Which Rhino ball are the Springboks using? The Springboks have broken new ground by becoming the first Tier 1 nation to use the all-new Rhino Vortex Pro, Rhino’s highest spec-rugby ball designed to be industry leading with two key principles in mind: innovation and performance.
First tested by clubs and universities across England and Wales, including many competing in the BUCs Super League, the Rhino Vortex Pro is the successor to the Rhino Vortex Elite, previously used in Asia Rugby, Rugby Europe and by The British & Irish Lions.
There are six key features that are designed to deliver optimum performance whatever level of rugby you’re playing at from grassroots to the international stage…
DynamiCore Technology minimises energy loss, maximising kick length and accuracy.
How does it work? The outer layer of the Vortex Pro is a rubber composite, also known as plied rubber, which combines the properties of rubber with other reinforcing materials to make it stronger, more flexible and more durable. The Vortex Pro’s rubber composite is made in a formula which is designed to convert maximum potential energy to kinetic energy with the least amount of energy lost in transition. This means that the Vortex Pro is designed to make kicking as energy-efficient as possible, as it absorbs the shock of the kicker striking the ball and offers a longer flight time.
AeroTec Bladder Technology balances weight to maintain a true flight axis.
How does it work? A rugby ball needs to have the best technology in the valve to ensure maximum performance, but this can lead to imbalance in weight with the valve-side of the ball weighing more than the non-valve side. To ensure the ball is perfectly balanced for the most accurate flight during every kick and pass – keeping on its true axis – Rhino has increased the thickness of the non-valve side of the ball. This ensures that the rotation of the ball in flight is consistent, meaning it will not wobble in the air.
Multiple layers of rubber-coated polyester and cotton for comfort and energy transfer.
How does it work? The outer layer of the Vortex Pro is made of the rubber composite where the DynamiCore Technology is in use, where the rubber is specially designed to absorb the shock of when the kicker strikes the ball. Below this outer layer, there are multiple layers of cotton and polyester which themselves are sandwiched between two thin layers of elastic rubber. This makes the ball softer to handle and kick, while reinforcing the strength needed in the ball for the DynamiCore technology to work.
Airlock bladder for exceptional air retention and consistent play.
How does it work? When balls lose air, they lose shape, even the slightest loss at elite-level, can be the difference between making or missing a kick, and Rhino has gone to every effort to minimise air-loss. Not only is there a flexible, circular airlock panel inside of the ball, but a tight rubber inner-valve, with reinforced ring surrounding it, ensures the bladder stays air tight. The airlock itself also has been increased in size so that air has even less chance of escaping the ball.
Hand-stitched with micro-waxed 9-ply thread, for durability and professional-level performance.
How does it work? Every Vortex Pro ball has been hand-stitched with micro-waxed 9-ply thread to massively enhance durability. Wax threading is different from normal threading as it not only adds strength, but increases resistance to moisture. This means that even when played on wet, muddy pitches, the professional quality of the Vortex Pro will not be infringed upon. Also, 9-ply thread is very thick, meaning the stitching is less visible and the threads are less likely to pierce the outer rubber layer when the ball is in use, helping the Vortex Pro’s aesthetic and strength respectively.
Pre-kicked to guarantee performance.
How does it work? A brand-new rugby ball takes around 30 kicks to reach its final shape, so until then there might be slight inconsistencies in the ball’s shape which make it more difficult to handle and kick. To mitigate this, Rhino has ensured that once every Vortex Pro ball has been hand stitched, the stitcher will hit the ball around 60 times with a hammer so that the ball reaches its final shape immediately. The hammers are covered with a cushioned cloth so that the quality or cosmetics of the ball are not compromised.
View the South Africa Balls Collection here