The Ball
Specifies the size, shape, material, and air pressure of a rugby ball.
Rugby is played with an oval ball made of four panels. It is roughly the size you can comfortably hold in two hands — about 28 cm long and 58–62 cm around its shorter circumference. It weighs between 410 and 460 grams (lighter than a football but heavier than a cricket ball).
The ball is made from leather or a suitable synthetic material and can be treated to make it water-resistant and easier to grip — important in wet conditions. Smaller balls can be used in matches involving young players. Spare balls are usually available so play can restart quickly if the ball goes out of the playing enclosure.
Real-World Examples
Scenario
During a match it begins to rain heavily. The captain complains that the ball is too slippery to hold.
Outcome
This is not an automatic right to change balls. Balls may be treated to be water-resistant (Law 2.5), but the decision to use a spare ball is at the match organiser's discretion. The captain could request a replacement ball from the available spares if the match organiser permits it.
Scenario
A referee checks the ball before kick-off and finds the pressure is 64 kilopascals.
Outcome
The ball does not comply with Law 2.6, which requires 65.71–68.75 kPa. The referee should require the ball to be inflated to the correct pressure before the match starts.
Scenario
A U12 match is being played. The match organiser has provided a size 4 (smaller) ball.
Outcome
This is permitted under Law 2.4 — smaller balls may be used for matches involving young players.