Dublin – Ireland, September 2, 2013: With two years to go until the world’s top players arrive in England for Rugby World Cup 2015, Gilbert Rugby has launched the design of the official match ball that will play its part in every pass, kick and try at the showcase event.
With the 2011 design proving a hit for fans and retailers around the world, the striking and innovative England 2015 ball artwork has been designed with performance and players in mind, while taking inspiration from the Modern Classic tournament look and feel that will be synonymous with the event.
Player consultation has been central to the design details that will enhance the showcasing of skills. Special emphasis has been given to ensuring that contrasting colours appear on the ends of the ball to enhance visibility for passing. Bold colours along the seams provide kickers with strong visual references. The result is a unique and special ball with strong visual impact.
The design also features the official tournament social media hashtag #RWC2015, highlighting the importance of social media for event owners and associated brands.
Rugby World Cup 2015 replica balls will be available from September 23 through the official Rugby World Cup 2015 online shop at www.rwcshop.com and in store via official outlets around the world.
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Gilbert is a brand that is synonymous with Rugby World Cup, having supplied balls for all tournaments since 1995. We are delighted to be launching an official Rugby World Cup 2015 match ball design that does not just look great, but will assist and enhance player performance through Gilbert’s expertise and unparalleled attention to detail.”
“I have no doubt that this ball will become a sought-after and iconic feature of a tournament that is on track to mark another successful and memorable chapter in the remarkable Rugby World Cup story, bringing together people the length and breadth of England and around the world for a festival that will showcase Rugby and the nation to record audiences.”
A world leader in match ball innovation and development in international Rugby for more than a century, the UK-based firm will supply the match, training and replica balls for Rugby’s global showcase event. Attention now turns to the technical development of the Rugby World Cup 2015 official match ball.
As with previous Rugby World Cups, the new ball will be in use for over a year prior to England 2015, in both domestic and international Rugby – in both hemispheres. This will ensure that almost every professional player in the world will be familiar with the ball well before RWC 2015 kicks off.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.