The Ball. The oval shape. The central element to the game of rugby, the design thereof is vital, to encapsulate, movement, power, balance and unity. This is achieved through the integration of colour and use of space, layered on the specific manufacturer's texture and emphasis on brand delivery of tournament. Differentiation through design is evident in the chronology of tournament balls displayed.

The Heineken Cup has had several ball suppliers since its inception, from Gilbert, Webb Ellis to adidas. For the Season 2010/11 the adidas ball - flame design is evocative of the natural elements of earth wind and fire all delivered in dense design that is evocative of a tattoo of flame richly coloured in the green of the earth of the pitch, upon which the game is played.