23 October—National Collegiate Rugby has launched a three-year partnership with Gilbert Rugby, the world’s leading rugby ball and equipment manufacturer, making Gilbert the Official Ball and Equipment Partner of NCR.
Through this partnership, Gilbert will provide NCR teams across all divisions with access to high-quality match balls, training equipment, and performance gear. As the largest college rugby organization in the world, NCR supports over 20,000 athletes and 650 clubs. The collaboration underscores NCR’s commitment to elevating the collegiate rugby experience and supporting programs with world-class resources.
Gilbert match balls will be used across NCR’s post-season games and Friday Night Rugby matches. NCR Championship events will feature Gilbert’s Kinetica ball, which has the same characteristics as the balls used in recent World Cup matches.
“Gilbert has long set the global standard for quality and innovation in rugby,” said Wade Smith, Chief Operating Officer of National Collegiate Rugby. “As college rugby continues to grow, partnering with a trusted brand like Gilbert ensures that our student-athletes and programs have the best tools to train, compete, and represent the sport at its highest level.”
Gilbert Rugby’s legacy spans over 200 years of craftsmanship and dedication to the game, supplying rugby balls and equipment to the sport’s top international tournaments and organizations. This partnership extends that heritage to the next generation of players competing across NCR’s men’s and women’s divisions nationwide.
“This partnership with National Collegiate Rugby is an important step in Gilbert’s continued investment in the growth of rugby across the United States,” said Brad Kilpatrick, CEO at World Rugby Shop. “We’re ready to equip NCR’s programs with the same quality Gilbert products trusted by the world’s top teams and tournaments.”
The agreement will see Gilbert-branded match balls and equipment used across NCR’s championships and events, along with special packages NCR member clubs. Gilbert products are available online at World Rugby Shop or by contacting teamsales@worldrugbyshop.com.
