Rugby balls on clearance
The rugby balls in the end-of-line series combine play and attachment to a jersey: Gilbert balls in the colours of nations, from France to Wales, including Tonga, Canada, and Uruguay, club balls like ASM Clermont, Montpellier or the Barbarians, Berugbe balls, touch rugby balls in size four, and packs of ten for rugby schools.
A ball for playing or supporting, at a friendlier price.
Gilbert, the Rugby shoemaker to the World Cup
The story of the oval ball is intertwined with that of Gilbert. In 1823, William Gilbert, a shoemaker located just a stone's throw from Rugby School in England, began supplying balls to the school: a leather cover sewn around a pig's bladder, inflated by mouth. The oval shape came from this bladder, before rubber chambers allowed for a more consistent shape. Nearly two centuries later, Gilbert has been providing the official ball for the World Cup since the 1995 edition and has extended its partnership with World Rugby until 2033. Balls in the colours of nations and clubs continue this legacy for fans.
Other end-of-line items
The rugby clearance also includes:
All end-of-line products are gathered on the rugby page.
Nation and club balls, for playing or collecting
A ball in the colours of a nation is as much for playing as it is for collecting. The ball of the French XV, the one for England in the colours of the World Cup held in France, or those of emerging nations like Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Canada, or Tonga highlight the diversity of world rugby. On the club side, ASM Clermont Auvergne, founded in 1911 by Marcel Michelin under the name of Association sportive Michelin, Montpellier, or USAP of Perpignan showcase their colours on a size five ball. The ball of the Barbarians, a club without a pitch founded in 1890 bringing together invited players of all nationalities, appeals to history enthusiasts of the game.
Ball size, weight and pressure according to age
The adult match ball is a size five: World Rugby's regulations set its length between 280 and 300 millimetres, its weight between 410 and 460 grams, and its pressure between 0.67 and 0.70 kilograms per square centimetre at kickoff. Young players use smaller and lighter balls, easier to grip with two hands: the size four ball accompanies the young until the start of adolescence, while size three serves the youngest in rugby school. An over-inflated ball bounces unpredictably and hurts the hands, while an under-inflated ball deforms upon kicking. A manometer and a needle pump can adjust the pressure in seconds.
Touch rugby, training balls, and sets for clubs
Touch rugby replaces tackling with a simple hand touch: this non-contact, mixed-gender, and age-appropriate activity is played with a size four ball, more manageable for quick passes, like the Gilbert Touch. The training balls focus on durability: a rubber-gripped cover ensures traction in the rain and stands up to synthetic fields. For a rugby school, sets of ten balls allow each group to work on passing and drills simultaneously, without waiting for their turn. Balls should be stored dry, out of the sun, and wiped down after a session on a muddy field.
Frequently asked questions
Can a rugby ball be customised?
A ball can easily be personalised with a permanent marker to collect signatures from a team or a player. For printed markings in the name of a club or event, one should go through a printing specialist, for balls ordered in bulk.
How do you make a spiral pass in rugby?
Hold the ball with two hands, fingers spread on the seams, then sweep your arms from the hip towards the target while twisting your wrists. This rotation makes the ball spin on its long axis, stabilising its trajectory and lengthening the pass.
Why does a rugby ball have four panels?
World Rugby regulations require a cover made of four panels, in leather or synthetic material. This construction gives the ball its regular oval shape, and its seams serve as markers for finger placement during passes and kicks.
What rugby ball should I give to a child?
For playing, choose the size appropriate for their age, three for the smallest, four afterwards, so they can hold it with two hands. To please them, a ball in the colours of their national team or favourite club quickly becomes a treasured item.
Can a supporter ball be used in a match?
A ball in the colours of a nation or club is designed for passing, casual play, and decoration. In competition, clubs use approved match balls, which have more refined covers and grip.
