The Rugby Ball and its oval shape did not come about because the ball needed to be handled during a rugby game.

The Rugby Ball shape was dictated by the pig's bladder that was inserted into a hand stitched leather casing which was used as the ball.

It was only much later that rubber gained popularity and replaced the pigs bladder. In those early days it was necessary to ask for "volunteers" to inflate the ball for it was not a job that was sought after.

The pigs bladder would be blown up while still in its very smelly ‘‘green state'' solely by lung power down the stem of a clay pipe which was inserted into the opening of the bladder.

The Rugby Ball was originally much rounder and larger than it is today. It even had a lace handle on the top to hold it!

 

Rugby History (pre 1895)
The History of Rugby - did Rugby History really start
with William Webb Ellis at Rugby School?
A short discussion on the history of Rugby Posters and advertising
Explain the game: Rugby is the parent game of many of the modern football codes...
The shape of Rugby Balls was initially much rounder than Rugby Balls are now...
How the names and roles of Rugby Positions evolved into today's Rugby positions...
The first Rugby Rules and how they developed into the standard Rules of Rugby before 1895 and the Northern Union...
The Origin of Rugby began in the early 1800's...
What Country Saw the Origin of Rugby