Midi & Mini Rugby Balls

Mini vs Midi Rugby Balls - What's the Difference?

Mini and midi balls are both smaller than a standard size 3 rugby ball, but they differ in size and purpose.
A midi ball is slightly larger than a mini - roughly the size of a grapefruit. It's designed for young children who are starting to develop catching and passing technique but aren't ready for a full size 3 ball. Most midi balls are a proper rubber-panelled ball construction in a smaller format.
A mini ball is smaller still - closer to the size of a large orange. These are primarily gift and novelty items rather than training balls. Team-branded mini balls from Gilbert, Steeden, Rhino and others are the most popular options in this category. They're not sized to any specific age group - they're decorative and play items rather than formal training equipment.
If you're buying for a child who is actively playing mini rugby, a size 3 ball is the right choice. If you're buying for a very young child or as a gift, a midi or mini ball is the practical and popular option.

Rugby Balls for Babies and Toddlers

Most mini rugby balls are standard rubber construction - the same material as a full-size ball, just smaller. For babies and very young toddlers, the size is the main consideration rather than the material. A midi or mini ball is small enough for young hands to grip and throw, which is why they're popular as first rugby balls.  For preschoolers and toddlers just being introduced to the sport, a size 1 mini or size 2 midi ball is the right starting point. If you specifically need a soft foam ball for indoor play with very young children, the Steeden foam options are the exception in this range - the majority are rubber construction.

Team-Branded Mini Rugby Balls

One of the most popular gift options in this range. Gilbert produce team-branded mini balls for England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the All Blacks among others - official licensed products carrying the same team branding as the full-size replica balls. Steeden produce NRL team balls for clubs including Melbourne Storm and the Canterbury Bulldogs. If you're buying for a young fan of a specific team, a mini ball in their team's colours is a consistently popular and affordable gift.

What Size Rugby Ball for My Child?

This is one of the most searched questions in this category, so here's a simple guide:
For babies and toddlers up to around age 3, a soft mini or foam ball is the right choice - no specific size applies, just something small and safe.
For children aged 6-9 starting to play mini rugby, a size 3 is the standard. A midi ball can bridge the gap for very young starters who find a size 3 too large.