England balloons in the colours of the national team

The Rose XV, from the first test of 1871 to the title in 2003

The England team played the very first international match in history on March 27, 1871, in Edinburgh, against Scotland, the same year the English federation was founded. The Rose XV became in 2003 the first northern hemisphere nation to win the world championship: in the final in Sydney, against Australia, Jonny Wilkinson kicked a drop goal with his right foot just seconds before the end of extra time. The English also reached the finals in 1991, 2007, and 2019, losing to Australia and then twice to South Africa.

The other nations

Nation balls are also available:

• South Africa balls.
• Australia balls.
• France balls.
• Ireland balls.
• New Zealand balls.

All nation balls are gathered on the nation balls page.

The red rose, Twickenham and the Calcutta Cup

The red rose, featured on the white jersey since 1871, gives its nickname to the team. The English play at Twickenham, a stadium inaugurated in 1909 in South West London and the largest venue in the world dedicated to rugby, where the crowd sings “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Each year, the match against Scotland awards the Calcutta Cup, contested since 1879 and considered the oldest trophy in international rugby. The Crunch against France remains another major appointment for the English in the tournament.

The Welcome ball, a memento from the 2023 World Cup

The Welcome ball commemorates the tenth World Cup, held in France in autumn 2023, where England reached the semi-finals before losing by one point to South Africa, and then achieved third place against Argentina. In supporter version, it is used for passes between adults or teenagers, but many keep it intact as a memento. In this case, it is placed on a stand, away from a window, and slightly deflated to preserve the seams and color stability.

Good deals

Great deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

Why was the rugby ball created in England?

The game formed at Rugby School, in Warwickshire, where a nearby shoemaker was already supplying oval balls in the early nineteenth century. The town gave its name to the sport, whose rules were codified in 1871 by the English federation, founded that same year.

What size for a child supporter of the Rose XV?

Before the age of ten, size three, light and easy to grasp; from eleven to around fourteen years, size four. For a little one or a young supporter’s room, a mini size one ball is more suitable.

What is the Crunch?

It is the nickname for the France-England match, a rivalry that began with the first clash between the two nations in 1906 in Paris. Its place in the tournament calendar often makes it a decisive match for the title or the Grand Slam.

Is the England ball suitable for wet fields?

A supporter version offers decent grip for passes, but its less refined cover slips more than a match ball in the rain. Wipe it down after use and let it dry in the open air before storing it away.

How to get a rugby ball signed?

Using a medium-tip permanent marker, on a clean, dry ball, leaving space on each panel for signatures. Keep it away from direct sunlight, which can fade the ink within a few months.