Ball trial extended to WXV Global Series

It has been confirmed by World Rugby that their women-specific 4.5 size ball trial will be extended to the WXV Global Series in 2026.

The trial began in the HSBC SVNS Series this season and will now be extended to the 15-a-side format later this year.

Developed in partnership with Gilbert, the 4.5 ball has bespoke dimensions, and is the same weight, has the same advanced aerodynamic and technological features of a standard size 5 ball.

As the trial has continues, the ball has evolved after player feedback to ensure that it reflects the needs and preferences of women’s rugby and maintained elite-level player welfare.

Mark Harrington, World Rugby’s Chief Player Welfare and Rugby Services Officer, said: “The anecdotal feedback on the use of a specific ball for the women’s game in sevens has been positive, in line with the other trials we’ve held to date.

“It’s clearly important to see how the new ball works in the elite 15s game as well and we’re excited to see how a women’s specific ball helps the very best players at the WXV Global Series showcase their skills.

“Along with the sevens players, we’ll carefully take stock of player feedback, injury surveillance and shape of the game data from the WXV Global Series. From there, together with the wider women’s game, we’ll assess the findings and look at where we go next.”

World Rugby have also announced that the WXV Global Series Challenger will take place at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park in September 2026.

The six-team competition will see the 13-17 ranked teams in the world play one another across three weekends in a centrally located competition.

The World Rugby funded competition will allow unions to have more regular high-quality international competition against from 2026 to 2028 and will double up as the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup’s Final Qualification Tournament.