Smaller balls for women's rugby 'worst decision ever'
Summary
England rugby player Zoe Harrison criticized the decision to use smaller size 4.5 balls in the upcoming women's WXV Global Series, saying it makes kicking harder. World Rugby introduced the smaller balls to better fit female players' hands and improve play, but feedback is mixed and the trial will continue during the tournament.Key Facts
- The WXV Global Series will use size 4.5 rugby balls, about 3% smaller but same weight as the standard size 5.
- Zoe Harrison, England fly-half, called the smaller ball "the worst decision someone has ever made."
- Smaller balls are meant to match female players’ hand size, which is about 10-15% smaller than men’s.
- Other sports adjust equipment for women, like lower hurdles or smaller basketballs.
- World Rugby trialed the smaller balls with sevens players and adjusted the ball’s weight after earlier trials.
- The governing body will review player feedback, injury reports, and game data after the WXV Series before making final rules.
- Harrison has been highly accurate in kicking during the Six Nations tournament, hitting 15 out of 15 kicks.
- Critics worry the change might hurt the image of women’s rugby and increase costs for local clubs.
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