England's Red Roses Prepare for WXV Global Series with Smaller Balls

England's women's rugby team, known as the Red Roses, is currently in Nottingham for pre-season training in preparation for the upcoming WXV Global Series. This new competition will see them compete against Australia, Canada, and New Zealand on home soil in September, followed by matches against Canada and the USA in October.

The Red Roses are utilizing World Rugby's new size 4.5 balls, which are approximately 3% smaller than the standard size five but maintain the same weight. The introduction of these balls has sparked some controversy, with player Zoe Harrison previously expressing strong disapproval. Head coach John Mitchell emphasized the importance of coaching in adapting to the new equipment, suggesting that success will depend on how well the team is trained.

Mitchell noted that while it is too early to determine the impact of the smaller balls on gameplay, they may influence aspects like contestable kicking. The WXV Global Series will consist of Test matches without a tournament structure, allowing for a more patient approach to development. Additionally, the team is adjusting to a demanding travel schedule as they prepare for their matches.