Section 2: Equipment
The Ball (Law 2 – World Rugby Laws of the Game 2024)
The ball used in Rugby Union must be oval and made of four panels. Law 2.1 specifies the following dimensions and properties for the match ball:
- Length (long axis): 280–300 mm (approximately 11–11¾ inches)
- Circumference (end to end, long axis): 740–770 mm (approximately 29–30¼ inches)
- Circumference (in width, short axis): 580–620 mm (approximately 22¾–24½ inches)
- Weight: 410–460 g (approximately 14½–16¼ oz)
- Air pressure at the start of play: 65.71–68.75 kPa (0.67–0.70 kgf/cm², equivalent to 9.5–10.0 lbs per square inch)
- Material: Leather or a material that has a similar texture; must not be easily slippery
Under Law 2.2, the referee must inspect the ball(s) before the match. In wet conditions the referee may order the ball to be dried and, if necessary, replaced with a dry ball. Teams may nominate a ball person to supply the match ball during play.
Law 2.3 permits up to 6 additional balls to be available at designated positions around the field during international matches, subject to the agreement of both teams and the referee, to speed up play.
Players' Dress (Law 4 – World Rugby Laws of the Game 2024)
Law 4.1 specifies the mandatory items of players' dress:
- A jersey (shirt) with a collar and long or short sleeves
- Shorts
- Underwear (optional but must not protrude below shorts)
- Socks
- Boots (shoes)
Law 4.4 permits the following optional protective equipment, provided it is of soft and thin material:
- Shin guards
- Ankle supports worn under socks
- Shoulder pads (must meet World Rugby Specification 12 – max 1 cm foam thickness at 45 kg/m³)
- Fingerless mitts (must not have padding on the palm)
- Headgear (must meet World Rugby Specification 12)
- Mouthguard
- Compression shorts/tights worn under playing shorts
- Studs/cleats on boots (must comply with Law 4.5)
Law 4.5 governs studs. Studs must be made of leather, rubber, aluminium, nylon, or a similar material. They must not have burrs or sharp edges. Circular studs must not be less than 13 mm (½ inch) in diameter at the base. Moulded rubber studs on soles must conform to the same material requirements. Blade studs and non-circular studs are permitted subject to compliance with British Standard BS6366 or equivalent World Rugby approved specifications. Players wearing non-conforming studs may not take part in a match (Law 4.6).
Law 4.2 prohibits any item of dress that is dangerous to any player. This includes glass or hard buckles, rings, jewellery, zips exposed on the outside, and rigid or sharp items. Under Law 4.3, the referee may order a player to leave the field to change non-compliant dress. The player may return when the referee is satisfied the item has been changed or removed.