U SPORTS extends partnership with Gilbert Rugby Canada as Official Rugby Ball Supplier

U SPORTS announced Monday that it has extended its partnership with Gilbert Rugby Canada as its Official Rugby Ball Supplier from the 2024 season through 2026.

This renewed collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to elevate the rugby experience for university athletes across Canada.

As the official Rugby Ball Supplier of U SPORTS, Gilbert will provide match balls and other prizing to the upcoming U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship for the next three seasons.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Gilbert Rugby Canada as the official rugby ball supplier for U SPORTS," said Pierre Arsenault, Chief Executive Officer of U SPORTS "The Gilbert brand has solidified its position in the sport, supplying numerous high-level international events and their commitment to providing high-quality rugby equipment aligns with our goal of delivering exceptional experiences for our student-athletes."

Gilbert Rugby has supplied the last seven consecutive Men’s Rugby World Cups since 1999, along with every Women’s Rugby World Cup since 1991, and Rugby Sevens at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.

"Our enduring partnership with U SPORTS holds a special place in our hearts as a second-generation family business," said Leigh Tynan, CEO of Gilbert Rugby Canada. "Since 1998, when we were known as Monilex Sports Ltd, we have proudly stood by U SPORTS rugby, supporting the growth and excellence of women's university rugby in Canada. This commitment reflects the passion instilled by our founders, Monty Heald and Lexie Tynan. The Canadian women’s ability to shine on the global stage at competitions like the World Cup and WXV are directly supported by the strength of the U SPORTS rugby programs across the country.”

The 2024 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship will be hosted by the University of Prince Edward Island from Nov.1-4 at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place in Charlottetown, P.E.I.