Gilbert Kinetica Match rugby ball size 5

Technical specifications

Care tips

Clean with lukewarm water and a damp cloth after use, never in a washing machine or with solvents. Air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent rubber cracking. Store deflated to 50% to preserve the elasticity of the latex bladder. Reinflate 24 hours before the match to stabilise the pressure.

Design

Gilbert developed the Kinetica around a latex bladder that absorbs impacts better than a butyl bladder, offering a more natural feel on contact. The synthetic rubber is micro-textured to capture residual moisture from the hands and maintain grip even in wet conditions. The 4-panel hand stitching (no thermal bonding) ensures constant sphericity and limits deformation under repeated impact — a decisive criterion for the trajectory of placed kicks. The slightly elongated profile makes it easier to hold one-handed for scrum-halves and fly-halves, without sacrificing stability in the air.

Brand

Gilbert has equipped world rugby since 1823, with a long-standing expertise in manufacturing match balls. The British brand designs its models in collaboration with professional players to validate standards of grip, flight and durability. The Kinetica belongs to a mid-range line that transfers high-end technologies (latex bladder, hand stitching) to a price segment accessible to amateur clubs, without compromising regulatory compliance.