The revamped WXV Global Series is set to kick off on Saturday, with the top 12 nations in the world rankings competing in home and away matches. A notable change for this competition is World Rugby's trial of a smaller, size 4.5 ball, which is 3% smaller than the standard size five used across rugby union.
The trial aims to assess if a smaller ball can enhance skillsets, citing women's physiology as a potential reason. This comes despite previous statistics showing an 87.8% lineout success rate at the 2025 Women's Six Nations and 61% kicking success at the World Cup last year with the traditional ball.
Player reactions to the trial have been varied. England fly-half Zoe Harrison described it as the “worst decision ever.” However, Wales hooker Kelsey Jones acknowledged both sides of the argument, noting that while it might complicate efforts to grow the game, testing it at an international level could provide a true reflection of its benefits. Jones, like many players, has spent weeks training with the new ball, adjusting her set-piece routine.
England full-back Ellie Kildunne, whose team is on a 38-game winning streak, stated that the 4.5 ball isn't drastically different, though she has found spiral kicks harder. She expressed confidence that players would adapt, saying, "We didn’t have a problem with the fives, we won’t have a problem with the 4.5s."
World Rugby will collect feedback from players once the tournament concludes at the end of October. Upcoming fixtures include England facing Canada on 19 September, Scotland hosting the Black Ferns on the same day, Ireland playing South Africa on 24 October, and Wales competing in two Tests in Japan in October.