‘It’s probably an unnecessary addition’: Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald not a fan of new smaller ball

World Rugby has mandated that a new size 4.5 ball will be used for the upcoming WXV Global Series fixtures, including Ireland’s Test against the USA in Tallaght Stadium on Sunday. Despite being marketed as the same weight, it’s 3 per cent smaller than the size 5 that is used in men’s rugby from 15 years and up.

They’re the measurements, but how does it measure up? Lineout throwing and kicking would be two performance aspects directly impacted, so who better to offer an appraisal than Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald.