Rugby vs. Soccer
Comparing 2 standards across 19 specifications. 19 key differences identified.
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).
Official soccer balls are governed by IFAB Law 2 and FIFA Quality Programme standards. The adult match ball (Size 5) has a circumference of 68.0–70.0 cm (27–28 in), weight of 410–450 g (14–16 oz), and inflation pressure of 0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi). Youth categories use Size 4 (ages 8–12) and Size 3 (under 8), while Futsal uses a low-bounce weighted bladder.
Specification Comparison Table
19 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Official Match Size
|
Size 5 World Rugby / IRL Standard | — |
|
Length Axis (Tip to Tip)
|
280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in) | — |
|
Long Circumference
|
740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in) | — |
|
Short Circumference
|
580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in) | — |
|
Mass / Weight
|
410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz) | — |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi / 65.71–68.75 kPa) | — |
|
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 | — |
|
Standard Adult Size
|
— | Size 5 IFAB / FIFA Official Match |
|
Size 5 Circumference
|
— | 68.0–70.0 cm (26.8–27.6 in) |
|
Size 5 Mass / Weight
|
— | 410–450 g (14.5–15.9 oz) |
|
Size 5 Inflation Pressure
|
— | 0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi / 600–1,100 g/cm²) |
|
Size 4 Circumference (Youth 8–12)
|
— | 63.5–66.0 cm (25.0–26.0 in) |
|
Size 4 Mass / Weight
|
— | 350–390 g (12.3–13.8 oz) |
|
Size 3 Circumference (Junior <8)
|
— | 58.5–61.0 cm (23.0–24.0 in) |
|
Size 3 Mass / Weight
|
— | 300–320 g (10.6–11.3 oz) |
|
Futsal Ball Size
|
— | Size 4 (Low-Bounce) 62.0–64.0 cm / 400–440 g (55–65 cm rebound) |
|
Standard Outer Construction
|
— | 32-Panel (20 Hexagons + 12 Pentagons) or Thermal-Bonded PU Synthetic Leather |