What Type Of Rugby Balls Are There?
Our aim is to create a ‘rugby balls reviewed page’ to show you the best balls to suit your budget, with honest opinions. The quality of rugby balls can vary quite a bit but, generally are manufactured with 2 or 3 ply. Pro quality balls have 4 ply construction. Rugby balls come in training or match quality, with the training balls being cheaper than match balls. The grip style can have a great impact on the feel and control of the ball. Overlooking the quality of grip is a mistake made by club players, often obsessed by a brand name.
I visited a factory a few years ago to see how rugby balls were manufactured. Honestly, it was a truly fascinating process to watch. Prior to the visit, I had not considered how the grip actually got onto the ball. The process was both surprising and very impressive. So much so that I created a video showing the method which is on my Sportsballstu YouTube channel.
Finding The Best Ball With Rugby Balls Reviewed
The number of brands producing quality rugby balls is surprisingly lower than the number producing footballs. Everyone who has heard of the game rugby, will have also heard of the Gilbert brand who have a long standing role in grassroots through to the pro game. However there are a small number of brands producing balls of similar or higher quality that are less well known. Unfortunatley they cannot afford the exposure granted to Gilbert. It is a shame in some ways that Gilbert are so dominant but that is the way of rugby. I cannot see that changing in the near future.
Other brands producing high quality rugby balls include Rhino, Webb Ellis, Lusum and Steeden. The later is better known for manufacturing balls for the Rugby League code. Interestingly they were also owned at one time, by the Grays family who also own the Gilbert brand.
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Rhino v Gilbert Rugby Balls – Which Are The Best?
We were asked, Rhino v Gilbert Rugby Balls – Which Are The Best? But to answer that question, we probably need to find out a little about each brand first. Both brands are major players when it comes to rugby balls, especially in the UK. Furthermore, it should be noted that Rhino and Gilbert are…
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The Best Quality Gilbert Rugby Ball in the World
Is The iNNOVO The Best Quality Gilbert Rugby Ball in the World? Gilbert is the undisputed leader in rugby ball manufacturing, producing high-quality balls for elite competitions worldwide. Is the iNNOVO the best quality Gilbert rugby ball though? For sure, they can probably lay claim to manufacturing the highest quality balls around. Moreover their craftsmanship,…
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How To Decide Between Latex Or Butyl Bladders For Rugby Balls
Choosing A Bladder Latex Or Butyl Bladders: Understanding the Key Differences When it comes to selecting the right ball—whether it’s for soccer, basketball, volleyball, or any other sport—the bladder plays a critical role in performance. The type of bladder used is an probably more of a factor when choosing a rugby ball though. Especially as…
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How Good Is The Rhino Reflex Rugby Ball?
What Is A Reflex Rugby Training Ball? We purchased a Rhino Reflex Rugby Ball to compare with the Gilbert version, which we tried out last year. We we had to see if they are as good and if they might offer better value for money. Obviously we inflated the ball first as they arrive deflated, so…
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Are Lusum Munifex Rugby Balls Better Value?
How Do The Lusum Rugby Balls Compare With Leading Brands? Lusum have been manufacturing Lusum Munifex rugby balls since 2012. Lusum rugby balls are very good quality and extremely reliable. Lusum’s tagline, of not offering sponsorship is essential, to offer good value to their customers. Consequently they are available without a huge mark up seen…
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Gilbert GTR3000 – Is It The Best Value Training Ball?
Aren’t Gilbert Rugby Balls Supposed To Be The Best? I would suggest the Gilbert GTR3000 is the best valued training ball from Gilbert. Everyone who has heard of rugby knows the Gilbert brand, it’s rugby balls are shown in almost every marketing shot or news story that mentions rugby. Clubs across the world use Gilbert…
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Discover The Amazing Rhino Cyclone Rugby Ball?
Is The Rhino Cyclone Rugby Ball As Good As A Gilbert Rugby Ball? Rhino manufacture rugby balls for both codes of the game, Union and League, however the Rhino Cyclone rugby ball is specifically for Rugby Union. If you have heard of rugby then you will know the Gilbert brand as they appear in almost…
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Gilbert’s High Quality GTR4000 Training Ball
I Heard The Gilbert GTR4000 Is The Best Rugby Training Ball, Is This True? Gilbert’s High Quality GTR4000 rugby training ball and I would honestly say, is one of the most durable and potentially the best available today. However it is priced slightly on the high side. So you need to work out for yourself if it…