Which rugby ball do I need?
Choose by age first, then by how the ball will be used. Size 5 is for ages 15 and up, size 4 for ages 10 to 14 and size 3 for ages 7 to 9. Pick a match ball for games and competitive play, a training ball for regular practice, a specialist ball for skill drills, and a replica or supporter ball for fans, gifts and casual play.
Why Gilbert?
Built on the values of trust, teamwork, inclusivity, performance and passion, Gilbert is at the heart of the game, with the famous Gilbert rugby ball at the centre of rugby matches across the world. We are committed to quality, innovation and excellence across all our balls.
Rugby ball sizes by age
Rugby balls come in different sizes so players of every age can handle the ball properly and develop their skills. Use this chart to find the right size.
| Ball size | Ages | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Size 5 | 15 and up | Adult |
| Size 4 | 10 to 14 | Junior |
| Size 3 | 7 to 9 | Mini rugby |
Ages are approximate.
Match ball vs training ball
The main difference is the rubber and weight: match balls are built for grip and flight in games, training balls for durability through regular sessions. Match balls have their valve on the seam of the ball which optimizes power transfer and directional control for kicking and passing, while training balls have the valve on the panels.
| Match ball | Training ball | |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber | Higher concentration of natural rubber | Higher percentage of synthetic rubber |
| Built for | Grip and flight performance | Durability through intensive training |
| Best for | Matches and competitive play | Regular team training and practice |
Match balls
Best for: matches and competitive play, from grassroots club rugby to international test matches.
Gilbert match balls are designed for performance. They use a higher concentration of natural rubber for better grip and flight, and precise hand-stitching keeps the shape consistent, so you get the same feel ball after ball.
| Level | Match ball |
|---|---|
| Elite and international | iNNOVO |
| High-level club and school | Kinetica, Barbarian 2.0 |
| Club and school to entry level | Atom, Omega |
Training balls
Best for: regular team training and practice.
Training balls are developed to balance cost, quality, performance and longevity. They use a higher percentage of synthetic rubber to stand up to intensive sessions.
Many feature Gilbert's patented grip patterns for better handling and durability, so players can train harder for longer without replacing balls as often.
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Specialist training balls
Best for: working on one skill, such as passing, kicking, strength or balance.
Specialist training balls help with skill-specific development. The range includes sets for passing drills, rebounder balls, weighted balls and kicking balls.
Whether you're working on your pass, your kick or your core strength, Gilbert's specialist range gives coaches the tools to build a complete player.
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Replica and supporter balls
Best for: practising at home, casual play, gifts, fundraising and fans.
Gilbert replica rugby balls carry traditional team branding, with quality construction for shape retention and grip, so they're perfect for practising at home or training in a casual setting.
Supporter balls feature playful designs with good grip and shape retention. They're great for gifts, fundraising or recreational games, and make a perfect keepsake for any rugby fan.
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Gilbert trademarks
Gilbert's iconic logo and trademarks are recognised worldwide as a symbol of quality and heritage in rugby. The Gilbert name has been synonymous with the sport since 1823, when William Gilbert first began crafting balls in Rugby, England.
Today, Gilbert trademarks, from the distinctive X logo to the "Created to Perform" mark, represent over 200 years of innovation and commitment to the game at every level.
Rugby ball FAQs
What size rugby ball should I buy?
It depends on the player's age. Size 5 is for ages 15 and up (adult rugby), size 4 is for ages 10 to 14 (junior rugby) and size 3 is for ages 7 to 9 (mini rugby).
What is the difference between a match ball and a training ball?
Match balls use a higher concentration of natural rubber for grip and flight performance in games. Training balls use a higher percentage of synthetic rubber, so they last longer through intensive, regular training.
Which Gilbert match ball is right for my level?
The iNNOVO is used at elite and international level. The Kinetica and Barbarian 2.0 suit high-level club and school rugby. The Atom and Omega cover club and school rugby down to entry level.
What are specialist training balls?
Specialist training balls help players develop one skill at a time. They include passing sets, rebounder balls, weighted balls and kicking balls.
What is the difference between a replica ball and a supporter ball?
Replica balls carry traditional team branding and are built for shape retention and grip, so they work for practice at home or casual training. Supporter balls have playful designs and are mainly for gifts, fundraising, recreational games and keepsakes.
How do I get the longest life out of my rugby balls?
The best coaches treat their ball kit like any other team resource and match each ball to its purpose. Use training balls for practice and save match balls for game day, with one exception: kickers should train with match balls (valve on the seam) so their practice reps feel exactly like game-day kicks. For passing drills, use your newest training balls, since fresh grip and shape help players build good handling habits, and rotate older balls into lower-skill or warm-up work. Be mindful of the surface, too. Think about how a player’s knees look after a game on turf compared to grass. Synthetic turf does the same thing to a rugby ball. Even training balls, which are built with a tougher surface to handle repeated sessions, will wear down faster on turf, so expect to replace them sooner if you train on it regularly. Using the right ball for the right job will keep your whole kit performing longer and stretch your budget further.