Gilbert Rugby Explained

Gilbert Rugby
Type:Private
Industry:Sports equipment
Foundation: in Rugby, England[1]
Founder:William Gilbert
Location:Robertsbridge, UK
Area Served:Worldwide
Products:Rugby union and netball equipment and accessories
Parent:Grays International

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.[2]

History

One of the oldest sports companies in the World and the UK. 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.[3]

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.[4] Gilbert is also 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,[5] which was developed specifically for the 2015 World Cup held in England. The Match-XV match ball was used throughout the Premiership Rugby,[6] Top 14[7] 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.

width=150pxSportwidth=600pxRange of products
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
Balls, Uniform equipment, footwear, post, rings

Sponsorships

The following teams, associations and players wear uniforms and equipment provided by Gilbert:

Rugby

National teams

Club teams

Players

Netball

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gilbert Rugby - History - Rugby's Original Brand. Grays of Cambridge (International) Ltd. gilbertrugby.com. 2016-04-04. 2016-04-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20160403084929/http://gilbertrugby.com/History.aspx. dead.
  2. http://www.cordobaxv.com.ar/gilbert-sera-la-pelota-oficial-de-la-rwc/ Gilbert será la pelota oficial de la Rugby World Cup
  3. News: Batmaker gets balls as James Gilbert is rescued . scrum.com . 15 September 2002 . 2008-10-16.
  4. Web site: . Gilbert - Official Ball Supplier . 19 July 2006 . 2009-02-24 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080314083213/http://www.netball.org/events.aspx?id=103 . 2008-03-14 .
  5. Web site: Gilbert Rugby . Innovative Rugby World Cup 2015 Match XV ball launched . 29 August 2014 . 2014-08-29 . East Sussex . 2015-03-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150304235035/http://www.gilbertrugby.com/News.aspx?pid=20140829-GIL1 . dead .
  6. https://www.gilbertrugby.com/eng/news/20160401-GIL2 GILBERT LAUNCH MATCH-XV PLUS WITH AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY
  7. https://www.pro14rugby.org/2017/12/20/kicking-accuracy-try-scoring-rises-new-gilbert-match-xv-balls-arrive/ Sharper Kicks & More Tries as new Gilbert MATCH-XV Balls Arrive