England Rugby Extends Partnership With Gilbert Rugby

England Rugby has extended its partnership with Gilbert Rugby as the Official Ball Supplier. The extension will see Gilbert provide its product exclusively to all levels of the game including all competitions run by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), including dedicated provision for the England Women’s team and Allianz Premier 15s.

Gilbert remains one of England Rugby’s longest serving suppliers, with Gilbert balls known to have featured in games dating back to the 1920s. With Grays acquiring Gilbert in 2002, the partnership will celebrate 20 years of collaboration during the extended contract.

As well as continuing to supply all of the RFU’s referee kits, Gilbert is expanding the relationship to also include the supply of training equipment and head guards at elite level.

Richard Gray, CEO – Commercial at Gilbert Rugby said: “We are delighted to renew our long and successful relationship and extend our investment to support all levels of the game in England incorporating two exciting new categories. We are particularly pleased to be able to announce this partnership as England Rugby re-starts with its first match against the Barbarians.

Simon Massie-Taylor, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, England Rugby added: “Without a ball, there’s no rugby and that’s why it’s so important to ensure we source the very best product available to give our teams the best chance of winning. The Gilbert ball is widely regarded as the best and that’s why we look forward to continuing to collaborate with them in this next chapter of our long-spanning partnership.”