Effect of surface texture, moisture and wear on handling of rugby balls

Good grip of a rugby ball is essential in rugby union. New balls now have “pimples” on their surface to improve handling, but the exact effect of these has not been quantified. s work friction tests were run on a range of pimple patterns. New and worn surfaces were used in dry, wet and muddy conditions. Finger pad and palm contacts were used. Effects of wearing different types of rugby mitt were also investigated. with dense pimple pattern gave greater friction in dry conditions. Less dense pimple patterns performed better in the wet and muddy conditions. tic leather mitts gave the best performance because the imposed texture was able to interlock more with the pimples on the balls.