American Football vs. Rugby
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Official American footballs are governed by the NFL and NCAA rulebooks. The pro/college ball (Size 9) features a prolate spheroid shape with a long axis of 11.0–11.25 in (27.9–28.6 cm), long circumference of 27.75–28.5 in (70.5–72.4 cm), short circumference of 20.75–21.25 in (52.7–54.0 cm), weight of 14.0–15.0 oz (397–425 g), and inflation pressure of 12.5–13.5 psi.
Official rugby balls are prolate spheroids regulated by World Rugby (Law 2) for Rugby Union and the RFL for Rugby League. An adult match ball (Size 5) has a length of 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in), long circumference of 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in), short circumference of 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in), mass of 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz), and pressure of 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi).
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Long Circumference
|
70.5–72.4 cm (27.75–28.5 in) | 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in) |
|
Short Circumference
|
52.7–54.0 cm (20.75–21.25 in) | 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in) |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
12.5–13.5 psi (0.86–0.93 bar / 86.2–93.1 kPa) | 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi / 65.71–68.75 kPa) |
|
Official Pro / College Tier
|
Size 9 (Wilson The Duke) NFL / NCAA Standard | — |
|
Long Axis Length
|
27.9–28.6 cm (11.0–11.25 in) | — |
|
Weight / Mass
|
397–425 g (14.0–15.0 oz) | — |
|
Outer Material
|
4-Piece Full-Grain Horween Leather with Pebble Grain Cowhide | — |
|
Lacing Specification
|
1 Lacing containing exactly 8 Cross-Stitches Pro Standard | — |
|
Official Match Size
|
— | Size 5 World Rugby / IRL Standard |
|
Length Axis (Tip to Tip)
|
— | 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in) |
|
Mass / Weight
|
— | 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz) |
|
Size 4 Youth (Ages 10–14)
|
— | 270 mm length / 540 mm short circ / 370–390 g Youth Standard |
|
Size 3 Junior (Under 10)
|
— | 250 mm length / 500 mm short circ / 310–330 g Junior Standard |
|
Panel Geometry
|
— | 4-Panel Poly-Cotton Laminate with Rubber Compound Pimple Grip Standard |