Gilbert and the RFU: 25 Years and Counting
From grassroots pitches on a frosty Sunday morning to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on a sold-out international weekend, one thing has stayed the same for a quarter of a century. The ball in English rugby has been a Gilbert.
Today we are proud to confirm that our England Rugby partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) will continue under a new long-term agreement. It means Gilbert remains one of the RFU's longest-serving suppliers, passing more than 25 years alongside the English game. And we are not done yet.
1. A New Chapter In Our England Rugby Partnership
The renewal keeps Gilbert at the heart of the RFU's commercial family as its authentically rugby partner. Under the new agreement, we will continue to supply equipment, balls and RFU match official clothing.
That covers the ball in play, the kit in the hands of coaches, and the clothing worn by the officials who keep the game moving. It is a partnership that touches almost every part of a matchday, and one we take seriously.
2. More Than 25 Years Alongside English Rugby
Gilbert has been making rugby balls for more than 200 years, starting out in the town that gave the game its name. Over that time, generations of players have relied on the quality and precision of a Gilbert ball throughout their careers, from their first touch at mini rugby to the biggest stages in the sport.
Our relationship with the RFU has been a big part of that story. For more than 25 years, the two have grown together, through new competitions, new generations of players and a game that continues to grow in England and around the world.
What has never changed is the goal. We want to inspire the rugby community through market-leading products, partnerships and content, and to be there at every level of the game.
3. What The Partnership Means
For both sides, renewing was a simple decision.
"Gilbert is a truly famous rugby brand and is engrained in our sport. Having a close relationship between the RFU and Gilbert just makes sense," said Claudio Borges, RFU's Executive Director of Commercial and Marketing.
"Our partnership goes back over 25 years, and we are excited that we will continue working together for the foreseeable future."
Richard Gray, Gilbert CEO said: "We are extremely excited to continue our long-spanning relationship with the RFU. This partnership has gone from strength to strength over the past 25 years, and we are confident that this will continue over the coming years.
"Rugby continues to grow and we are incredibly proud to be playing our part."
4. From Allianz To Your Local Club
The Gilbert brand is synonymous with rugby, from the international stage to the heartbeat of the game at grassroots level. That is exactly where this partnership lives.
Whether you are kicking off a new season with your club, practising passes in the back garden or showing your support from the stands, there is a Gilbert ball made for you. Explore the full England Rugby collection, from supporter and replica balls to training kit and headguards.
Not sure which ball is right for you? Our Rugby Ball Buyer's Guide breaks it down by size, age and level of play.
5. Here's To The Next Chapter
Twenty-five years is a milestone worth celebrating, but it is the next chapter that excites us most. We will keep doing what we have always done: making the ball at the centre of the game, and backing English rugby at every level.
Here's to the next 25 years.
To celebrate this announcement we are giving 15% OFF England collection and England Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 product for one week. Use code: RFUGILBERT
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