Best Rugby Balls

Updated September 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Gilbert USA Official Replica Rugby Ball
Gilbert
USA Official Replica Rugby Ball
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Bottom Line

Size 5 rugby ball that will work for training or recreational play.

Pros

Perfect rugby ball to show off pride in the national team. Carries all of the official licenses. Size 5 ball meets regulation standards. Includes bright scarlet and navy blue colors that stand out.

Cons

Price point is a little high. May not stand up well to rough use.

Best Bang for the Buck
Gilbert Elegant Violence Rugby Ball
Gilbert
Elegant Violence Rugby Ball
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Bottom Line

Cool all-black design with a skull and crossbones that kids will love.

Pros

Size 5 ball that will work well for practice or for recreational games. Also works well as a display ball. Black color holds up nicely over time and repeated use. Delivers a solid quality for the price you'll pay.

Cons

Tends to lose air during use, requiring frequent reinflation.

Gilbert Photon Match Rugby Ball
Gilbert
Photon Match Rugby Ball
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Bottom Line

Durable size 5 rugby ball made for high-level training and games.

Pros

Includes a hydratec surface that allows the ball to repel water successfully. Durable materials in this ball that ensure it will perform well for many practice sessions and games. Four different color options.

Cons

May need to be re-inflated often. Higher price than some others.

Omega Precision Training Rugby Ball
Omega
Precision Training Rugby Ball
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Bottom Line

Surface contains dimples to ensure a sturdy grip and durable feel.

Pros

Available in three different color options and in three different size options of 3, 4, or 5. Perfect for helping novices learn to control the ball during practice sessions. Tacky outer surface yields a good grip in all weather.

Cons

Ball may struggle to hold air over multiple practice sessions.

Pro Impact Training Rugby Ball
Pro Impact
Training Rugby Ball
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Bottom Line

Classic size 5 rugby ball that offers a good grip for practice or recreational play.

Pros

Uses outer cover of rubber and cotton to provide a steady grip on the ball. Provides a good price point for a recreational level of rugby ball. Carries a standard size 5 that's perfect for practice sessions.

Cons

Ball struggles to continue holding air the more it's used.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
14
Hours
Researched
Category cover

No, you can’t use a football to play rugby. While they are both oval in shape and 11 inches long, the ends of a rugby ball are flatter. That means it has more drag through the air as it is passed from one player to the next, which is a lot more frequent in rugby than it is in football, where the ball is often thrown in a lateral formation. All rugby balls now are synthetic, since leather absorbs water and becomes heavy. While the standard regulation rugby ball size is 5, there are also smaller sizes for kids and practice use, and a wide range of colors and licensed logos are available.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
RHINO RUGBY
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Royal Red Rugby Match Ball
Pro Impact
Match Rugby Ball
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Gilbert
Rugby World Cup 2019 USA Flag Ball
Gilbert
USA Rugby Omega Match Rugby Ball
Gilbert
Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan Rugby Union Replica
Gilbert
Revolution X Match Rugby Ball
Gilbert
G-TR4000 Training Rugby Ball
Gilbert
England International Replica Rugby Ball - Size 5
See more
Our Top Picks
Gilbert
Best of the Best
Gilbert
USA Official Replica Rugby Ball
Bottom Line
Size 5 rugby ball that will work for training or recreational play.
Shop Now
Gilbert
Best Bang for the Buck
Gilbert
Elegant Violence Rugby Ball
Bottom Line
Cool all-black design with a skull and crossbones that kids will love.
Shop Now
Gilbert
Top Pick
Gilbert
Photon Match Rugby Ball
Bottom Line
Durable size 5 rugby ball made for high-level training and games.
Shop Now
Omega
Top Pick
Omega
Precision Training Rugby Ball
Bottom Line
Surface contains dimples to ensure a sturdy grip and durable feel.
Shop Now
Pro Impact
Top Pick
Pro Impact
Training Rugby Ball
Bottom Line
Classic size 5 rugby ball that offers a good grip for practice or recreational play.
Shop Now