Gilbert Rugby is a British sports equipment manufacturing brand, specialising in rugby union and netball. The company is mostly known for its rugby union balls, having been official supplier for every World Cup since 1995.Gilbert será la pelota oficial de la Rugby World Cup, 24 March 2010
History One of the oldest sports companies in the world, the company was established by William Gilbert, a cobbler, in 1823, who along with his nephew, James, developed footballs for the neighbouring Rugby School. In 2002, after experiencing financial difficulties following a management buyout, Gilbert was purchased by Grays International.
Gilbert is the long-standing official ball supplier for the England, Wales, Scotland, Australia, South Africa, France, Italy and Argentina rugby unions. They also provide balls for World Netball. Gilbert is the official ball supplier of the ANZ Championship, the biggest netball competition in the world, and also the official supplier of the Netball World Championships. Their products include the Gilbert Synergie rugby ball.
In September 2014, Gilbert Rugby launched the "Match-XV" ball, which was developed specifically for the 2015 World Cup held in England. The Match-XV match ball was used throughout the Premiership Rugby,GILBERT LAUNCH MATCH-XV PLUS WITH AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY , 1 April 2016 Top 14Sharper Kicks & More Tries as new Gilbert MATCH-XV Balls Arrive by Adam Redmond on Pro14Rugby.com, 20 December 2017 and by all Gilbert-sponsored national unions in the test matches in November 2015.
Products The following table details products manufactured and commercialised by Gilbert for rugby union and netball markets. Sport Range of products Rugby union Balls, kit uniforms (jerseys/shorts/socks), protective gear (body armors, shoulder pads, head guards, scrum caps, mouthguards, gloves), boots, compression garments, bags, safety cones, tees, water bottles, tackle bags Netball Balls, Uniform equipment, footwear, post, rings
Sponsorships The following teams, associations and players wear uniforms and equipment provided by Gilbert:
Rugby National teams
Belgium UAE
Club teams
Pasteur Athletique Club Otago (National Provincial Championship) Dragons/Newport Berkshire Shire Hall RFC Bedford Blues Barbarian F.C.
Players
Mat Gilbert Thierry Dusautoir Seán Cronin Matthew Dempsey Blair Cowan Cheslin Kolbe Jake Ball Aaron Shingler Richard Hibbard Michael Hooper
Netball Australia Jamaica New Zealand
References
External links
Gilbert Netball