Why is a rugby ball shaped like it is?

Question

Why is a rugby ball shaped like it is?

Answer 1

easier to hold, harder to kick and control on the bounce

Answer 2

I was going to answer the question but someone as given you the correct answer already it is the one that refers to the pigs bladder

do I get the 10 points for being honest thank you

Answer 3

its easier to catch and carry to the line

Answer 4

Because the person who invented it was sick of seeing too many round balls.

Answer 5

because you are mean to pass the ball and it is aero dynamics in shape so if chucked right it will go straight and further then a round ball

regards x Kitti x

Answer 6

I heard that in fact the soccer ball in webb ellis' famous match was irregular, so he picked it up and ran. It would make sense since balls were made of lamb's stomaches those days.

So, the irregularity was set as it's prolate spheroid current shape, because of it being easier to grab and handle, and voila!

Answer 7

so it spins and stuff like a bullet

Answer 8

Richard Lindon and William Gilbert were the pioneers of the rugby ball and by the 1850's they were the two main suppliers of balls to the Rugby schools.  They made the ball from pigs bladder which gave the oval shape.  The shape of the Rubgy ball was then added to the rules of the game in 1892, which stated the ball had to be as follows;

- Length 11 to 11 1/4 inches

- Circumference (end on) 30 to 31 inches

- Circumference (in width) 25 1/2 to 26 inches

- Weight: 12 to 13 ounces

- Hand sewn with not less than 8 stitches to the inch

Answer 9

READ PHILLIPMY'S ANSWER.  HE IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT