Simon Shaw UltraGrip Rugby Ball The All-Weather Training Ball | Size 5

This UltraGrip ball is suggested for ages 6 to 7, which helps if you are choosing between sizes for a young player. It is built with a triple-layer backing of premium grade PolyCotton and cotton cloth, so it is sized and constructed for smaller hands learning grip and control rather than adult match play. If you are buying for an older child or adult, check that this age range fits before ordering.

The UltraGrip uses a ShawGrip texturised surface designed to give players enhanced control with every catch and pass, whatever the weather. This is combined with WindShaw aerodynamic styling, which is built to deliver a reliable, true flight from hand or boot even in wet or windy conditions. Together these two features are the actual mechanism behind the all-weather claim, not just a marketing label.

The UltraGrip uses a premium latex bladder inside a triple-layer construction. The outer material is a blend of premium grade natural and synthetic rubber with silica reinforced technology, which works alongside the latex bladder to help the ball hold its shape. This combination is aimed at keeping performance consistent through repeated training sessions rather than just a single game.

Durability here comes from ShawStitch bonded thread, which is designed to hold the panels together season after season rather than a single term of use. The triple-layer backing of PolyCotton and cotton cloth adds structure underneath the outer rubber blend, so the ball is built to keep its shape under repeated catching, passing and kicking. It is described as an all-weather training partner for players and coaches, which points to regular, ongoing use.

It was designed and developed by Simon Shaw, an England rugby legend, with the aim of maximising grip and handling in any weather. His input shaped the ShawGrip texturised surface and the WindShaw aerodynamic styling that define this ball. It is sold under his name as part of Jaques of London's outdoor range, aimed at players and coaches who train regularly rather than casual back garden use.

The description positions this as an all-weather training partner that players and coaches can rely on, which points more to structured coaching or squad training than casual garden play. The ShawGrip surface and WindShaw styling are aimed at consistent handling and flight during repeated drills. Suggested ages of 6 to 7 suggest it also suits early youth coaching sessions specifically.

The main differences named are the ShawGrip texturised surface for grip in wet conditions and WindShaw aerodynamic styling for consistent flight, both developed with Simon Shaw. It also uses a triple-layer construction with ShawStitch bonded thread, plus a premium latex bladder and a natural and synthetic rubber blend with silica reinforced technology. These named materials and mechanisms are what separate it from a generic unbranded training ball.

The suggested age range given for this ball is 6 to 7 years old. This makes it suited to young players just starting to learn catching, passing and kicking rather than older youth or adult training. If you need a ball for an older child, it is worth checking Jaques' other outdoor options against this age guide before buying.