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England Women’s Rugby Switch to Smaller Size 4.5 Ball

8/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

England women's rugby team will use a size 4.5 ball—about three percent smaller than a size 5 ball but the same weight—in the WXV Global Series in September-October.
Head coach John Mitchell gave the ball to attackers and kickers for holiday practice.
Mitchell warned the change could increase contestable kicking, which England wants to avoid.
Fly-half Zoe Harrison called the decision “the worst decision someone has ever made” in May.

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Story summary

England women's rugby team will use a size 4.5 ball—about three percent smaller than a size 5 ball but the same weight—in the WXV Global Series in September-October.
Head coach John Mitchell gave the ball to attackers and kickers for holiday practice.
Mitchell warned the change could increase contestable kicking, which England wants to avoid.
Fly-half Zoe Harrison called the decision “the worst decision someone has ever made” in May.