Ireland's Moloney-MacDonald finds new size 4.5 rugby ball challenging

Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald expressed difficulties with the size 4.5 ball being trialed in women's rugby. The smaller ball, approximately 3% less in size than the standard used in men's rugby, is being introduced during September and October's WXV Global Series. Moloney-MacDonald stated that the ball's design poses challenges, particularly in windy conditions, and may affect play at the Test match level. Ireland's WXV campaign opens against the United States on September 17 at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, with further matches scheduled against Japan and South Africa later this month and into October.

• 4:06 PMYahoo Sports — Moloney-MacDonald says size 4.5 ball 'challenging'