Simon Shaw Marksman Rugby Ball The Passing & Control Ball | Size 5

The Marksman was engineered by Simon Shaw specifically for developing passing accuracy, so it suits players of all levels, not just advanced ones. The ShawGrip texturised surface gives a consistent, confident grip whether you are new to spiral passes or already drilling pop passes. Suggested age starts from around 6 to 7. It is built as a training tool first, so beginners get the same feedback and feel that helps sharpen technique over time.

ShawGrip is a texturised surface finish designed to give a consistent, confident grip through repeated passing and catching drills. It sits over a triple-layer backing of top-grade PolyViscose, PolyCotton, and Cotton cloth, which gives the ball its firm, responsive structure. The bladder is premium latex, and the ball uses a blend of natural and synthetic rubber with silica reinforced technology. Together these layers are what give the grip its feel, rather than a single coating alone.

The Marksman uses ShawStitch, a bonded thread construction designed to keep the ball in shape through thousands of passes and drills. This matters most in repetitive training use, where cheaper stitching can loosen or distort the panels over time. Combined with the triple-layer cloth backing, the stitching is built specifically for intensive drill work rather than occasional casual play. It is one of the reasons this is described as a training tool rather than a general play ball.

It is designed around passing accuracy and ball handling, covering spiral passes, pop passes, and catching drills specifically. Simon Shaw engineered it to give players direct feedback on technique rather than just being a ball to throw around. This makes it suited to structured practice sessions rather than only matches. The consistent grip and firm structure are aimed at helping players notice and correct small technique errors during repeated drilling.

The suggested age range is from around 6 to 7 years old. It is built as a training ball for developing passing accuracy, so it works for young players just starting to learn grip and technique. Because it is engineered for feedback and feel rather than raw power, it suits players who are still building fundamental skills. There is no upper age limit mentioned, since the design goal is accuracy training at any stage.

The SOURCE does not specify pump or valve details for the Marksman. What is confirmed is the internal build: a premium latex bladder combined with a blend of natural and synthetic rubber and silica reinforced technology. This construction is what gives the ball its firm, responsive feel once inflated. If specific inflation instructions matter to you, check the packaging, as this detail is not covered here.

The Marksman is built specifically as a passing and accuracy trainer, not a general match ball. It uses ShawGrip texturised surface and ShawStitch bonded thread, both engineered for repeated drilling rather than match wear alone. The triple-layer PolyViscose, PolyCotton, and Cotton backing gives a firm, responsive structure aimed at feedback during technique work. If your main need is technique development rather than matchday use, this is the more specific tool for that job.

ShawStitch bonded thread is designed to keep the ball in shape through thousands of passes and drills, which points to daily training use rather than occasional play. The triple-layer cloth backing and silica reinforced rubber blend add to a firm, responsive structure meant to hold up under repetition. Jaques of London has made games since 1795 as a family-owned company, and backs this ball with easy returns within 30 days if it does not perform as expected.