Difference between 7s, 10s and 15s rugby: what changes in equipment?
Your club is playing a sevens tournament this season alongside the regular 15s competition. Then someone asks: "Do we need different balls for 7s?" Good question. The answer is more nuanced than you might expect, and this article explains it clearly.
The three formats at a glance
Rugby comes in several formats, all officially recognised by World Rugby. The three most widely played variants are sevens (7s), tens (10s) and fifteens (15s).
| Feature | 7s (Sevens) | 10s (Tens) | 15s (Fifteens) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Players per team | 7 | 10 | 15 |
| Playing time | 2 x 7 min | 2 x 10 min | 2 x 40 min |
| Scrum | 3 per side | 5 per side | 8 per side |
| Conversion | Drop kick mandatory | Drop kick mandatory | Place kick or drop |
| Ball specification | Size 5, WR Approved | Size 5, WR Approved | Size 5, WR Approved |
Source: World Rugby Laws of the Game, Law 2
The ball: same rules, different preferences
World Rugby regulations make no distinction between formats. Size 5, 410-460g, 9.5-10.0 PSI and an approved mark apply equally to all formats. In practice, clear preferences emerge:
7s rugby
Many 7s players choose a ball with excellent grip, such as the Gilbert Barbarian 2.0. The Gripper 2.0 Pro Trainer is popular for 7s training sessions for the same reason.
10s rugby
A good all-round match ball like the Raider 2.0 works well for tens tournaments: solid grip, durable and affordable when buying in larger quantities.
15s rugby
The Victor 2.0 Elite Match Ball meets all requirements and is suitable for both junior and senior competitions.
How much equipment per format?
The number of balls you need differs per format because of the game style, not the rules.
| Format | Match balls (min) | Training balls | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7s | 4-6 per pitch | 8-12 per 14 players | High turnover, pre-pump |
| 10s | 4-6 per pitch | 10-15 per 20 players | More positional play |
| 15s | 6-8 per match | 15-20 per 30 players | Separate scrum ball set |
Clothing and protection per format
Same basic requirements apply across all formats: shirt, shorts and socks in team colours. In practice: 7s players wear lighter shirts; 15s forwards use more shoulder pads, mouthguards and tape.
Touch and Tag rugby: a separate category
For touch and tag, the Touch Match Rugby Ball for Tag and Touch Rugby is specifically developed for this purpose: lighter, softer and accessible to people without a rugby background.
Checklist: always check
Always verify the following before playing a tournament or match in a non-standard format:
Frequently asked questions
Do you use a different ball for 7s rugby than for 15s?
No, World Rugby regulations specify the same ball for all formats: size 5, weight 410-460 grams and pressure 9.5-10.0 PSI. In practice, many 7s players prefer balls with better grip because the game is faster.
How many balls do you need for a 7s tournament?
For a 7s tournament, plan for at least 4-6 match balls per pitch. Since matches are short and follow each other quickly, it is smart to have balls pre-pumped to the correct pressure.
Is rugby tens a separate format or just an intermediate form?
Rugby tens is an officially recognised format with its own World Rugby rules: 10 players per team, 2x10 minutes playing time and a 5-man scrum.
What is the clothing difference between 7s and 15s?
The rules impose no different clothing requirements per format. In practice, 7s players often wear lighter, tighter shirts. The basic requirements apply to all formats.
Can you use a training ball in an official 7s match?
No, at official 7s matches a World Rugby Approved match ball is required. Training balls do not meet the approval mark requirements.
How RAM Rugby helps with equipment per format
Whether you are organising a 7s tournament or planning a full 15s season, we have the balls and equipment for every format:
- World Rugby Approved match balls, from Victor 2.0 Elite to Gilbert Barbarian 2.0
- Durable training balls for 7s and 15s sessions, including club bundles
- Dedicated Touch and Tag rugby balls for non-contact play
- Tailored advice via our contact page, also for large club orders
Peter van der Hoeven
Specific question about balls, equipment or club orders? Peter knows the answer. Get in touch
