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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports equipment |
| Founded | 1823 (1823) inRugby,England[1] |
| Founder | William Gilbert |
| Headquarters | Robertsbridge,UK |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Rugby union andnetball equipment and accessories |
| Parent | Grays International |
| Website | gilbertrugby.com |
Gilbert Rugby is a Britishsports equipment manufacturing brand, specialising inrugby union andnetball. The company is mostly known for itsrugby union balls, having been official supplier for everyWorld Cup since1995.[2]
One of the oldest sports companies in the world, the company was established byWilliam Gilbert, acobbler, in 1823, who along with his nephew, James, developedfootballs for the neighbouringRugby School. In 2002, after experiencing financial difficulties following a management buyout, Gilbert was purchased byGrays International.[3]
Gilbert is the long-standing official ball supplier for theEngland,Wales,Scotland,Australia,South Africa,France,Italy andArgentina rugby unions. They also provide balls forWorld Netball.[4] Gilbert is the official ball supplier of theANZ Championship, the biggest netball competition in the world, and also the official supplier of theNetball World Championships. Their products include theGilbert Synergie rugby ball.
In September 2014, Gilbert Rugby launched the "Match-XV" ball,[5] which was developed specifically for the2015 World Cup held inEngland. The Match-XV match ball was used throughout thePremiership Rugby,[6]Top 14[7] and by all Gilbert-sponsored national unions in the test matches in November 2015.
The following table details products manufactured and commercialised by Gilbert forrugby union andnetball 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 |
The following teams, associations and players wear uniforms and equipment provided by Gilbert:
Pasteur Athletique Club
Otago (National Provincial Championship)
Dragons/Newport
Berkshire Shire Hall RFCBedford BluesBarbarian F.C.
