Official match ball for Springboks v Lions series unveiled

The official match ball for the upcoming Springboks v British & Irish Lions series was confirmed on Wednesday.

Gilbert Rugby, the world's leading rugby ball manufacturer, will manufacture the ball, as the company announced a new licensing partnership with the 2021 Lions series.

The new agreement will see Gilbert exclusively produce a range of balls in celebration of the Lions series in South Africa.

Gilbert, which has produced rugby balls since the game started in 1823, has been a partner of SA Rugby for over 20 years, including the last two Lions tours to South Africa, in 1997 and 2009.

Organisers announced in a press statement that matches in the series will use the renowned Sirius match ball, which was used throughout the Springboks’ famous Rugby World Cup 2019 triumph

Gilbert's Sirius match ball remains the preferred choice of most of the world's leading nations - it has been the official ball at the Rugby World Cup for the last seven consecutive tournaments and will be used at the 2022 women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and men's event in France in 2023.

"We are delighted to continue our long and successful relationship with the Lions tours in South Africa and SA Rugby," said Richard Gray, CEO - Commercial, Gilbert Rugby.

"We are excited to launch a unique collection including the official Lions series match balls and a selection of licensed supporter product which will be available for supporters to purchase for the first time ever."

Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, added: "Through hard work, dedication and being at the cutting edge of technology, Gilbert has earned its reputation as the global leader when it comes to rugby balls, and has been the preferred ball all over the world.

"Their products are created for performance, they are consistent and developed with leading edge technology and we are grateful to extend our partnership," added Roux.

Notes: The official match balls and their replicas will be available to purchase from www.gilbertrugby.com next month - register your interest below:

Lions Series 2021 - Match Ball | Replica

The Lions 1888 Cup - Match Ball | Replica