Best Rugby Balls of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Rugby balls are essential for playing the sport of rugby. They are oval-shaped and made of leather or synthetic materials with a rubber bladder inside to hold the air. Rugby balls come in various sizes and weights to accommodate different age groups and skill levels, ranging from size 3 for children and beginners to size 5 for professionals. The surface of the ball is usually dimpled or textured to provide better grip and handling. Rugby balls can be found in different colors and designs, but the traditional color is brown. They are durable and designed to withstand the rough and tumble of rugby matches.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

World Rugby Shop Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball Cover #TOP 1
World Rugby Shop Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Gilbert WRS A XV Training Rugby Ball Cover #TOP 2
Gilbert WRS A XV Training Rugby Ball
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Gilbert Omega Match Rugby Ball Cover #TOP 3
Gilbert Omega Match Rugby Ball
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Rugby Balls

#TOP 1

World Rugby Shop Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball

World Rugby Shop Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball Cover
World Rugby Shop X Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball Size 5 - Durable Rugby Equipment - Triangular Surface Grip - 3 Ply Construction - Red

The Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball is designed for serious players who need a reliable training partner. Its advanced triangular grip pattern enhances your control, making it easier to handle during practice. Built with durable materials, this ball withstands tough conditions, ensuring that it lasts through multiple seasons. The premium 3-ply construction gives it better weight and shape retention, which is crucial for accurate kicks and passes. Plus, being hand-stitched adds to its durability, so you can trust it during intense training sessions and matches.

What We Like
Great value
Excellent grip
Durable construction
Good color options
Suitable for practice
What We Don't Like
Air leakage issue
Size confusion
#TOP 2

Gilbert WRS A XV Training Rugby Ball

A XV
green black white
Gilbert WRS A XV Training Rugby Ball Cover
Gilbert WRS A XV Training Rugby Ball (Size 5)

The Gilbert WRS A XV Training Rugby Ball (Size 5) features a Hydratec barrier that repels dirt and water, and a uniform A-XV grip that ensures maximum comfort. This hand-stitched ball arrives deflated and can be inflated to 9.5 psi using a hand pump.

What We Like
Great grip
Durability
Fast shipping
Well-received as gifts
Improves throwing
What We Don't Like
Possible air retention issues
Occasional defects
#TOP 3

Gilbert Omega Match Rugby Ball

GIL320-5BLRO
Black/Royal
Size-5
Gilbert Omega Match Rugby Ball Cover
Gilbert Omega Match Rugby Ball (Black,/Royal, Size-5)

The Gilbert Omega Match Rugby Ball is designed for serious rugby players. It features a standard grip, ensuring a secure hold during play. The Truflight valve in the seam allows for accurate flight, making it easier to catch and pass. The ball is made from durable 3 ply polycotton and cotton laminate, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of intense games. IRB approved, the ball is hand stitched for exceptional quality.

What We Like
Good quality feel
Excellent grip surface
Holds air well
New valve design
Resistant material
What We Don't Like
Color may scuff
Inconsistent shape
#TOP 4

Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball

42097805
Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball Cover
Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball - Red (5)

The Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball is a red size 5 ball that offers a variety of features to improve your training experience. With TRI grip technology, the ball offers excellent grip, while the Hydratec technology repels water to maintain performance in wet conditions. The 3-ply polycotton and cotton laminate provides durability, while the hand-stitched construction ensures quality. The durable rubber surface offers a long-lasting feel and can withstand the rigors of training.

What We Like
Distinctive colors
Great grip
Durable for practice
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Deflates occasionally
#TOP 5

Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball

G-TR4000
Sky blue
Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Ball Cover
Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball, Sky Blue (4)

The Gilbert Rugby Training Ball features innovative Tri Grip Technology, designed to enhance your grip during play. This club-level training ball is perfect for honing your skills, providing a reliable feel whether you are practicing alone or with teammates. Keep in mind that international versions of this product may vary in aspects like fit and labeling, so it's essential to check those details. With its durable construction, this ball is built to withstand rigorous training sessions, making it a great choice for any aspiring rugby player.

What We Like
Good quality
Great grip
Easy to inflate
Bright color
Value for money
What We Don't Like
Parts may be off
Comes deflated
#TOP 6

Gilbert Ireland Mini Rugby Ball

41025801
White/Green
Small
Gilbert Ireland Mini Rugby Ball Cover
Gilbert Ireland Mini Rugby Ball

The Gilbert Mini Rugby Ball is an official replica of the Ireland rugby team's ball, making it a great choice for fans and collectors alike. Made from high-quality materials, this mini ball features the team's logo on two panels, adding to its authenticity. With deflated dimensions of 7" x 4.5" x 3", it’s compact and easy to store or carry, perfect for young players or as a decorative item. Whether you're practicing your skills or displaying it on a shelf, this mini rugby ball brings a piece of Ireland's rugby pride to you.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Great for toddlers
Good grip and texture
Retains air well
Perfect for casual play
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Requires air pump to inflate
#TOP 7

Gilbert G-TR4000 Training Ball

42098103
blue
Gilbert G-TR4000 Training Ball Cover
Gilbert G-TR4000 Training Ball - Navy (3)

The Gilbert Training Ball features advanced TRI grip technology, ensuring you have a secure hold during play. Its Hydratec coating repels water, allowing you to maintain optimal performance even in wet conditions. Made with a durable three-ply polycotton and cotton laminate, this ball is designed to withstand the rigors of training. Additionally, the hand-stitched construction enhances durability, providing you with a reliable ball that lasts. With these features, you can focus on improving your skills without worrying about the ball's performance.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Excellent grip and lightweight
Good for training use
Positive experience for children
What We Don't Like
Leaks air upon arrival
Shipping could be faster
#TOP 8

Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball

42097705
Black
Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball Cover
Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball - Black (5)

The Gilbert G-TR4000 Rugby Training Ball in black (size 5) is a durable and high-quality ball perfect for rugby training. The ball has TRI grip technology and a durable rubber surface, providing excellent grip and handling during intense training sessions. The ball is also made with Hydratec to repel water and has a 3 ply polycotton and cotton laminate for added durability. The ball is hand-stitched, ensuring excellent quality and longevity.

What We Like
Excellent grip
Durable construction
Holds air well
Good for practice
Long-lasting performance
What We Don't Like
Paint fades initially
Grip wears over time
#TOP 9

Gilbert G-TR3000 Rugby Ball

G-TR3000
Blue
Gilbert G-TR3000 Rugby Ball Cover
Gilbert G-TR3000 Rugby Training Ball (Size 5)

The Gilbert G-TR3000 Ball is designed for serious rugby training. With its TRI grip technology, you can enjoy improved handling, making it easier to pass and catch during practice. The Hydratec feature ensures that the ball repels water, allowing you to train in various weather conditions without worrying about grip loss. Made from a durable 3-ply polycotton and cotton laminate, this ball is built to withstand rigorous use. Additionally, its hand-stitched construction adds to its durability, ensuring that it remains a reliable choice for your training sessions.

What We Like
Excellent grip
Durable for extensive use
Holds air well
Great for practice
What We Don't Like
Design wears off quickly
Incorrect size advertised
#TOP 10

LUCA Size 5 Rugby Ball

LUCA
Multicolor
LUCA Size 5 Rugby Ball Cover
LUCA Rugby Ball Size 5 for Youth and Adult Player -Sports Outdoor Professional Synthetic Rubber Grade - Super Grip Heavy Duty & Durable Hand Stitched Football - Standard Training Official Balls

The LUCA Rugby Ball is designed for both youth and adult players, featuring a robust construction made from high-quality synthetic rubber that ensures longevity even during intense play. Its textured surface offers superb grip, allowing you to handle the ball confidently in any weather. The hand-stitched design maintains the ball's shape and integrity, making it reliable for rough gameplay. With its official size 5 specifications, this ball is perfect for regulation matches, making it an excellent choice for both practice and competitive play.

What We Like
Great gift for kids
Useful beyond departure
Popular in Fiji
Encourages rugby interest
What We Don't Like
Not specified in detail
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are rugby balls and NFL balls the same?

Rugby balls and NFL balls are similar in shape, but they have some key differences. While both are oval and 11 inches long, the rugby ball has flatter ends compared to the pointed ends of an NFL ball. These differences in shape affect how the balls move through the air and are used in their respective sports.

2. Is a rugby ball bigger than an NFL ball?

Rugby balls and NFL balls have similar appearances, but they have slight differences in size. A rugby ball is approximately 27cm long and weighs about 1lb, while an NFL ball weighs slightly less and is slightly longer at around 28cm.

3. Can you throw a rugby ball like an American football?

Throwing techniques in rugby and American football differ. While both sports involve backward passing, American football allows forward throwing in certain situations. In rugby, forward passing is always illegal in the game.

4. Which is tougher, rugby or American football?

Rugby and American football have different demands and challenges. Rugby matches consist of 2 halves of 40 minutes each, requiring players to exert a significant amount of energy. American football has a smaller playing field, making it more difficult to pass the ball to teammates. The toughness of each sport can vary depending on individual perspective and playing style.

Editor's Notes

During our rugby ball research, we found 24 rugby ball products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 32,100 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 $27.91.

The rugby balls are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rugby balls, including World Rugby Shop, Gilbert, LUCA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 62 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.

Rugby Balls Comparison Table

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Brand World Rugby Shop Gilbert Gilbert Gilbert Gilbert Gilbert Gilbert Gilbert Gilbert LUCA
Material 3 ply poly-cotton and cotton laminate panels Rubber Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Polycotton and cotton laminate Rubber Rubber, Synthetic Latex Rubber Nylon Rubber Rubber
Color Red green black white Black/Royal Red Sky blue White/Green blue Black Blue Multicolor
Age Range (Description) Adult Youth Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
Item Weight 5 Grams 13.44 ounces 0.42 Kilograms 0.17 Kilograms 350 Grams 50 Grams 0.24 Kilograms 0.14 Kilograms 300 Grams 0.88 Pounds
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy