Rugby Ball Explodes During Game, Team Manager Vows to Adjust PSI

Rugby Union’s ITM Cup has a PSI issue of it’s own this week. During Southland’s 27-18 win over Northland over the weekend, a ball popped during play. The ball came off a Dan Hawkins’ and was blocked loudly by an opponent, Tim Boys. Boys then picked the ball up and dove on it for a try. At some point in that exchange, the ball exploded. How can this be avoided in the future? Via the NZ Herald:

"Perplexed by the random deflation, Northland ITM Cup team manager and chief ball pumper, Brad Te Haara , said he would be looking to keep the balls at a lower pounds per square inch [psi] for Northland’s remaining home games this season. “We inflated it to the correct psi, nine to 11 psi it’s meant to be,” Te Haara said."

The burst ball will now be sent to adidas for inspection and testing. Odds are they will figure out exactly what happened to this ball and ensure it never happens again before Tom Brady’s next court appearance.