RFU And Gilbert Extend Partnership
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The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced the renewal of its official partnership with Gilbert, cementing one of rugby’s most celebrated commercial relationships.
Gilbert – the world’s leading rugby brand and Official Supplier to England Rugby – will continue to supply match balls, training equipment and RFU match official clothing under a new agreement.
The renewal marks more than 25 years of official partnership, underpinned by a bond that stretches far deeper: Gilbert balls have been supplied to England Rugby matches for over a century, woven into some of the most iconic moments in the nation’s rugby history.
For over 200 years, Gilbert has been at the heart of the game supplying their products to generations of rugby players, many of whom have relied on the quality and precision of Gilbert rugby balls throughout their rugby careers.
To this day, Gilbert continue to inspire the rugby community through market-leading products, partnerships and content. The Gilbert brand is authentically rugby, from the international stage to the heartbeat of the game at grassroots level.
“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’s Commercial CEO, said: “For over a century, Gilbert balls have been at the centre of England’s greatest moments – and renewing this commitment for our longest term ever is a privilege we don’t take lightly. We are extremely excited to continue our long-spanning relationship with the RFU
“The length of our partnership is testament to the quality and trust that Gilbert has built for over 200 years – the reason we are the chosen partner of elite unions and grassroots clubs across the globe.
“What drives us every day is the belief that the right ball, in the right hands, changes the game – from the first time a child picks one up to the moment it’s placed on the tee at Allianz Stadium – those special moments are what connects Gilbert to England Rugby.
“As rugby continues to grow globally, we are proud to be its original brand – and prouder still to be the trusted partner of the team that has inspired the world to play it.”