EXCLUSIVE TO GILBERTRUGBY.COM

Since the inception of Rugby Football in 1823, GILBERT have been making the finest footballs in the world. 2023 is the Bicentenary year, and to celebrate this prestigious occasion, Gilbert have released a limited number of the Original Barbarian Match Ball, to commemorate 200 years of Rugby.

Gilbert are proud to have been chosen as the official ball supplier for Rugby World Cup since 1995 and for England Rugby for matches dating back over 100 years. In 2023 we launch an exclusive Limited Collection celebrating 200 years of the Rugby Football.

During the 1980s, the landscape of Rugby balls was changing. Gilbert's developments in new manufacture and materials led to the Barbarian. The first synthetic rubber match ball to feature multi pimpled surfaces - to enhance grip - was created from a unique rubber compound to improve handling in all conditions. The Barbarian replicated the size and weight distribution of the traditional leather balls, and fast became the ball of choice of schools, clubs and the World's leading international teams.

Introducing the Original Barbarian Match Ball - a replica of the first synthetic rubber match ball produced in the 1980s by Gilbert. Uniquely for the modern Gilbert range, this premium quality match ball excludes the famous Gilbert ellipses, now synonymous with rugby balls across the World. Each ball is provided with a presentation card, with famous match photos featuring the early use of the Barbarian match ball.

Ideal for collectors and the biggest rugby enthusiasts. Available exclusively in the UK from gilbertrugby.com.

With only a limited number of these unique rugby balls available, don’t risk missing out on this one of a kind memento to celebrate a truly special year for Rugby Football.

*balls are not limited edition and are not numbered.