A good quality rugby ball will help you improve your handling and kicking skills on and off the field.

In the olden days, rugby balls were made of hand-stitched leather.

But it would often get very heavy when it was raining, making it very difficult to handle in slippery conditions.

Technology has seen new waterproof materials which make the ball easier to handle in wet and muddy conditions.

Ensure your ball is properly pumped full of air before you start practising your passing, catching and kicking on your own or with a team-mate.

You can pay anything from �10 to �40 for a ball, but they will all be the same size and shape.