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For more than 35 years, we have been involved in every facet of the game - playing,
coaching, and developing Rugby as a popular club and team sport. We are certain
that, whatever your Rugby needs and whatever your ability level, we at Rugby Imports
can help you perform your best, on and off the pitch. more |
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NEWS |
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GILBERT BALLS GET THE GREEN LIGHT |
The GILBERT synergie ball in use at the Rugby World Cup has received
the thumbs up from players and administrators alike.
The ball was specifically designed to deliver the same kicking performance as the
Xact ball used in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, whilst offering improved handling. Data
commissioned from a leading independent sports statistics provider proves that this
objective has been achieved in the tournament to date, with kicking success on a
par with 2003 and superb handling and improved offloading from the tackle much in
evidence.
Although no official complaint had been made by any of the participating teams,
RWC Limited requested that GILBERT investigate some comments received
from New Zealand questioning the quality of the balls used in practice.
Extensive research, comprising laboratory and on-field tests, discussion with players
and administrators and a thorough analysis of logistics has enabled the ball manufacturer
to prove without reservation that there is no difference between any of the balls
used throughout the tournament nor with the GILBERT synergie balls
widely used in International matches since October 2006. It has been concluded that
any perceived differences reported can be explained by incorrect inflation and natural
wear and tear, and this has been explained to the teams.
Chairman of Rugby World Cup, Dr Syd Miller, stated ?I commend GILBERT
on their rapid response to our questions and the thoroughness of their research,
which has left no stone unturned. This proves conclusively that the decision to
select GILBERT, and more particularly the synergie ball, for RWC
2007 was the correct one. GILBERT have been making balls since
the game was first invented and have now supplied balls for 4 successive World Cups.
They know what they are doing?.
GILBERT Sales & Marketing Director,
Richard Gray, commented,
?We were taken aback by the comments made and the subsequent damaging media coverage
- which had no basis whatsoever. Of course it is sometimes more difficult to adapt
to a ball if you have been used to a different product and this perhaps explains
the contrast between a few comments from some quarters and the actual kicking performances
overall throughout the tournament. We are delighted but not surprised that RWC Limited
have accepted our findings without reservation and have once again given their stamp
of approval to our products. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all
of the quarter finalists the best of luck and look forward to a feast of rugby over
the next few weeks.?
For further information please contact
Rob Davies
Gilbert Rugby
+44 (1)788 333 883
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October 9, 2007 |
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THE WALLABIES CHOOSE GILBERT |
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has reached an agreement to use the number one
ball in world rugby, GILBERT, from next January. As well as being the Official Ball
of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the GILBERT ball is used by the vast majority of rugby?s
tier one nations around the world and under the new agreement, the Wallabies will
use GILBERT?s ?synergie? match ball in all home test matches until 2012.
?The ARU is pleased to have renewed ties with GILBERT? said ARU Deputy CEO, Matt
Carroll. ?GILBERT produce a quality ball that our players love using and the quality
of ball keeps improving with the pace of the modern game?.
The synergie ball?s popularity with players stems from its bladder and valve system:
designed for perfect balance and true flight when kicked. It also has a patented
system of three-dimensional pimples, improving handling in the increasing number
of games being played in more slippery nighttime conditions.
GILBERT Sales & Marketing Director, Richard Gray said, "We are very pleased
that the ARU have chosen GILBERT as the Official Ball of the Wallabies and we are
excited about the opportunities this presents us. This is yet another powerful endorsement
for the quality and popularity of the
GILBERT Ball of which we are extremely proud."
The GILBERT ball is also used by all four Semi-Finalists in the Rugby World Cup
(Argentina, England, France and South Africa) as well as by a host of other leading
national teams including Scotland, Ireland, Canada, USA, Japan, Portugal and Namibia.
GILBERT is also the Official Ball of many of rugby?s greatest annual competitions,
including the Investec Super 14, the Guinness Premiership and the Magners? League.
The GILBERT Synergie ball will be in stores in Australia for sale to the public
from February 2008.
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