Training shirts Gilbert

From the Rugby Shop to Club Kits

It all starts in the town of Rugby, in Warwickshire: William Gilbert, the designated shoemaker for Rugby School, was already supplying balls to the students in 1823. Made from a pig's bladder wrapped in leather, they initially had a shape like a plum before becoming elongated into an oval. The company’s work was recognized at the Great Exhibitions in London in 1851 and 1862, then his nephew James took over the workshop in 1877 and personally oversaw each match ball. Since 2002, Gilbert has belonged to the British group Grays International.

Other Brands

Training jerseys are also available:

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

All training jerseys can be found on the training jerseys page.

A Ball Manufacturer that Outfits Clubs Too

Long associated only with the oval ball, the Gilbert brand has expanded to clothing, maintaining the same high standards for the field. Its teamwear range includes jerseys, shorts, and training tops aimed at clubs, rugby schools, and youth teams. The training jersey Gilbert is designed as a team piece: it must withstand repeated pulls, trips to the ground, and washing after every session without losing its shape or colours.

Dressing an Entire Group, from Rugby School to Seniors

Equipping a whole group requires a wide range of sizes, as a single squad often includes both lean backs and heavily built forwards. The chest measurement of each player is taken before the order rather than relying on their usual t-shirt size. Two colours of training jerseys allow for the instant formation of two teams for matches, without needing to pull out the bibs. To last, the fabric should be washed at low temperatures, turned inside out, and air-dried, away from radiators.

Good Deals

Good deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearances, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable schedule: Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Gilbert name appear on so many rugby balls?

Because the company has been making balls since 1823 and has provided the official ball for the World Cup since 1995. Its partnership with World Rugby runs until 2033, ensuring its presence at major international competitions.

Is Gilbert a British brand?

Yes. Born in Rugby, in Warwickshire, it now has its headquarters in Robertsbridge, in the south-east of England. It is part of the British group Grays International, which has owned it since the early 2000s.

Can a Gilbert training jersey be used for a friendly match?

It can be a stopgap for an informal meetup or an end-of-year tournament. For an official match, the club's match kit, which is numbered and in registered colours, is kept, and the training jersey is reserved for weekly sessions.

How many training jerseys should be planned for a team?

At least one jersey per player, plus a few spare sizes for new arrivals during the year. With two colours, there needs to be enough to make up two complete teams of fifteen for matches.

Does a Gilbert jersey last longer than a running t-shirt?

Yes, because it is designed for contact, with a fabric more resistant to pulls and abrasions on the pitch. A running t-shirt, being thinner, quickly deforms and tears in rucks and mauls.