World Rugby's decision to trial a size 4.5 ball — 3% smaller than the standard size five but the same weight — in the revamped WXV Global Series has ignited genuine debate among players. The piece captures the split: Zoe Harrison has called it the 'worst decision ever,' while Ellie Kildunne points out that England won a World Cup with the old ball, which 'can't have been that bad.' The rationale from World Rugby is that a smaller ball could improve skillsets given women's physiology — but critics are pushing back on that logic given already strong lineout and kicking accuracy numbers at the highest level. Worth reading for the player reaction and the broader question of whether the trial reflects a genuine evidence-based intervention or a solution in search of a problem.
The size 4.5 ball trial splitting women's rugby opinion ahead of WXV
World Rugby's size 4.5 ball trial in the revamped WXV has divided players — Zoe Harrison hates it, Ellie Kildunne is more measured — with the debate cutting to deeper questions about whether the rationale holds up against existing performance data in the women's game.
Etzebeth chases series win as record 146th cap beckons in Baltimore
Eben Etzebeth is set to earn a record 146th Test cap when the Springboks face the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday, with the series on the line — a Springbok win seals Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy, while defeat results in a draw.
Erasmus eyes England with genuine respect — and a clear World Cup lens
Erasmus frames the Nations Championship opener against England as a World Cup rehearsal rather than a competition to chase on the log, while offering a candid, respectful read of Borthwick's squad and drawing a pointed comparison between Henry Pollock and Siya Kolisi.
Erasmus welcomes Brown clarity, vows not to repeat 2023 contract mistake
Rassie Erasmus has welcomed the early confirmation of Tony Brown's post-2027 move to the All Blacks, saying SA Rugby is determined not to repeat the mistake of leaving coaching futures unresolved in a World Cup year — a situation that played out with Jacques Nienaber and Felix Jones before the 2023 tournament.
Eight candidates to fill Tony Brown's boots as Springbok attack coach
Planet Rugby profiles eight realistic candidates to succeed Tony Brown, arguing Erasmus has strong options but faces the usual tension between raiding local coaching stocks and competing for in-demand foreign names — with Franco Smith, Nick Evans, and a potential Nienaber return the most compelling threads.
Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks staff from 2028, but remains committed to helping South Africa win a third successive World Cup title before his departure.