bounce, and handling, with designs that cater to different weather conditions and playing surfaces.
The rugby ball market has evolved significantly over the years, with countless options available, each designed to suit different playing styles, conditions, and levels. But with so many choices out there, how does one know which one to pick?
What to consider when buying a rugby ball
Shop our top picks below
Gilbert Kinetica Match Rugby Ball
Gilbert is the go-to brand for rugby players, and the Kinetica Match Rugby Ball is one of its finest creations. Designed for competitive play, this ball delivers a perfect combination of accuracy and durability, maintaining its shape and grip in all conditions.
Ideal for serious players and teams looking for a premium ball. Hand-stitched and available in size 5 only, it’s equipped with Gilbert’s own G-X rubber compound surface with a standard grip to help you carry the ball in all circumstances.
Buy now £78.99, Sports Direct
Adidas RS-460 Ultimate Rugby Ball
Built to last and for premium flight, the RS-460 features a 4-ply outer and a 460g to ensure you can reach new heights. The outer skin is sand-embossed for better grip and the synthetic bladder has been designed for top-quality air retention.
Buy now £65.00, Adidas
Ram Rugby Pass Developer - Weighted Training Ball
Ideal for perfecting passes, the Ram Rugby Pass Developer is a brilliant, weighted training ball available in sizes 4 and 5, and can be purchased with a pump included. Weighing in at a whopping 839g, this ball will help improve accuracy and distance when switching back to a standard ball and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
It’s constructed with hand-stitched Ultima synthetic rubber for better shape retention and a strong, weighted latex bladder for consistent air pressure.
Buy now £30.00, Amazon
Kooga KX-600 Rugby Ball
The Kooga KX-600 Rugby Ball is highly rated in the rugby world, offering top-level performance for competitive players. It’s made from a premium blend of natural and high-quality synthetic leather and boasts excellent grip and handling.
The upper rubber is then laminated with four layers of core-spun cotton Polyester for improved balance and double strength. Its construction ensures consistent bounce and control, making it a great choice for players who want to elevate their game.
Buy now £30.00, Sports Direct
Mitre Squad Rugby Ball
Offered in sizes 3, 4 and 5, making it suitable for all ages, the Mitre Squad Rugby Ball is a fantastic all-weather option for beginners. The match standard ball is made with a natural rubber compound surface for increased durability, an embossed tri-grip for better handling, and a Mitre valve inseam to give great stability and balance to the ball in flight. Its robust construction also makes it an excellent choice for frequent training use.
Buy now £19.00, Mitre
Gilbert G-TR3000 Training Rugby Ball – Red
The Gilbert G-TR3000 Training Rugby Ball is built for durability and performance, making it an excellent choice for regular training sessions. Featuring a robust construction with high-quality rubber and synthetic materials, this ball delivers consistent grip and shape retention, ensuring reliability in all weather conditions.
The ball's unique grip texture enhances control, helping you improve your passing, handling and kicking skills. With a vibrant red design, it’s easy to spot on the field, and its resilient construction can handle repeated use on any surface.
Buy now £15.71, Amazon
Cantebury British & Irish Lions Mentre Ball White
Proudly showcasing the British & Irish Lions colours, the Canterbury Mentre Ball is designed to offer superior performance for both match play and training. Its three-ply construction combines a durable synthetic outer with a high-performance grip surface, providing excellent ball control and precision handling.
Buy now £18.00, Cantebury
