The British & Irish Lions and Rugby Australia are pleased to announce that Gilbert has been chosen as the official and exclusive match ball supplier for the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Men’s Tour to Australia 2025.
Dating back to 1823 and celebrating its bicentenary in 2023, Gilbert has a unique heritage, with William Gilbert supplying some of the very first rugby balls to Rugby School, when William Webb Ellis first picked up the ball and ran with it.
Today, Gilbert’s iNNOVO match ball remains the preferred choice of the world’s leading players and competitions, with the now famous, coloured Gilbert ellipse trims, synonymous with the game, continuing to be used to enhance player and fan visibility and engagement.
Gilbert has prepared a thrilling range of official licensed balls to commemorate the Tour and the pre-Tour 1888 Cup match, and we’re excited that the Series Ball will be available for fans across the globe to purchase when it goes on sale next month.
This announcement follows a sweep of partnership renewals by Gilbert over the past 12 months, including RWC 2025, Scotland, Wales and the United Rugby Championship amongst others.
“Gilbert have been key part of The British & Irish Lions story and I am delighted that iconic balls will once again be used throughout the Series. A Lions Tour is about bringing together the best of the best - and that is true in every area. The very best players and coaches need the best equipment and it is great that, together with Rugby Australia, we both have Gilbert on our side," said Ben Calveley, British & Irish Lions CEO.
“We’re thrilled Gilbert are on board for what’s going to be an absolutely outstanding British & Irish Lions Series down under, with the visitors playing nine matches across six cities over six weeks. The Gilbert ball has been at the centre of so many of our sport’s most celebrated moments and it’s only fitting it will be again later this year in Australia," said Phil Waugh, Rugby Australia CEO.
“We are delighted to be renewing our successful relationship with The British & Irish Lions and the Wallabies. This represents a ringing endorsement of the Gilbert match ball and the wider brand strength and service we offer to the world’s best players. We are excited to see the wonderful official match ball in action – Lions tours are always such a wonderful occasion and a fantastic opportunity for us to engage new fans – we are confident rugby fans across the world will enjoy the official ball design", said Richard Gray, Gilbert Rugby Commercial CEO.
The Official Gilbert Rugby British & Irish Lions tour to Australia Rugby Balls will be available online and in sports retail stores.
