Training trousers Gilbert

James Gilbert, the perfectionist of the ball

When William Gilbert passed away in 1877, his nephew James Gilbert took over the Rugby workshop, which then produced nearly two thousand eight hundred balls each year. Known for his meticulousness, he personally checks and stamps each match ball. This commitment has stood the test of time: since 1995, Gilbert has provided the official ball for every World Cup, and its partnership with World Rugby has been extended until 2033. Building on this credibility, the ball specialist now offers a range of training apparel for players and clubs.

The other brands

Training pants are also available from:

• adidas.
• Nike.
• Under Armour.
• Puma.
• Le Coq Sportif.
• Canterbury.
• Kappa.

All training pants are available on the training pants page.

A training bottom for winter pitches

The training pants Gilbert support the player from warm-up to cool-down, when muscles cool down quickly. In winter, its true value is measured by its durability: a tight synthetic fabric that withstands mud and synthetic grass, an elastic waistband with a drawstring that holds during sprints, and strong stitching in the crotch, the area most stressed during lunges and pushes. For a brand born on the sidelines, these criteria take precedence over fashion.

Ordering training bottoms for an entire club

For a club, the training pants are part of the team kit just like the jersey. Before placing an order, one collects the waist measurement and leg length of each player, anticipates children's sizes for the rugby school, and sets aside a few spare sizes for the newcomers of the year. Choosing the same model for everyone makes reordering easier and ensures a uniform look during warm-ups. Initials embroidered or printed on the hip help avoid confusion in the changing rooms.

Good deals

Great deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent out quickly. The key events of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the legendary birth of rugby linked to Gilbert?

Indirectly: in 1823, the year when a student supposedly picked up the ball during a match at Rugby School, William Gilbert was already supplying the school's balls. The brand has relied on this connection to the game's origins ever since.

Is Gilbert an independent brand?

No, it has been part of the British group Grays International since 2002, which took it over after financial difficulties. Its headquarters are located in Robertsbridge, in the southeast of England.

What colour of pants to choose for training?

Dark shades, black or navy blue, hide dirt and grass better and withstand frequent washes without fading. Clubs often choose the main colour of their kit to maintain a consistent look during warm-ups.

Do I need warm pants for evening training?

In mid-winter, yes: evening sessions often take place under lights, in temperatures close to freezing. A pair of warm bottoms helps keep muscles warm between drills, which is crucial in preventing injuries.

How to clean muddy training pants?

Let the mud dry before brushing it off, then rinse the pants in cold water and wash them inside out at thirty degrees. The tumble dryer can damage synthetic fibres and elastic in the waistband: it's better to air dry.