England fly-half Zoe Harrison has criticized World Rugby's decision to introduce smaller balls for the upcoming WXV Global Series, calling it "the worst decision someone has ever made." The size 4.5 balls - approximately 3% smaller than a regulation size five but with the same weight - will be used in the September and October tournament. Harrison told BBC Sport she only learned about the trial when asked about it by journalists.

World Rugby says the change aims to make women's equipment proportionate to the men's game, promoting accuracy and fewer handling errors. Critics argue it could damage the women's game's image and increase costs for grassroots clubs. England will face Canada three times during the eight-week international window, alongside home fixtures against Australia and New Zealand.

The controversy comes as Harrison enjoys a remarkable kicking streak in the Women's Six Nations - she has landed all 15 kicks at goal so far in the tournament. The 28-year-old Saracens player maintains a simple pre-kick routine: "I put the ball down, line it up, take a couple of steps back and just kick the ball."