World Rugby is set to introduce its newly designed women’s rugby ball to a wider global stage, expanding ongoing trials to this year’s HSBC SVNS Series. Developed in partnership with Gilbert, the custom size 4.5 ball matches the weight of the traditional size 5 while featuring enhanced aerodynamic and technological upgrades specifically geared toward women players.
The expanded trial builds on successful testing at various levels, including U18 and U20 international tournaments, domestic competitions in Spain and Colombia, and elite club training sessions. Across these settings, players have praised the ball for offering greater control, accuracy, and improved handling, all without affecting other key aspects of play such as kicking.
World Rugby says the initiative is part of its commitment to shaping women’s rugby on its own terms rather than mirroring the men’s game. Other global sports—such as basketball, cricket, athletics, and football—already use equipment tailored for women, and rugby is moving in the same direction with this major step.
Chair of World Rugby’s Women’s High Performance Committee, Melodie Robinson, highlighted this vision, stating:
“World Rugby is committed to supporting women’s rugby in forging its own path to suit our players, not just following the history of the men’s game. In trialing this new ball we’re focused on player feedback and giving them the best possible stage to showcase their world-class skills. I’d like to thank Gilbert for their support in developing this updated ball and I look forward to seeing the amazing things our superstar players can do with it in HSBC SVNS.”
Gilbert, the long-time partner in rugby ball innovation, sees the expansion as validation of years of development work. Gilbert Commercial CEO Richard Gray said:
“We are delighted to have been working alongside World Rugby on these ball developments for several years, for the enhancement of the women’s game. The introduction of the new balls into the HSBC SVNS Series is a sign of the success of previous trials and the quality of the product trialed so far. We’re pleased to be at the centre of the development of the global game, following an incredible Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and are committed to working closely with World Rugby to build on this momentum to grow the women’s game globally.”
Throughout the SVNS season, World Rugby will gather further player feedback, track game metrics, and monitor injury data to determine whether the updated ball will become a permanent part of the women’s game.
The HSBC SVNS Series remains the pinnacle of international sevens rugby, and fans can find more details—including ticket information—via official channels.
