Episode

Women’s Six Nations: Smaller balls and bigger crowds

Podcast
Rugby Union Weekly
Published
May 6, 2026
Duration seconds
2599
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0njqzxz
Audio
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/6/redir/version/2.0/mediaset/audio-nondrm-download-rss/proto/http/vpid/p0njqtdk.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/rugby-union-weekly-443156/episodes/women-s-six-nations-smaller-balls-and-bigger-crowds
Markdown
/podcast/rugby-union-weekly-443156/women-s-six-nations-smaller-balls-and-bigger-crowds.md

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Summary

Should the women’s game be using smaller balls? The debate is back on the agenda after Zoe Harrison’s interview with Sara about the decision to use size 4.5 balls at this autumn's WXV Global Series. Kat Merchant and Philippa Tuttiett give their views on ball trial, and discuss whether it is a backwards step for the game. We also examine the state of the women’s game in Italy as they prepare to face the Red Roses after an impressive victory over Scotland. Ticket sales for Ireland’s big date at the Aviva continue to fly off the shelf. Can Wales build on their bonus point against England and cause a big upset in Belfast?