England captain Meg Jones has commented on the new, smaller rugby balls being trialled in the upcoming WXV Global Series, stating they "reward perfection." However, she intends to reserve her final judgement on the balls until the campaign is over.
World Rugby has introduced the women’s bespoke 4.5 ball, which is 3% smaller than the standard size 5 but maintains the same weight. The governing body states the smaller size is "specially designed to suit female players" and aims to provide a "better platform for showcasing handling skills."
The WXV Global Series will involve the sport's top 12 sides. England, the world champions, are scheduled to begin their six-Test series against Australia at CorpAcq Stadium on Saturday. They will also play Canada three times, New Zealand, and America.
England's squad has been bolstered by the return of four 2025 World Cup winners from injury: centre Tatyana Heard, replacement prop Hannah Botterman, Natasha Hunt, and replacement lock Morwenna Talling. Sale fly-half Holly Aitchison is set to make her 50th international appearance in the opening match.