Over the last 6 months or so a new rugby ball has been launched but is as yet, not available to purchase. This is an odd event in itself, as when a new product is rolled out, it normally follows that this is readily available both in store and on the web. Well, Gilbert introduced the new Gilbert Sirius Elite rugby match ball in 2018 across all international matches, to allow teams ample time to get used to playing with the new ball, ahead of the 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup. The previous Gilbert elite ball was the Gilbert Match XV rugby ball which was used in all Aviva Premiership games. Now known as the Gallagher Premiership it still retains the Match XV ball for the duration of the 2018/19 tournament. However, the new Gilbert Sirius ball is being used in the 6 Nations competition.
The Sirius ball has a new style 'Hypernova' grip and has a G-XV rubber compound surface. Maybe a reference to the previous Match XV ball? It retains some of the features from the Match XV ball too, such as Copolymer 'Air-Loc' bladder and the Truflight valve. It is also hand stitched and pre-kicked, although the new model states it is also has a 'reaction laminate construction' and conforms to world rugby specifications. As far as we know, so did the Match XV. Over the next few months the Gilbert XV ball will be discontinued so if you want some for next season i suggest you act fast,
if you can still find them that is. Initially the ball doesn't look too different apart from a 2 colour scheme on the graphics but the we shall know more when we get one in hand. The guide price for the ball though will be more expensive. The Match XV ball had a rrp of £109.99 but the new Gilbert Sirius ball has an rrp of £129.99. This is likely to retail on the web for around £80 to £85 though, still a big jump in price. We can now reveal the image of the all new Gilbert Sirius Match Ball above:
