Gilbert Replica All Blacks Rugby Ball Size 5 Official

The Gilbert Replica All Blacks size 5 rugby ball is designed for amateur and junior players from 14 years old seeking an official ball in New Zealand colours. Construction in composite rubber with textured surface for optimal grip in dry or wet conditions, latex bladder for stable inflation and predictable trajectory. Ideal for training, club matches and recreational play.

The ball features All Blacks graphics: solid black with silver fern logo, white Gilbert bands. Regulation size 5 format (circumference 740-770 mm, weight 410-460 g) compliant with World Rugby standards for adult and senior play. The composite construction offers a durability-performance compromise for intensive use without reaching the price of an official match ball.

What is the difference with the official All Blacks match ball?

The Replica uses composite rubber (versus hand-stitched synthetic leather of the match ball), which reduces cost while maintaining good playability for training.

Is size 5 suitable for U16 juniors?

Yes, size 5 is regulation from 14 years old (U16 category) and for all adult players. Below that, prefer size 4.

Does the ball resist play on hard ground?

Composite rubber resists abrasion reasonably well, but use on synthetic or dry surfaces accelerates texture wear. Prefer natural turf to extend its lifespan.

Technical Specifications

Size5 (adult/senior, from 14 years old)
Circumference740-770 mm (World Rugby standard)
Weight410-460 g (World Rugby standard)
MaterialComposite rubber
BladderLatex
FinishTextured surface, official All Blacks graphics
UseTraining, amateur matches, leisure

Care Advice

Inflate to 0.67 bar (9.5-10 psi) with a needle pump, never with a compressor. Check pressure before each session: the latex bladder naturally loses 1-2 psi per week. Clean with warm water and mild soap, never use solvents or abrasive brushing that damages the texture. Store away from heat and sunlight, slightly deflated during off-season to preserve the bladder.

Design

Gilbert uses multilayer composite rubber for this Replica ball: the textured outer layer ensures grip, the intermediate layer stiffens the structure to maintain oval shape under impact, the latex bladder guarantees predictable bounce and soft feel. This process, less costly than hand-stitched synthetic leather, is perfectly suited for training use where durability takes precedence over the refinement of a match ball. The textured surface mimics the grip of premium balls, effective in dry conditions but less effective than leather in heavy rain.

All Blacks

The All Blacks, New Zealand's national team, are the most titled selection in rugby history with three World Cups (1987, 2011, 2015) and a historic win rate exceeding 77%. The solid black jersey and silver fern constitute rugby's most recognizable visual identity worldwide. Gilbert has equipped the All Blacks since 2012, supplying official balls for all their international matches.

Brand

Gilbert has manufactured rugby balls since 1823 in Rugby (England), the birthplace of the game. Official World Cup supplier since 1995, the brand also equips the English Premiership, French Top 14 and numerous national federations. Its Replica range democratizes access to official products from major nations without compromising quality standards: World Rugby-standardized construction, officially licensed graphics, durability tested for intensive use.

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