Celtic Challenge and Gilbert Rugby Forge Exciting New Partnership

#Rugby

Margot Wilkinson 10 December 2025 1 min read

Gilbert Rugby has been named Official Ball Supplier of the Celtic Challenge, providing top quality match balls for all fixtures starting from the 2025-26 season.

This partnership supports the continued growth and professionalisation of women’s rugby across Ireland, Scotland and Wales, aligning with the league’s long-term vision.

As the League’s Official Ball Supplier, Gilbert Rugby will provide its elite-level iNNOVO match balls across all fixtures as part of a multi-year agreement.

This exciting collaboration builds on Gilbert’s rich rugby heritage and its reputation as the trusted supplier to the game’s elite, including Scottish Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union, the Irish Rugby Football Union, and Rugby World Cup.

Josh Payne, speaking on behalf of the Celtic Challenge, said:

“We’re proud to welcome Gilbert as the Official Ball Supplier of the Celtic Challenge. Their commitment to quality and legacy across the game reflects our ambition to provide the best possible platform for players across Ireland, Scotland and Wales.”

“I have no doubt our players and coaches are eager to get out on the pitch with the new balls as they prepare for pre-season.”

Richard Gray, Commercial CEO at Gilbert Rugby, commented:

“We’re pleased to partner with the Celtic Challenge competition and continue our investment into the growth of Women’s rugby. 2025 has been a seminal moment for the women’s game, from the Guinness Women’s 6 Nations through the club game and an incredible Women’s Rugby World Cup - Gilbert has been privileged to be at the centre of it all. We’re looking forward to continuing our support and helping to push the game forwards, alongside our partners.”

Now entering its third full season, the Celtic Challenge continues to grow as a cross-border, high-performance platform for women’s rugby in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Created to elevate standards, inspire future generations and provide a clear pathway to the international stage, it’s only fitting that a brand of Gilbert’s calibre joins at this critical time.