The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has extended its contract with Gilbert Rugby South Africa as the Official Ball and Equipment Supplier to the Springboks.
SA Rugby official Media Release
Gilbert has been the Official Ball and Equipment Supplier to SARU since 1995.
This agreement is an exclusive agreement for all matches that are played under the auspices of SARU including Test Matches, Provincial Matches and Regional Matches, as well as any other competitions that fall under the auspices of SARU.
“SARU is delighted to announce the long-term renewal of our partnership with Gilbert,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of the SARU.
“I would like to emphasise that this new agreement involves not only the Springboks, but also the development of the game by SARU at all levels.
“Our global partnership with Gilbert draws its strength both from the quality of the products and the trust that has built up over many years between SARU and Gilbert.”
CEO Wayne Dannheisser said: “Gilbert has a long and distinguished history when it comes to rugby and we are very proud to be associated with the Springboks.
“We believe that we play an integral role in the success of all the South African teams and the fact that SARU have chosen to continue to use the both the Gilbert ball and equipment is testament to the performance of both the products and the preference of the players to play with the Gilbert ball.”
Richard Gray, Gilberts’ International Sales and Marketing Director, also expressed his happiness with the deal.
“We all feel privileged to be associated with one of the world’s great rugby nations and we look forward to working closely with SA Rugby in future,” said Gray.
Gilbert is the official ball for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and supplies balls for, amongst many others, Argentina, Australia, the Barbarians, Canada, England, France, Ireland, Namibia, Samoa, Scotland, USA, Vodacom Super Rugby, the Vodacom Cup, the Absa Currie Cup and the Castle Rugby Championship.
The Gilbert ball is widely regarded as the number one choice of professional players world-wide.