The renewal strengthens Gilbert’s position as the number one rugby ball in World Rugby, supplying balls to the Top 20 men’s teams and Top 10 women’s teams in the world. As part of the new agreement, Gilbert will continue to supply its world leading balls, to international teams, as well as to all development, university, high school and elite club competitions across Scotland.

Dating back to 1823 and celebrating its bicentenary last year, Gilbert has a unique heritage, with William Gilbert supplying some of the very first rugby balls to Rugby School, when William Webb Ellis first picked up the ball and ran with it. The 1993 Sevens World Cup at Murrayfield was the first competition to use the famous coloured Gilbert ellipse trims, now synonymous with the game. Today, Gilbert’s iNNOVO match ball remains the preferred choice of the world’s leading nations and Gilbert has been the official ball at the Rugby World Cup for an unprecedented eight consecutive tournaments.

Scottish Rugby’s Commercial Director, Chris Healy said: “We are delighted to be continuing our longstanding relationship with Gilbert. They are the world leading supplier of rugby balls, and this extended partnership will allow clubs across Scotland, at all levels, to continue to use their products.”

Gilbert Rugby Commercial CEO, Richard Gray added: “We have enjoyed a very long and successful partnership with Scottish Rugby for over 50 years and are delighted to extend our partnership again as we look to support the continued growth of rugby throughout Scotland. 

“The passion of the rugby community and rugby fans in Scotland is hard to beat and we are committed to supporting the game we love – at all levels. For players, fans and clubs we look forward to working closely with Scottish Rugby to grow the game throughout the country.”

The Official Gilbert Rugby Scotland Rugby Balls are available online and in sports retail stores now from gilbertrugby.com