Technical specifications

Care tips

Clean with warm soapy water after use in muddy conditions, rinse with clean water and air dry away from direct sunlight. Never leave the inflated ball under strong heat (car boot in summer): expansion of the air can damage the valve. Store partially deflated (70% of nominal pressure) in a dry, temperate place to preserve the rubber's elasticity. Check the pressure before each session and use a lubricated inflation needle to avoid damaging the valve.

Design

Gilbert chose high-density rubber for this replica: this material offers natural grip superior to PVC synthetic in wet conditions, a quality sought after for training in the rain or on wet grass. The patented air retention valve incorporates a one-way check valve that blocks air escape after inflation, reducing pressure loss to less than 5% over fifteen days of regular use. The single-layer construction simplifies manufacturing and lowers cost, making this ball accessible to amateur clubs and individual players without compromising playability. The textured rubber relief makes one-handed gripping easier and improves ball rotation on spiral passes, compensating for the absence of visible seams typical of match balls.

Scotland

The Scottish Rugby Union, founded in 1873, is among the oldest rugby federations in the world. Scotland contests the Six Nations Championship each year and regularly takes part in the World Cup. The dark blue and white colours of the national jersey adorn this replica, allowing supporters and affiliated clubs to show their attachment to the Thistle XV during training and friendly matches.

Gilbert

Founded in 1823 in Rugby, England, Gilbert has been manufacturing balls since the origins of the game and has held the status of official World Cup supplier since 1995. The British brand combines historical expertise with technical innovation: air retention valve, high-performance synthetic coatings, ergonomic design approved by World Rugby. This expertise also extends to replica ranges intended for training, where Gilbert favours robust materials and proven technologies to guarantee longevity and reliability at an accessible price.