Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald says she is finding World Rugby’s trial of a smaller match ball challenging. She spoke ahead of Sunday’s WXV Global Series opener against the United States at Tallaght Stadium.
Speaking to the BBC Sport report, Moloney-MacDonald was candid about the adjustment required at Test level.
It is different, I’m not going to lie. It’s probably a bit frustrating to have to deal with it in a competition at this level, like Test matches.
She added that the switch has left little time to adjust.
It is a bit of a transition period, particularly because we don’t use it in the domestic game.
Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald Admits Smaller Ball Trial Is Challenging
Moloney-MacDonald has years of experience at the top of the women’s game, so her verdict on the new ball carries real weight. Her comments open up a wider debate among players over how the ball behaves under pressure.
She was careful to frame her concerns as feedback rather than complaint. Players are expected to report their experiences of the trial ball to World Rugby through an established process.
World Rugby’s Size 4.5 Ball Trial and Player Reactions
World Rugby is trialling a size 4.5 ball throughout September and October’s WXV Global Series. It is roughly three per cent smaller than the men’s size five ball, though it weighs the same.
Moloney-MacDonald questioned whether the trial ball’s construction matches the standard used in previous tournaments.
It doesn’t hold as true as the size five ball would I’d say and maybe, I’m no expert, but I don’t know if the technology in terms of developing it has gone in as much as previous balls that we’d use in Six Nations windows for example.
Wet and windy conditions have made matters worse, she said.
I am finding it a bit challenging, particularly in windy and rainy conditions, I think it will be a little bit more difficult to control.
She also pointed to a narrower margin for error when handling the ball.
It definitely has a finer sweet spot I guess. I think a few people have mentioned that.
Squad kickers have raised similar worries about how the ball travels through the air, she added.
I’ve heard kickers saying it can die off at the end of kicks and at the end of long range passes, it can die off or be taken by the wind. It is what it is and we will give our feedback in due course and that’ll be the process we have to follow.
Reaction across the competing nations has been mixed. England’s May Campbell and Helena Rowland both raised concerns before the Red Roses beat Australia last week. Wales wing Lisa Neumann, however, said the smaller ball has helped her passing.
Irish Player Adaptations and Premiership Women’s Rugby Expansion
Moloney-MacDonald has built most of her career in England’s top flight. She joined Exeter Chiefs in 2022 after four seasons with Wasps, and that background shapes her view on where Irish rugby should head next.
Asked about the prospect of an Irish side eventually joining an expanded PWR, her answer was blunt: “brilliant.”
She explained why.
I think everyone’s looking for more intense competition and difficult games.
She then contrasted that enthusiasm with Ireland’s current fixture list.
I think with the Celtic Challenge (a cross-border competition featuring sides from Ireland, Wales and Scotland) they’re getting that, but putting an Irish side in the PWR would give them more regularity of facing those opponents.
She acknowledged the logistical strain such a move would create.
It would be very difficult for the side coming from Ireland, having to travel every second week, but it’s something the girls would relish, they’d love to be a part of it and it’d be very exciting for the league as well.
Ireland finished third in this year’s Women’s Six Nations. Moloney-MacDonald’s comments suggest a squad eager for tougher, more frequent tests as it looks to build on that result. Supporters can find more context on the squad in our recent international squad updates.
Ireland’s WXV Campaign Schedule and Upcoming Fixtures
Scott Bemand’s squad begin the WXV Global Series this weekend, hosting the United States at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is 13:45 BST.
Ireland then travel to face Japan twice, first in Galway on 27 September and again in Cork on 3 October. The final leg takes the squad to South Africa, where two further fixtures against WXV opposition are scheduled in Cape Town for 24 and 31 October.
The size 4.5 ball trial runs only through the September and October WXV window. Players from every competing nation will keep sending feedback to World Rugby as the fixtures continue. Readers can follow further coverage in our latest daily rugby roundup.
