How to Store Rugby Balls Properly? Tips for Clubs
After the summer break you open the ball bag and there they are: balls with cracked leather, collapsed seams and completely wrong air pressure. As a club manager or coach, you know that feeling. And it is entirely preventable.
Store rugby balls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. Clean the balls before storing and make sure they are completely dry. Use a breathable ball bag or a ball rack to prevent deformation. For long-term storage, slightly deflate the ball to 6-7 psi to reduce pressure on the seams. Check the pressure at least once every four weeks and always before each training session or match.
Why proper storage makes the difference
A rugby ball is more than rubber and leather. The bladder, the seams, the outer material: all these components react to temperature, humidity and pressure. A ball stored in the wrong conditions for months loses elasticity, shrinks or expands, and can develop cracks in places that cannot be repaired.
For clubs this matters even more. You are not dealing with one ball but with dozens. A poorly stored set of balls can cost you a major recovery operation before the next season, or simply force you to buy new ones. That is avoidable.
The most durable training balls and match balls last two to four times longer with proper storage compared to poor storage conditions.
Temperature and humidity
The ideal storage temperature for rugby balls is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures cause the air inside the bladder to expand, putting pressure on the seams. Prolonged exposure to heat above 30 degrees can permanently damage the seams.
Direct sunlight is a separate problem. UV radiation breaks down the outer material, even synthetic leather. Never store balls in front of a window or in a space where sunlight falls directly on the storage area.
Cold is also not a friend to rugby balls. Below freezing, the material becomes stiff and vulnerable to cracking under use. An unheated outdoor shed during winter is not a suitable storage location.
Humidity
Too much humidity encourages mould on the surface and weakens the seams over time. Too little humidity, such as a dry heated room in winter, dries out the leather and causes fine cracks. Aim for a relative humidity of 40 to 60 percent. Most regular indoor rooms achieve this without any special measures.
Air pressure during storage
Rugby balls in use should be inflated to 9 to 10 psi, with match balls at 9.5 to 10 psi. According to Gilbert, one of the world's largest rugby ball manufacturers, over-inflation is one of the most common causes of permanent shape distortion and seam damage.
For longer storage, a different rule applies: deflate the ball slightly to 6 to 7 psi. This prevents the bladder from being under constant tension and keeps the seams intact. This is especially important when storing balls for several weeks or an entire season.
Always check:
- 🔴 Pressure above 10 psi during storage: release some air immediately
- 🟠 Pressure not checked in over four weeks: do it now
- ⚪ Pressure between 6 and 10 psi: ball is ready for the next step
Use a stirrup pump with a built-in pressure gauge for accurate readings. A standard bicycle pump without a gauge does not give reliable pressure values for rugby balls.
Cleaning before storage
A dirty ball going into storage stays dirty throughout the storage period. Mud and sand are abrasive on the surface. Moisture trapped under dried dirt encourages mould and weakens the material from within.
Clean each ball before storing it:
- Remove loose dirt with a dry cloth
- Wipe with a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap
- Rinse off any soap thoroughly with a clean damp cloth
- Dry completely, including the valve
- Allow the ball to air dry fully before placing it in a bag
Never store a ball that is still damp. Moisture inside a closed ball bag is the quickest route to mould, material damage and an unpleasant smell at the start of the next season.
Ball bags and racks
The way you physically store the balls matters as much as the environment. A pile of balls under other equipment causes permanent deformation. Balls rolling loose on the floor get damaged or go missing.
Ball bags
A breathable ball bag is the most practical solution for clubs. The open mesh structure keeps balls together without trapping moisture. This is different from a closed bag or canvas sack, where condensation causes problems. Always choose ventilation over compactness for long-term storage.
If you store and transport larger quantities of balls, the backpack ball bag is a useful option. It is portable, well-ventilated and practical for away matches.
Ball racks
A ball rack holds the balls upright on their point, preventing deformation from their own weight or external pressure. This is particularly useful when storing 10 or more balls on a regular basis. Combine the rack with the right storage environment for best results.
Long-term storage at end of season
At the end of the season, when balls will not be used for weeks or months, a few extra steps are worthwhile:
- Inspect each ball for damage: seams, valve, outer surface
- Clean thoroughly and dry completely
- Deflate to 6-7 psi
- Store in breathable bags on a rack, at room temperature
- Mark balls that need replacing so you are not caught out before the new season
- Plan an inspection round before the new season starts and re-inflate all balls to 9-10 psi
Balls with a printed club logo or branding need extra attention. Printing can be damaged by extreme temperatures or prolonged contact with damp surfaces. Store custom balls separately in a dry environment where possible.
Frequently asked questions about storing rugby balls
Should you slightly deflate a rugby ball for long-term storage?
Yes, for storage over several weeks or an entire season it is advisable to deflate the ball slightly to 6-7 psi. This prevents the bladder from stretching and keeps the seams from being under constant pressure. For daily use, 9-10 psi applies.
How warm can the storage area for rugby balls get?
Ideally between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. Above 30 degrees, the air inside the bladder can expand and damage the seams. Extreme cold below freezing makes the material stiff and vulnerable to cracking.
Can I store rugby balls in an outdoor shed?
Only if temperature and humidity remain stable. An unheated shed can become too cold and damp in winter. A dry, frost-free indoor space is the better choice.
How often should I check the pressure of stored rugby balls?
At least once every four weeks and always before every training session or match. Rugby balls naturally lose air slowly, even when stored correctly.
How RAM Rugby helps with ball care
Good ball management starts with the right equipment. At RAM Rugby you will find everything your club needs to keep balls in top condition:
- Breathable ball bags for ventilation and transport, with drainage and adjustable strap
- Stirrup pump with pressure gauge for accurate inflation and monitoring
- Electric ball pump for fast inflation of larger quantities
- Training balls and match balls built to last
Not sure which combination suits your club? Get in touch and we will be happy to help.
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