How do I choose the right Rugby Ball?

Rugby Balls Guide

Silver Fern offers a wide range of Rugby Union and Rugby League balls, read this quick 2-minute guide to choose the best one for you.

Also, check out the articles What are Rugby Balls made of? and Rugby Ball Size Guide if you'd like to know more about the composition of the and the appropriate age groups for each ball.

Rugby Union

Astro (Entry-Level Trainer)

The Astro is an entry level trainer, is our cheapest ball but that doesn't mean it's low quality, this affordable ball is durable and can take a fair beating.

Built with standard quality materials, great for light training sessions.

  • Performance: 5/10. 
  • Durability: 5/10.
  • Price: Low.
  • Ply-Lining: 2. (Higher is better).
  • Rubber Grade: 3. (Lower is better).
  • Stitching: Machine-Stitched.
  • Valve: Panel Valve.

The Astro is available in 4 sizes (2.5, 3, 4 and 5), and you can buy it here.

Stellar (Premium Semi-Match Trainer)

The Stellar is our star ball (no pun intended), it's made to withstand the toughest training sessions.

Built with premium quality materials, great for high performance training.

  • Performance: 7/10.
  • Durability: 10/10.
  • Price: Mid.
  • Ply Lining: 3. (Higher is better).
  • Rubber Grade: 2. (Lower is better).
  • Stitching: Hand-Stitched.
  • Valve: Panel valve.

This a great ball and can even be used as a match ball for Junior leagues or less serious competitions.

The Stellar is available in 4 sizes (2.5, 3, 4 and 5), and you can buy it here.

Silver Fern Rugby Stellar Premium Trainer Ball Size 5

SFX (Entry-Level Match)

The SFX is an affordable Match Ball, it performs better than the Stellar but is not meant for training, durability is lower here. It also has a balanced seam valve which gives the ball greater stability.

Built with standard quality materials, great for any league and competition that's not at the highest level.

  • Performance: 8/10.
  • Durability: 8/10.
  • Price: Mid.
  • Ply Lining: 3. (Higher is better).
  • Rubber Grade: 1.5. (Lower is better).
  • Stitching: Hand-Stitched.
  • Valve: Balanced Seam Valve.

The SFX is available in two sizes (4 and 5) and you can get it here.

Meteor (Top-of-the-line Match Ball)

Finally, the Meteor, our best ball in our current range. This is a high-end Match Ball made for the most demanding matches and high level athletes. Is it durable? Is a Ferrari fuel efficient?

It's built with the best materials available.

  • Performance: 10/10.
  • Durability: 5/10.
  • Price: High.
  • Ply Lining: 4. (Higher is better).
  • Rubber Grade: 1. (Lower is better).
  • Stitching: Hand-Stitched.
  • Valve: Balanced Seam Valve.

The Meteor is only available as a Size 5, and you can get your today here.

        Rugby League

        Trainer (Every-day Trainer Ball)

        This ball is an excellent Trainer for everyday sessions, it's affordable, it's durable, it's good.

        Built with standard quality materials.

        • Performance: 5/10.
        • Durability: 5/10.
        • Price: Low.
        • Ply Lining: 2. (Higher is better).
        • Rubber Grade: 3. (Lower is better).
        • Stitching: Machine-Stitched.
        • Valve: Panel valve.

        The League Trainer is available in three sizes: Mini (3), Mod (4) and Club (5). You can get it here.

        Ultima (Entry-Level Match Ball)

        The Ultima is a match ball very capable and durable, it focuses in maintaining an accessible price while sacrificing some performance.

        Built with standard quality materials.

        • Performance: 7/10.
        • Durability: 10/10.
        • Price: Mid.
        • Ply Lining: 3. (Higher is better).
        • Rubber Grade: 2. (Lower is better).
        • Stitching: Hand-Stitched.
        • Valve: Panel valve.

        The Ultima is available in Size 5, you can buy yours here.

        Silver Fern Rugby League Ultima Match Ball Size 5

        Kauri (Top-of-the-line Match Ball)

        Last but not least, the Kauri League Match Ball, our highest end ball for RL. Same as the Meteor, this ball goes for maximum performance in exchange for durability.

        Built with the highest quality materials available.

        • Performance: 10/10.
        • Durability: 5/10.
        • Price: High.
        • Ply Lining: 4. (Higher is better).
        • Rubber Grade: 1. (Lower is better).
        • Stitching: Hand-Stitched.
        • Valve: Panel valve.

        The Kauri comes only as a Size 5, get yours here.

        Silver Fern Rugby League Kauri Match Ball Size 5

        Check out this explainer video of Jono going over our different Rugby Union balls:

         

         

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