Springboks Rugby Ball 8 pieces

In the long history of rugby balls, which began in 1835 in Rugby (no, it's not a coincidence), the 8-panel ball is an exception.

It was particularly popular for many years in South Africa, where this type of ball made of 8 pieces of leather was the norm until 1961. That was the year the IRB established the 4-piece ball as the standard.

South Africans believed that the 8-piece ball offered better grip, which was better for passing.

So, if the IRB wants to try it out again, we suggest the TOP 14 as a testing ground.