RUGBY BALL GUIDE

Which rugby ball?

The Rhino guide to rugby balls

Rhino has the widest range of rugby balls on the market, covering every club from grassroots to elite, from minis to senior, with match and training balls. We even have the world’s first range of rugby balls made from recycled rubber.

Who uses Rhino rugby balls?

Proven at the highest level, Rhino is used by more than 80 rugby-playing nations as the official match ball for Rugby Europe and Asia Rugby; it’s been the training ball for the British & Irish Lions; and is also the ball of choice for America’s Major League Rugby and South America’s Confederación Sudamericana de Rugby.

Rhino ambassadors

To ensure the Rhino range meets every need, we work with the very best in the sport, from World Cup-winning kicking coach Dave Alred to British & Irish Lions Rhys Webb and Richard Hibbard to renowned skills coach, Ben John, aka The Rugby Trainer.

The Rhino range

Our range is also accessible, starting at less than £5 per ball, and we can also create bespoke balls to meet specific requirements for your club, union or sponsors.

But which rugby ball meets your needs? This is what you need to know...

What is the difference between a match ball and training ball?

Match balls

Rugby match balls mostly contain more natural rubber, providing you with a maximised grip and increased performance. Rhino design rugby match balls with performance at the forefront, all of our match balls are 4-ply laminated construction (excluding the 3-ply Tornado XV Match Ball), with an in-seam valve for increased pass and kick accuracy. For these reasons, match balls are usually higher priced, which is why they are typically reserved for use in matches and pre-game runs.

Rhino offers rugby match balls in sizes 3, 4 and 5, in a range of prices.

Training balls

Rugby training balls are generally made from a higher percentage of synthetic rubber, this increases their durability and longevity. Rhino design rugby training balls to be cost-efficient, high-quality and robust meaning that your rugby balls can withstand rigorous, repeat training sessions in all weather conditions.

Rhino’s training balls come in a range of prices, sizes and grips so that you can find the ideal training ball for you.

What is a recycled rugby ball?

Rhino has pioneered the development of recycled rugby balls. Every ball uses up to 70% recycled rubber. Our range of match and training balls cover all levels of the game, in terms of age group (sizes 3-5), standard (from grassroot-level Galaxy match ball to elite-level Vortex Recycled), and price point (from £6.50 per ball). 

Our recycled range is our fastest-growing collection and being used by clubs across Britain and Europe. It’s the official match ball of the 2023 Varsity Matches at Twickenham.

What are rugby skills balls?

A rugby skills ball is one that allows you to practise a different skill or strengthen a different part of your game by using a non-standard rugby ball. This could be weighted, like the Rhino Storm Pass Developer, a half rugby ball for solo practise like the Rhino Reflex or one with an irregular flight to improve reaction skills such as Rhino Sirocco Training Ball. Others include a gripless ball for handling improvement, the Rhino Mistral, or the super light Rhino Breeze. Rhino even has a sponge ball for in-house training with minis and juniors.

Size guide

What size rugby ball do you need?

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for your club, finding the right size ball is important to maximise your ball handling and kicking techniques. Training with the wrong size ball can have a detrimental effect on skill development, reduce the efficiency in your training methods, especially detrimental within junior rugby. Rhino rugby balls come in six different sizes, recommended for different age groups.

Below are our age and size recommendations:

Size 5 (adult)

Age recommendation:
Adult 15+
Length 28.5cm, Girth 58.5cm

Size 4

Age recommendation:
Junior
Under 10, U11, U12, U13, U14

Length 27.5cm, Girth 56cm

Size 3

Age recommendation:
Mini
Under 7, U8, U9

Length 26.5cm, Girth 54cm

Super Midi

Equivalent to size 2.5
Length approx. 69cm, Girth 55cm

Midi

Equivalent to size 2
Length 21.5cm, Girth 44cm

Mini

Equivalent to size 1
Length 16cm, Girth 30cm