200 YEARS AT THE CENTRE OF RUGBY
[UK May 2023] One of the oldest sports brands in the world, Gilbert is excited and proud to begin bicentenary celebrations, by releasing “I am Gilbert”, a video highlighting key milestones along its journey throughout rugby’s history, since the game was invented in 1823.
The brand has been synonymous with the game ever since and is now used throughout the world in every major competition. Gilbert sets the standard for match balls but has never forgotten its deep-rooted legacy in grass roots rugby, offering training equipment, footwear and teamwear to clubs and schools across the country. More recently, Gilbert’s significant strides in smart ball technology promise a bright future, solidifying the brand as the benchmark among teams across the spectrum.
Gilbert continues to offer an exciting range of rugby products, from leather limited edition balls celebrating our heritage, through to the 2023 Innovo ball that will be used in this year’s Rugby World Cup. However, Gilbert is so much more than just match and training balls; offering everything else that you need to play the game - tackle equipment, body armour, bags and boots with the rugby player in mind, through our work with ambassadors and athletes from all levels, ages and genders.
I am Gilbert is the first in a series of content pieces being released in 2023 – forming the new campaign Gilbert Is Rugby. It draws from various facets of the game: from Gilbert’s own archives, to its work with the RFU, World Rugby and beyond. Narrated by John Taylor, Gilbert have sourced photos and footage spliced together to join the dots spanning the entire 200 year history of the sport!
Richard Gray, CEO – Commercial: “Since Gilbert became part of the Grays of Cambridge family in 2002, our shared values, vision and dedication to continuing to build upon Gilbert’s unique legacy remains stronger than ever. We’ve pioneered ball technology and innovation without compromise, forging a long-standing reputation for quality and consistency across the world.
See the video here and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.
For more information please visit https://www.gilbertrugby.com/pages/gilbert-is-200-years
About Gilbert Rugby
Gilbert Rugby is the world’s longest serving rugby brand having supplied the rugby world since 1823 when William Gilbert was supplying the first balls to Rugby School that were famously picked up by William Webb Ellis for the first time. It remains a UK family run business at the heart of the game today; trusted by the Global rugby family to provide the best innovative products & support to enable players to perform to their full potential.
For more information visit www.gilbertrugby.com or follow Gilbert Rugby on social media