Smaller ball in women's rugby: England players give verdict

World Rugby is trialling a smaller size 4.5 ball — approximately 3% smaller than the standard size 5 used in men's rugby but the same weight — during the WXV Global Series in September and October 2024. England women's players, including hooker May Campbell, have offered mixed reactions to the new equipment, with some finding it harder to perform their roles. England are set to face Australia, Canada, and New Zealand over the next three weeks using the new ball.