Rugby balls from nations and clubs
Our selection of Rugby Balls brings together the oval balls for enthusiasts and clubs: Gilbert balls in the colours of France, England, Wales, Scotland, Tonga, Uruguay, Canada, Portugal and Spain, balls from ASM Clermont Auvergne, Montpellier, USAP Perpignan and the Barbarians, touch rugby balls and lots of balls for clubs.
The oval ball of your team, for playing or collecting.
Gilbert, the history of the oval ball
Gilbert has been making rugby balls since the early nineteenth century in Rugby, the English town where the game was born at the school of the same name. The first balls, made of leather sewn around a pig's bladder, were handcrafted. The modern ball, made from synthetic material, retains the oval shape that gives rugby its unpredictable bounces. Today, Gilbert supplies many competitions and federations around the world.
The rest of the equipment
Rugby also includes:
All rugby is gathered on the rugby page.
Balls from nations and clubs
The balls in supporter version feature the colours of national teams and clubs. Those from so-called "emerging" nations, like Tonga, Uruguay, Canada, Portugal, or Spain, are popular with collectors and supporters of these teams who enliven the World Cups. For clubs, the balls of ASM Clermont Auvergne, Montpellier, and USAP Perpignan make well-liked gifts. The ball of the Barbarians is a nod to this club without a home ground, which brings together invited players from all nations for prestigious matches.
Size and usage
The rugby ball is selected according to the size of the category: size five for adults and teenagers, size four for younger players, size three and under for the smallest ones. The touch rugby ball, like the Gilbert Touch, in size four, is used for this non-tackling version, which is played by touching the ball carrier. Training balls, with a textured surface, ensure a good grip even in the rain; clubs order them in lots, like the lot of ten balls from Wales. The ball is inflated to the pressure indicated near the valve.
Good deals
Great bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable pattern: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days of spring, then the summer sales and back to school.
Frequently asked questions
Why are rugby balls often called Gilbert?
Gilbert has been making rugby balls since the early nineteenth century in Rugby, the English town where the game originated. As the official ball of major international competitions, its name has become synonymous with the oval ball.
What size rugby ball should I choose based on age?
Size five is for adults and teenagers from about fifteen years old, size four for young players aged ten to fourteen, and size three for rugby schools. The smaller sizes are used for younger children or for memories.
Why is the rugby ball oval?
The first balls were made from a pig's bladder wrapped in sewn leather, which naturally gave them an elongated shape. This shape has been retained and standardized: it makes it easier to grip in hand and produces unpredictable bounces.
How do you properly inflate a rugby ball?
Moisten the needle before inserting it into the valve, then gradually inflate it to the pressure indicated on the ball. A well-inflated ball retains its shape and provides accurate handling both for passing and kicking.
Match ball, training ball or supporter ball: what’s the difference?
The match ball offers maximum grip and excellent shape retention. The training ball, which is more durable, withstands repeated sessions. The ball featuring the colours of a nation or a club is primarily intended for supporters.
