- Gilbert named Official Ball Supplier for all World Rugby 15s competitions and Rugby World Cups until 2033.
- Exclusive match ball design unveiled for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, revealed just two days before the Draw in Sydney on 3 December.
- Gilbert’s world-class match ball and Smart Ball technology to enhance player performance and deliver unique insights for fans.
- Gilbert balls to feature across all major World Rugby competitions, including the Pacific Nations Cup, WXV Global Series, World Rugby U20 Championship, and regional tournaments.
World Rugby and Gilbert have today announced the unveiling of the official match ball design for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, alongside confirmation of a landmark extension to their long-standing partnership through to 2033.
Under the agreement, Gilbert will remain the Official Ball Supplier for all World Rugby 15s competitions and Rugby World Cups, ensuring that the men’s and women’s tournaments in Australia (2027 & 2029) and the USA (2031 & 2033) will all be played with Gilbert’s world-leading match balls.
A NEW BALL FOR A NEW ERA IN 2027
The official ball for Rugby World Cup 2027 embodies the vibrant identity of the tournament, featuring the iconic event mark and a striking orange hue inspired by Australia’s sun and distinctive earth tones. This design reflects the warmth, energy, and spirit of the host nation.
Fans will be able to purchase the first official balls ahead of Christmas 2025, with a wider range of commemorative licensed products launching globally in 2026.
World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer, Michel Poussau said “World Rugby is proud to continue its trusted partnership with Gilbert, ensuring that the official match balls for all our 15s competitions, including the prestigious Rugby World Cups, are of the highest quality through to 2033. Since 1995, Gilbert has been at the heart of our game, and once again they have delivered a vibrant and distinctive design for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. This ball not only provides the world’s best players with the perfect tool to perform at the highest level, but also enhances the experience for fans through cutting-edge technology.”
Gilbert Rugby Commercial CEO, Richard Gray added: “We are delighted to be renewing our long and successful relationship with World Rugby and Rugby World Cup. This represents a ringing endorsement of the Gilbert brand and product and the wider brand strength and service we offer to the world’s best competitions and players. We are excited to grow our partnership with World Rugby and to bring a wonderful official match ball design to rugby fans around the world. Rugby World Cup tournaments are the absolute pinnacle of our sport and always such a wonderful occasion and a fantastic opportunity to bring new and existing fans together and celebrate rugby”.
Founded in 1823, the same year rugby itself was born, Gilbert has been synonymous with the sport for over two centuries. This renewal further cements Gilbert’s status as the undisputed number one rugby ball brand worldwide, continuing its unrivalled partnership with the sport’s most prestigious international tournaments and leading club competitions across both the men’s and women’s game.
About World Rugby
World Rugby is the global governing body for rugby union. With a mandate to grow the sport by increasing accessibility and relevance, World Rugby is the owner and organiser of some of the world’s largest sporting events, including Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups. Owing to the commercial success of men’s Rugby World Cup France 2023, World Rugby is investing a record £300 million directly in rugby’s growth between 2024-27, a 28 per cent increase on the previous four-year cycle. With men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups taking place in England (women, 2025), Australia (men 2027 and women 2029) and the USA (men 2031 and women 2033), World Rugby has a transformative runway of certainty and opportunity to drive new participation and revenue opportunities.
About Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union’s pinnacle event contested every four years by the world’s best nations.
For six weeks from 1 October-13 November, 2027 and across 7 host cities, Australia will welcome the world to a nationwide festival of rugby, celebrating its rich culture and heritage, and kicking off a new era of rugby that will have a positive impact for Australia, Oceania and the game globally.With an expanded format contested by the world’s top 24 teams, Men’s RWC Australia 2027 will inspire an entire generation and break down barriers by making rugby even more accessible, relevant and inclusive, boosting rugby’s fanbase and participation globally.
All revenue generated by Men’s RWC 2027 will be reinvested in the sport, supporting World Rugby’s global growth ambition, its 134 member unions and six regional associations.
About Gilbert
Gilbert Rugby is a legendary brand with 200 years of expertise in crafting the finest rugby balls. From humble beginnings in the 1820s, Gilbert Rugby has become the ball of choice for the world's greatest rugby competitions. With a reputation for innovation, precision and quality, Gilbert Rugby is the ultimate symbol of rugby excellence. Proud to be the official ball of every Rugby World Cup since 1995, Gilbert is a market leader in the production and supply of rugby goods including: rugby balls, rugby boots, rugby clothing and rugby equipment.
It is the official supplier of the most prestigious rugby tournaments and competitions in the world, such as World Rugby, Guinness Six Nations, European Professional Club Rugby, United Rugby Championship, Premiership Rugby, Super Rugby, Súper Rugby Américas, the Rugby Sevens event at Paris 2024 Olympic Games HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and most of the World’s leading international teams.
