Rugby is a full-contact team sport that influenced the American style of football. The game has a following in the U.S., but rugby is especially popular in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Europe and parts of South America. The International Rugby Board is the governing body of world rugby. Its Laws of the Game govern all aspects of international rugby, including regulations regarding the ball itself.
Size and Shape
Law 2 of the IRB's Laws of the Game govern the ball used in rugby. The rules state the ball used in rugby must be oval-shaped and consisting of four panels. A rugby ball differs from an American football in that the ends of a rugby ball are blunt, while an American football has pointed ends. The rules further state the ball be 280 to 300 mm in length, with a circumference of 740 to 770 mm from one end to the other. The ball's width should have a circumference of 580 to 620 mm, according to the rule. For matches pitting teams of young players such as in youth rugby, the IRB allows the use of balls of different sizes than the one described above. However, the rules do not specify dimensions for smaller balls.
Material and Weight
The IRB requires the ball used in rugby be made of leather or a synthetic material. The rules allow treating the ball's material to make it water-resistant and easier for players to grip. The rules specify a required weight range for the ball of 410 to 460 g. At the start of a match, the rules state the ball should have an air pressure of 9 1/2 to 10 lbs. per square inch.
Spare Balls
The IRB's Laws of the Game state a rugby match can have spare balls available for use if needed. But a team cannot try to gain an unfair advantage by using or changing the spares.
Referee
Law 6 of the IRB's Laws of the Game designate the referee as judge of a rugby match, applying all laws of the game, including those governing the ball itself.
Member Comments