BEHIND THE DESIGN: GILBERT REVEALS THE OFFICIAL BALL DESIGN FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027

#Rugby

01 December 2025 2 min read

Gilbert is proud to unveil the official ball for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, a tournament that marks the dawn of a transformative era for the sport. Following the immense success of Rugby World Cup France 2023, the 2027 edition carries a powerful ambition: host a six-week nationwide celebration of rugby that will inspire Australia to embrace the sport and propel rugby to unprecedented heights.

The RWC 2027 ball is more than a piece of equipment – it's a symbol. A blend of natural inspiration, cultural homage, and advanced engineering, designed to perform at the highest level while celebrating the host nation’s unique identity.

 

 

1.        An Homage to the Host Nation: A Land of Light & Energy

The RWC 2027 brand embodies Australia as a country of light and energy, reflecting the spirit of its people while celebrating its rich heritage and the diverse social and cultural fabric of the country. The official Gilbert match ball carries this inspiration forward. When designing the Official Ball, Gilbert Rugby drew from the contours and colours of Australia’s precious nature:

  • Delicate rock formations
  • Meandering rivers
  • Sweeping coastlines and skyscapes

 

For Gilbert, integrating this spirit was essential. The RWC 2027 match ball design embraces the raw, genuine energy that you find in both Australia and in rugby – not staged, but authentic and rooted in real moments. It’s designed to feel like Rugby World Cup itself: alive, emotional, dynamic.

 

2.        Gilbert Rugby’s Global Impact: Powering the Game Worldwide

Since 1823, Gilbert has shaped rugby at every level – from grassroots clubs to the world’s biggest stadiums. Our partnership with World Rugby is not just about producing the ball; it’s about upholding the integrity, tradition, and innovation of the sport itself.

Gilbert rugby balls have been the trusted choice at every Men’s Rugby World Cup since 1995. This heritage means that every pass, every try, every moment of RWC 2027 will be carried by decades of craftsmanship and commitment to excellence.

Through continuous innovation and deep respect for rugby culture, Gilbert Rugby has helped elevate the sport across continents, supporting development programmes, professional leagues, and international tournaments.

The RWC 2027 rugby ball is the next chapter in this legacy.

 

3.        A Rugby Ball That Embodies Rugby’s True Energy

There’s nothing quite like rugby’s energy, and Rugby World Cup is where this force becomes truly global. The new official match ball design reflects that energy – unpredictable and unforgettable.

As fans around the world look toward Australia in 2027, the Official Gilbert Rugby Ball stands ready to play its part: connecting athletes, supporters, and entire nations through the game we love.

 

Bold. Authentic. Energetic. Dynamic.

This is the ball of Rugby World Cup 2027.

Gilbert Is Rugby.

 

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