Rugby balls - union / league difference?

[JCB123]

I play Union, played League in the summer for a laugh / training, but used the same balls we normally use for Union.

Just wondering, are the balls different? League balls seem rounder and they never seem to spin when passed?

Is this just a Union technique?

Stupid, random question for a Monday, but I've always wondered?!

Cheers.

[Vocal Minority]

I know what you mena, butI think they are the same. They probably look rounder due to the graphics the makers put on the balls causing an optical illusion, and as in league you get 13 blokes rushing as a flat(ish) line rather than 6, the distances are shorter and there is no need to spin for accuracy.

[JCB123]

I'd have thought at the pace League is played at, they would want quick passes?!

I want my 9 or 10 (depending where I'm playing) to fire the ball at me as fast as possible so I have more time to conjour up a quick step, fancy back line move, or to brace myself for the expected arrival of their massive 7!

There's nothing worse than a slow, end over end pass!

[Vocal Minority]

Yes that is true, but those passes are coming to you from an effective set play, like a ruck, not usuually a running line.

Anyway, when you are passing it three yards like they often are, it would probably make stuff all difference to the speed and slow your hands down fractionally,

[Vocal Minority]

Yes that is true, but those passes are coming to you from an effective set play, like a ruck, not usuually a running line.

Anyway, when you are passing it three yards like they often are, it would probably make stuff all difference to the speed and slow your hands down fractionally,

[timlongs]

I'm sure league uses different balls, a bit rounder so they're easier to catch - think they have more 'sides' too with the way they're stitched together

[BullMoose]

A League ball is slightly shorter in length and more pointed than a Union ball.

[JCB123]

Maybe League players are just too ham fisted to spin pass?

[JCB123]

Union



League




And completely off topic, two balls I want to add to my collection:

[BraveSirRobin]

JCB123 said:

Maybe League players are just too ham fisted to spin pass?

Good luck with mentioning it to one face-to-face!

[XCP]

When I started in the early 70's some of the balls were dark brown leather, with a prominent lace, and virtually round. They also absorbed water, so got heavier as the game went on. The Posh ones were properly shaped and sticky with dubbin.

[dav123a]

SL uses Rhino balls they look rounder than union ones not sure if they are though.

[z4chris99]

there used to be an 8 panel league ball...

[z4chris99]

union rules;


2004 IRB Law 2 states:
The ball must be oval and made of four panels.
Length in line 280 - 300 millimeters
Circumference (end to end) 740 - 770 millimeters
Circumference (in width) 580 - 620 millimeters
Material: Leather or suitable synthetic material. It may be treated to make it water resistant and easier to grip.
Weight: 410 - 460 grams
Air pressure at start of play: 65.71-68.75 kilopascals, or 0.67-0.70 kilograms per square centimeter, or 9.5-10.0 lbs per square inch.

[NickNJ]

League balls are fatter as the game is more handling based whereas Union balls are longer and pointier to help kicking.

[DannyScene]

They are exactly the same as far as I know

For a short while Super League toyed with an 8 panneled(sp) ball but it was st

[Haggleburyfinius]

NickNJ said:

League balls are fatter as the game is more handling based whereas Union balls are longer and pointier to help kicking.

I think this is correct.