Overview
- Top women’s sevens will use the bespoke size‑4.5 Gilbert ball across the HSBC SVNS, starting in Dubai this weekend.
- The ball is about 3% smaller than a regulation size five but retains the same weight to preserve kicking performance.
- Expansion follows trials at U18 and U20 internationals, domestic competitions in Spain and Colombia, and elite club sessions.
- Players reported greater control and accuracy, and World Rugby will gather further feedback plus analyze game metrics and injury rates before any change is adopted.
- Opinions among players are split and grassroots cost concerns persist, as the trial sits alongside other women‑specific adaptations such as tailored kit and a lower mouthguard trigger threshold.