The global conversation around World Rugby’s unproven size 4.5 ball trial can no longer be contained by secrecy. Today, we are launching a worldwide, independent survey to give every player, coach, and fan the opportunity to be heard directly.
Our action is a direct response to World Rugby’s repeated refusal to share the biomechanical data or technical specifications of the trial, despite direct requests from our organization and other key stakeholders.
The Local Mandate is Clear
The results from our initial poll at the Mary Graham All Stars Tournament were conclusive: Of the 138 players, coaches, fans, and referees surveyed, 94.9% opposed the size 4.5 ball trial. The community is unified against this arbitrary change.
The message is unambiguous: players and stakeholders are tired of being treated as subjects in a trial without full disclosure. We are now scaling this voice to ensure World Rugby understands the global consensus.
Why Independent Global Data is Necessary
World Rugby has attempted to defend its position by pointing to general research funding and a “golden rule” about female cohort sizes. This is window dressing.
The truth is World Rugby is practicing selective transparency. They will showcase studies they fund, but they continue to withhold the one piece of evidence that matters most: the specific reports justifying the size 4.5 ball. Their refusal to share this fundamental data necessitates an independent global poll.
This new global survey is designed to counter that secrecy. We are collecting data on opinion, geographic location, and level of play (Youth, Club, Representative, and International) to provide an irrefutable snapshot of global sentiment.
ACTION: Fill out the survey and share it widely!
Live Survey Results
In our commitment to immediate and full transparency, we are making the results of this survey visible in real-time. You can track the live, global response to the size 4.5 ball question as soon as you cast your vote:
This new global survey is designed to counter World Rugby’s secrecy. We are collecting data on opinion, geographic location, and level of play (Youth, Club, Representative, and International) to provide an irrefutable snapshot of global sentiment.
We demand accountability. We demand World Rugby stop focusing on proportional fixes and start focusing on the actual, critical welfare needs of female athletes. The size 4.5 ball trial is a distraction from the systemic lack of funding for ACL injury prevention, concussion protocols for women, and the persistent boot inequality crisis.
