RUGBY BALL GUIDE
Which rugby ball do I need?

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 recycled rugby balls. With such a large selection, our easy to follow guide will ensure that selecting the right rugby ball for you is straightforward and tailored to your personal requirements.

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 4 and 5, in a range of prices.

Match Balls

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.

Training Balls

What is a recycled rugby ball?

Rhino has pioneered the development of recycled rugby balls. Every ball uses up to 70% recycled rubber, championing sustainability without compromising on performance or durability.

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.

Recycled Balls

What are rugby skills balls?

A rugby skills ball allows you to practise a specific 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 a ball with an irregular flight to improve reaction skills such as Rhino Sirocco Training Ball. Others, like Rhino Mistral or the extra-light Rhino Breeze, are designed to be gripless for improved handling. Rhino even has a sponge ball for in-house training with minis and juniors.

Skills Balls
Rugby Ball Size Guide

What size rugby ball do I 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 and reduce the efficiency in your training methods, especially within junior rugby. Rhino rugby balls come in six different sizes, recommended for different age groups.

Size 5

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

Used Worldwide

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; we provide the training ball for the British & Irish Lions and we're the ball of choice for America’s Major League Rugby and South America’s Confederación Sudamericana de Rugby.

Rhino Ambassadors

We work with the very best in rugby, 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

Not only do we have one of the largest rugby ball ranges on the market, but our balls are also accessible, starting at less than £6 per ball. We can also create bespoke balls to meet specific requirements for your club, union or sponsors.