Why is a rugby ball shaped as an oval?

Answer 1

Back in 1923 when the game was conceived the ball used was more like a football (soccer ball) However, because they used a pigs bladder for the inner tube and segmented leather sections for the outer-casing the ball was not really fully spherical. The shape frequently, especially after some use became somewhat egg shaped. IN that game the players could actually handle the ball but it required the ball carrier to retreat back toward their own team to pass the ball, if it was on the floor they could kick it ahead as we see in football today. When the games went their separate ways in circa 1870 the ball was redeveloped by Gillbert and because the ball was to be passed by hand and only occasionally kicked it became more torpedo shaped. This gave it greater flow through the air especially when spun passed (as we see scrum half doing from a set piece) Because the ball was becoming more aerodynamic the ball travelled further. When torpedo kicked (kicked off the outside edge of the boot along the length area of the ball) the ball spun at high speed and travelled through the air considerable distances and became quite accurate. The grubber kick then became a very tactical kick where the ball bounced end over end randomly making catching and running for the defender difficult. As the game has developed so has the shape of the ball to ball and optimum passing with optimum kicking. It should also be noted that a Rugby league ball is slightly smaller than that of union because they do kick less by increase hand passing a lot more.

Answer 2

A rugby ball is oval in shape because it a good shape to throw and catch. It also makes it more aerodynamic and bounces more interestingly and unpredictably when hitting the floor.

Answer 3

So that when it is kicked it can bounce anywhere and make it much harder to chase

Answer 4

A rugby (league or union) ball is a prolate spheroid.

The same shape is also used in Australian Rules Football, and in both American and Canadian football.

Answer 5

easier to catch and hold i think. also adds an element of unpredictability when it bounces

Answer 6

In and around 1823 the ball used for the game was round as the years passed and kicking was a lesser part of the game the ball took its oval shape which made it easier to pass hand to hand