From the very first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, to now, one thing has remained constant: Gilbert has provided the official match ball for every single tournament.
That’s 34 years of world-class rugby, with a Gilbert rugby ball at the heart of it all.
1. Celebrating the past, shaping the future
The Knock On Effect is Gilbert’s exclusive blog series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Packed with stories, tips, and inspiration, we’re here to support and guide the next generation of players, coaches, and fans.
In this edition, we shine a light on Gilbert’s role in the women’s game. As the Rugby World Cup returns to England for the first time in 15 years, we look back at our historic partnership with women’s rugby from the very beginning and look forward to what comes next.
2. RWC 2025 in numbers
England will host the tournament for the second time
New Zealand have won the title 6 times, claiming victory in every final they’ve reached (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017, and 2021).
Scotland return to back-to-back Rugby World Cups for the first time since 2006 and 2010, joining an increasingly competitive global field.
Brazil is the only new team making their debut in the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.
3. Looking ahead
As the countdown to RWC 2025 continues, Gilbert is proud to play its part in helping to grow the future of the women’s game, one match ball at a time.
The RWC 2025 ball design features a striking colour contrast from the official tournament look and feel - which ensures excellent visibility in all conditions for both players on the pitch and fans in the stands - and incorporates dynamic shapes and the tournament’s vortex pattern with radiating dots. A beauty.
Have you got yours yet?
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