On the left is one of the old leather balls first made by Richard Lindon and William Gillbert in 1820. The very first rugby balls were made from natural materials such as inflatable pigs bladder encased in leather.
Leather rugby footballs continued to be used until 1980 when they were officially replaced by footballs manufactured from synthetic materials. Leather balls were prone waterlogging and thus became not only heavy to kick but difficult to handle. The modern ball on the right is a more consistent shape, better balanced and more predictable in flight than those of leather construction making it an easier ball to kick accurately.
Gilbert balls have been in use from the time that rugby emerged during the nineteenth century. Although there are numerous manufacturers, most countries use the Gilbert ball.
0 comments:
Post a Comment