Why Gilbert?

There are several rugby ball sizes designed for players of different ages. They are developed to improve players’ skill levels and technique.

Gilbert rugby ball sizes (approximate measurements rounded to the nearest millimetre) are shown below:

• Size 5 - Length 285 mm, circumference 585 mm
• Size 4 - Length 275 mm, circumference 545 mm
• Size 3 - Length 255 mm, circumference 535 mm
• Midi - Length 215 mm, circumference 420 mm
• Mini - Length 160 mm, circumference 315 mm

Gilbert Rugby match balls have been designed and developed for performance. As a result, match balls are more expensive than training balls. Depending on the level of play, it is common for rugby clubs, schools, and players to use match balls only during games rather than throughout all training sessions.

Materials – Gilbert match balls are made with a higher concentration of natural rubber, improving grip without compromising flight performance, which is essential during matches.

Specifications – A feature found in all Gilbert match balls is our patented Truflight™ valve. Positioned within the seam, the way the valve is incorporated during production is unique to Gilbert and helps enhance spin and flight during play.

Gilbert is the preferred match ball supplier for World Rugby, South Africa, England, France, Australia, Wales, Argentina, Ireland, Scotland, Japan, the United States, Canada, and many other respected rugby unions around the world.

Gilbert Rugby training balls have been designed to provide a balance between cost, quality, performance, and durability, allowing them to withstand the demands of a full season of training.

Materials – Gilbert training balls are made with a higher percentage of synthetic rubber, making them tougher and better able to handle heavy use during rugby training sessions.

Grip – In general, a higher proportion of synthetic rubber reduces the ball’s natural grip properties. To address this, Gilbert introduced a patented triangular grip pattern on our G-TR 4000 training balls. This represents a major step forward in training ball grip technology, and testing has consistently shown that this more defined grip pattern is more durable and gives players greater surface contact with the ball during play.

All Gilbert training balls are hand-stitched and feature our Hydratec technology, which helps reduce water absorption along the ball’s seams.

A Gilbert replica ball is perfect for those who want a high-quality ball for training and playing at home.

All Gilbert rugby balls feature the famous Gilbert ellipses and are made from a 3-ply material to ensure excellent shape retention. Every high-quality Gilbert replica ball also includes Gilbert’s grip pattern and a grippy rubber surface.

These balls are high-quality hand-stitched rugby balls with a synthetic latex bladder for optimal air retention.

Gilbert offers a full range of international, club, and tournament replica balls.

The Gilbert Supporter Ball is the perfect keepsake for a game of rugby at home with family or friends.

Supporter balls feature designs that differ from replica balls, making them easy to recognise, and they use a two-ply construction to help retain their shape.

Gilbert offers a full range of international supporter balls, club supporter balls, and tournament supporter balls.

The oval ellipses and coloured star-shaped ends found on rugby balls are exclusive features of Gilbert Rugby.

All Gilbert ellipse balls featuring the oval rugby markings always include our famous “X” and “GILBERT” branding across two opposite panels.

You will also notice a small message on all official Gilbert ellipse rugby balls stating that the oval markings are a registered trademark of Gilbert Rugby.