In this article, we will look at the best kids rugby balls available for different ages and experience levels.
It is likely that a ball will be your first purchase if you are getting into rugby or your child wants to experience the game.
Giving your child their own rugby ball gives them the freedom to play anywhere they want, and learn the game at their own speed – with or without an element of competitiveness.
It’s hard to play rugby without a rugby ball! That may be stating the obvious but if you try to play with anything else it will quickly become clear why an oval-shaped ball is better.
Rugby Hackers Quick Picks – Kids Rugby Balls
If you’re in a hurry here are some top recommendations for the best kids rugby balls for children of different ages.
Scroll down for more details and choices…
Rugby Balls for young Kids (under 6):
Sizes 1 and 2 are the smallest and are designed for the children of the youngest ages.
Size 1 is often called Mini and refers to balls that are approximately 6.3 inches long.
Rugby Ball Size 1
Brand: Offload
RRP: £7.99
Size: Size 1 – Size 2/ Mini – Midi
Colour: White
Best For: Younger kids, these mini balls come in loads of fun designs.
Offloads offers a range of small balls for children up to the age of 4.
Their series of size 1 (mini) balls are designed with the team logos of several National teams including all the Six Nations teams and main southern hemisphere teams too.
They are durable and easy to grip to allow for improved ball handling.
Alternatively, Offloads beach Rugby ball is slightly larger at size 2 (midi) and made from a lightweight foam material which allows for flexible gripping and is softer to touch than the rubber designs. They are amongst Offloads more popular products and boast a brilliant multicolour design which kids love.
Plus, as they are made from solid foam, they do not need to be inflated.
Gilbert Mini Replica Ball
Brand: Gilbert
RRP: £8.00
Size: Mini
Colour: White
Best For: Buyers who want proven quality.
Gilbert Rugby balls are the most famous in world Rugby. They have provided official ball for the Rugby World Cup in every tournament since 1995.
For their mini range they have a wide range of designs.
These include national teams as well as top flight club sides in Europe including French, English and Irish franchises.
Best Rugby Balls for Youth Rugby
Once kids are old enough to play minis Rugby with a club or school they will prefer a ball that handles like a match ball.
Due to their size, they will still need a design that suits smaller hands which makes the size 3 ball your best option for this age range.
These are approximately 13 inches long, about 2 inches shorter in length than size 5 balls which are used by adults.
For younger teenagers, a size 4 is more appropriate as it is slightly larger at around 14 inches.
Omega Match Ball
Brand: Gilbert
RRP: £29.00
Size: Sizes 3 – 5
Colour: Black & Blue, Yellow & Orange (For sizes 4 & 5)
Best For: Perfect for young players who want to take their rugby more seriously.
The Omega Match ball is purpose-built by Gilbert for schools and youth rugby.
It is designed to reach a higher level of performance, with the Gilbert unique valve design to ensure good flight in the air and minimum wind resistance.
This quality of ball will give a better quality of play.
G-TR4000 Trainer Rugby Ball
Brand: Gilbert
RRP: £20.00
Size: Size 3 – 5
Colour: White & Red, White & Blue
Best For: Value and ideal for practising in the garden or park.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, the G-TR4000 is still a quality product.
Gilbert have a number of specifications meant to improve handling and grip including the HYDRATEC moisture barrier.
This is a reliable ball that is a step up from the quality available to very young players.
The freedom to choose between three sizes allows you to choose the ball to match your child’s physical development.
Ram Solo Skills Rugby Ball
Brand: Ram Rugby
RRP: £15.00
Size: Sizes 3 – 5
Colour: Red, White and Black
Best For: Perfect for practicing alone against a wall
The Ram Solo rugby ball is an alternative option for youth players, especially those who take their rugby very seriously and want to sharpen their skills.
A rebounder ball is essentially a regular rugby ball that is cut in half width-ways so that is has a flat base.
This design lets you pass the ball at full power against a wall with it rebounding straight back to you so you don’t need a partner to practice your pass, and the rebound is slightly unpredictable, so trains your reflexes as a catcher.
This type of ball still follows the conventional size system despite being shorter than regular balls, so just select size as you normally would.
The Ram Rugby model is very popular with customers who highlight its simplicity and similar handling to regular balls.
The freedom to practice solo is the best feature of this product and it makes a great gift to developing Rugby players.
Best Rugby Ball for Older Players (15+)
As players approach adulthood they may prefer as high a quality as possible as their gameplay experience approaches the intensity of senior rugby.
Gilbert Atom Rugby Match Ball
Brand: Gilbert
Price: £44.00
Size: Size 4, Size 5
Colour: Green & White, Blue & White
Best For: Practising with a professional match day ball
Being one of Gilbert’s premium products, the Atom Match Ball is purposefully designed to meet the heightened demands of higher-level rugby.
Gilbert proudly promotes its accuracy when kicked and highlights the utilization of superior materials that enhance both grip and flight.
Q&A
What rugby ball size is best?
Rugby Balls are produced in different sizes to suit the range of sizes in different age groups.
Most kids rugby balls come in sizes 3 (ages 7-9), 4 (ages 10-14) and 5 ( ages 15-adult).
Smaller sizes are also available for even younger players to get in on the fun.
Why is the ball oval-shaped?
The rugby ball has an oval shape because its original material was a pig bladder, which also possesses an oval shape (quite unpleasant, I know!). Although they no longer use pig bladders for production, the shape has persisted.
How durable is a rugby ball?
It depends on the brand/model of the ball. Usually, they are very durable and tough to burst. Rugby balls are easy to inflate, very similar to footballs, they have a valve which you can use to inflate with any regular ball pump.
Before you go…
Need help choosing the best kids’ rugby boots for beginners? We’re here to help.
