Best Rugby Balls of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Rugby Balls are the essential piece of equipment for players and fans of this popular sport. These balls are designed to withstand the rough and tumble of the game, with a tough outer layer and an inner bladder that can be inflated to the required pressure. Rugby Balls come in a range of sizes and colours, with different materials used depending on the intended use. Whether you're a professional player or just enjoy a casual kickabout with friends, a good quality Rugby Ball is a must-have item.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Official England Rugby Ball with Durable Rubber Cover #TOP 1
Official England Rugby Ball with Durable Rubber
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hy-Pro Intercept Size 5 Rugby Ball Cover #TOP 2
Hy-Pro Intercept Size 5 Rugby Ball
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Gilbert G-TR4000 Trainer Ball - Red Cover #TOP 3
Gilbert G-TR4000 Trainer Ball - Red
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Rugby Balls

#TOP 1

Official England Rugby Ball with Durable Rubber

White / Red
Official England Rugby Ball with Durable Rubber Cover
Officially Licensed England Rugby Ball - Durable Synthetic Rubber, Red & White Rugby Ball - RFU Licensed Size 5 Rugby Ball with Pebbled Surface, Latex Bladder

The England Rugby Ball is an officially licensed product featuring the iconic England Rugby Logo, making it a great choice for fans and players alike. Crafted from premium synthetic rubber, its pebbled texture ensures excellent grip, allowing you to handle the ball confidently during matches. The ball is designed with a high-quality latex bladder, providing outstanding air retention for consistent shape and bounce. Its striking red and white design enhances visibility on the field, helping you track the ball easily during play.

What We Like
Officially licensed England Rugby merchandise
Excellent grip and durability
Outstanding air retention
High visibility on the field
Quick to inflate for play

Hy-Pro Intercept Size 5 Rugby Ball

HP07874
Blue
Hy-Pro Intercept Size 5 Rugby Ball Cover
Hy-Pro Intercept Rugby Ball | Official Size 5 Training Ball, Blue

The Hy-Pro Intercept Rugby Ball is crafted from high-quality rubber, ensuring excellent flight and accuracy for both training and recreational play. Its pimpled outer surface provides extra grip, helping you maintain control during intense matches. The hand stitching enhances this grip even further, making it easier for you to catch and pass the ball. Designed for durability, this ball is built to withstand the rigours of regular use, whether you're playing in the garden, at school, or with a club.

What We Like
High-quality rubber construction
Excellent grip and control
Durable hand-stitched design
Stylish and eye-catching
#TOP 3

Gilbert G-TR4000 Trainer Ball - Red

42097803
Gilbert G-TR4000 Trainer Ball - Red Cover
Gilbert G-TR4000 Trainer Ball G-tr4000 Trainer Ball - Red, 3

The Gilbert G-TR4000 Ball features TRI grip technology, which enhances your handling skills, allowing for better control during play. Its Hydratec technology ensures the ball remains durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for all weather conditions. The hand-stitched design adds to its longevity and provides a superior feel in your hands. With these features, you can enjoy a reliable and high-performing rugby ball that meets the demands of training sessions and matches alike.

What We Like
Excellent grip technology
Water-resistant design
Durable hand-stitched construction
Suitable for all weather
#TOP 4

Gilbert G-TR3000 Rugby Ball for Training

42098204
green
Gilbert G-TR3000 Rugby Ball for Training Cover
Gilbert g-tr3000 – Ball Rugby, Unisex adult, G-TR3000, green, 4

The Gilbert G-TR3000 Ball is designed for official training, ensuring you have the right weight and measurements for effective practice. Its highly durable Hydratec surface stands up to the rigours of regular use, making it ideal for clubs and schools. The 2 Ply Polycotton construction adds to its longevity, ensuring you can focus on your game without worrying about wear and tear. Additionally, the ball is conveniently served deflated, allowing you to inflate it to your preferred firmness before use.

What We Like
Durable Hydratec surface
Ideal for clubs and schools
Official training specifications
Easy to inflate
#TOP 5

Gilbert G-TR4000 Sky Blue Rugby Training Ball

G-TR4000
Dark Navy
Gilbert G-TR4000 Sky Blue Rugby Training Ball Cover
Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball, Sky Blue (5)

The Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball features a newly patented Triangular surface grip pattern, providing you with enhanced grip during training sessions. This design increases your surface area contact with the ball, improving your handling skills. Hand-stitched for quality, it ensures durability, while the Hydratec technical fabrics and waterproof laminations protect against the elements, extending the ball's lifespan. Additionally, the 3 ply poly-cotton and cotton laminate panel offers improved weight and performance for longer kicks and passes, making it an excellent choice for serious rugby players.

What We Like
Enhanced grip technology
Durable hand-stitched design
Waterproof for longer life
Better performance on kicks
Improved shape retention
#TOP 6

Rhino Cyclone Blue Rugby Training Ball

CYCLONE.0150.0186
Blue
Rhino Cyclone Blue Rugby Training Ball Cover
Rhino Cyclone Rugby Ball, Blue, Size 4

The Rhino Cyclone Rugby Ball is designed for serious training sessions. Its 3-d grip ensures that you maintain control during play, allowing for precise passes and catches. The 3 ply laminated construction contributes to its durability, so you can use it in various weather conditions without worry. This rugby training ball is perfect for enhancing your skills and building confidence on the field, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

What We Like
Excellent grip for control
Durable construction
Ideal for training
Suitable for various weather
#TOP 7

Canterbury Mentre Rugby Ball for Training

Q-X000535
White
One Size
Canterbury Mentre Rugby Ball for Training Cover
Adult British & Irish Lions Canterbury Mentre Sponsor Rugby Ball, White, One Size

The Canterbury Mentre Rugby Ball is designed for quality training sessions. Its natural rubber compound surface enhances durability, ensuring it withstands rigorous use. The inflation valve in the seam adds stability and balance, making it easier for you to control during play. Additionally, the tri-grip emboss provides excellent grip and handling, allowing you to pass and catch with confidence. This ball is an official British & Irish Lions licensed product, making it a great choice for any rugby enthusiast.

What We Like
Durable natural rubber surface
Stable inflation valve
Excellent grip and handling
Official licensed product
#TOP 8

Gilbert G-TR3000 Rugby Ball for Training

42098203
Gilbert G-TR3000 Rugby Ball for Training Cover
Gilbert g-tr3000 – Ball Rugby, Unisex adult, G-TR3000, red, 3

The Gilbert G-TR3000 Ball is designed for official training, ensuring it meets specific weights and measures for rugby. Its highly durable Hydratec surface means it can withstand extensive use, making it perfect for clubs and schools. The 2 Ply Polycotton construction provides added strength and resilience, ensuring that the ball lasts through rigorous training sessions. Additionally, it is served deflated, allowing for convenient storage and easy transport to and from practices.

What We Like
Durable Hydratec surface
Ideal for clubs and schools
Official training specifications
Strong 2 Ply Polycotton
Conveniently served deflated
#TOP 9

Rhino Rapide XV Rugby Ball, Size 3

RRBRW3
White/Green
Rhino Rapide XV Rugby Ball, Size 3 Cover
Rhino Rapide XV Rugby Ball, White/Green, Size 3

The Rhino Rapide XV Ball is designed for superior performance on the rugby field. Featuring a hi-tech latex bladder, it ensures excellent air retention, allowing you to play longer without interruptions. The 100 percent skill hand-stitched construction offers durability, making it perfect for rigorous play. Its exclusive embossed bold pimple grip pattern provides maximum grip, enhancing your control during handling and passing. With its vibrant multi-colour design, you’ll not only enjoy a quality product but also stand out while playing.

What We Like
Durable hand-stitched construction
Excellent air retention
Enhanced grip for control
Vibrant multi-colour design
#TOP 10

Ram Rugby Squad Trainer Ball for All Ages

2032
Red & Black
Ram Rugby Squad Trainer Ball for All Ages Cover
Ram Rugby Squad Trainer Rugby Ball (Size 4) Club Quality Rugby Training Ball. Hand stitched, 3 ply, 3-D Grip for ultimate Passing & Catching Control – Suitable for Adults, Kids & Children

The Ram Rugby Squad Trainer is an excellent choice for players of all ages looking to enhance their rugby skills. Designed for training, this ball is trusted by numerous rugby clubs and schools, making it perfect for improving your passing, catching, and throwing techniques. Crafted from durable hand-stitched materials, it ensures shape retention even during the most intense sessions. With its enhanced 3D grip, you can enjoy superior handling in both wet and dry conditions, giving you confidence in every pass and catch.

What We Like
Great for all skill levels
Durable hand-stitched construction
Superior 3D grip
Ideal for all weather conditions
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the ball called in rugby?

The football used in rugby league is known as "international size" or "size 5" and is approximately 27 cm (11 in) long and 60 cm (24 in) in circumference at its widest point. Smaller-sized balls are used for junior versions of the game, such as "Mini" and "Mod".

2. Are all rugby balls the same?

Rugby balls come in different sizes depending on the players' age. This ensures handling skills are developed correctly and there is no difficulty in passing.

3. What size are rugby balls?

Size and Shape There are variations between 'official' balls, however, World Rugby allows balls to have a length in line between 280 and 300 millimeters, an end-to-end circumference of 740 to 770 millimeters, and width circumference of 580 to 620 millimeters.

4. What is a size 4 rugby ball?

Size 4: Junior rugby which runs in age groups of under 10's, U11's, U12's, U13's and U14's. Size 4.5: This is a transitional ball for players moving from the size 4 ball to a size 5 ball enabling them the chance to improve confidence and skills before moving to the larger ball.

Editor's Notes

During our rugby ball research, we found 125 rugby ball products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 33,579 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rugby balls list. We found that most customers choose rugby balls with an average price of £15.48.

The rugby balls are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rugby balls, including England Rugby, Hy-Pro, Gilbert, Rhino, Canterbury.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.