The MATCH XV ball, designed by Gilbert, will be used by teams in the English Premiership and the French Top 14 for the first time while it will also be in action during the upcoming autumn international series.

Gilbert claimed the ball has been designed following an extensive two-year development process, including consulting with players to produce a ball that offers enhanced grip without compromising subtlety or durability.

The surface design has also been improved to enable quicker water dispersion on what is described as the most-tested Gilbert ball in history, it is claimed. 

In addition, special emphasis was placed on ensuring that contrasting colours appear on the ends of the ball to enhance visibility for passing, while bold colours along the seams provide kickers with strong visual references.

"From the playground to the Rugby World Cup podium, Gilbert has been a key player in spreading rugby enjoyment, competition and growth around the world," said International Rugby Board chairman and Rugby World Cup Limited chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"The Rugby World Cup 2015 MATCH XV ball is the pinnacle of rugby ball evolution and we are delighted to be launching a match ball that does not just look great, but will deliver another advance in performance for players competing at our showcase event.

"Preparation is key to ensuring the Rugby World Cup is a success and without question ensuring that all the teams have the best possible rugby ball to play with is certainly one of them.

"We are enthused by how well the MATCH XV has been received by players and coaches."

The MATCH XV ball will be used by the 20 teams battling for glory at next year's Rugby World Cup ©Rugby World Cup Limited



Established by William Gilbert in 1823, Gilbert Rugby has a long tradition of supplying rugby kit and equipment and has been the official ball supplier of the World Cup since South Africa 1995.

Replica Rugby World Cup 2015 match balls have been on sale to the public since September last year and are available through the official online shop and in store via official outlets around the world.

Gilbert will supply the match, training and replica balls for England 2015, which will see 20 teams taking part in 48 matches across England and Wales from September 18 to October 31 next year.

"We are proud of our partnership with Rugby World Cup and the opportunity to provide the world's top players with an innovative, yet evolved ball that will assist in showcasing their talents," said Richard Gray, director of sales and marketing at Gilbert.

"With England 2015 staged in the birth country of the sport, we are also proud that the MATCH XV will celebrate the rich heritage of Rugby and Gilbert, by recognising the very first hand-crafted match balls that graced rugby schools and fields the world over from 1823.

"With its strong features of tradition and innovation, we are confident the MATCH XV will soon be recognised as a modern classic."

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