Gilbert launches unique Virtuo RWC 2011 ball
Gilbert, the official Rugby World Cup ball suppliers, are proud to announce the release of the official match ball for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand –termed the Gilbert Virtuo – its major differentiator is in its design and the technology behind its development.
Having been tested by both man and machine, in order to comply with the highest standards one would expect for a Rugby World Cup tournament, the Gilbert Virtuo represents the latest in ball technology and has been uniquely developed for the seventh Rugby World Cup to be hosted in New Zealand in October 2011.
Eric Ichikowitz, Group Strategic and Marketing Director for Gilbert said, “This Rugby World Cup Virtuo ball has been developed using new rubber compounds as well as a unique grip surface that has a profound impact on the flight as well as the out-of- hand handling of the ball. It has been developed with optimal performance at the highest level of the game in mind to ensure that the ball contributes to an exciting and successful World Cup.”
It is all about performance when it comes to a big tournament like the Rugby World Cup and for that reason the Gilbert Virtuo underwent stringent factory testing before hitting the training ground under the likes of former England fly half Paul Grayson and Springbok kicking ace Braam van Straaten.
“The key to the manufacturing process is the relationship between the strength of backing material and the amount of energy imparted, this new ball has pleased the experts,” continued Ichikowitz.
Not only does the ball meet all its technical specifications but is in line with the RWC 2011 ‘look and feel’ – the design unique to this World Cup was developed in collaboration between Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) and local Maori artists.
RWCL were keen to capture the meaning of the tournament using the language of Maori art and worked in partnership with the artists to achieve this. The look for the 2011 Rugby World Cup is a stylistic interpretation of the Hammerhead Shark (Mangopare) and the Fern shoot (Koru).
The Mangopare is considered by Maori as the greatest of sharks because of its tenacious nature; a quality needed in the heat of battle. It symbolises strength, determination, strategy and team play. The Koru is central to Maori symbolism with its spiral form representing the cycle of life, family and creation.
“There is no doubt that Gilbert is the leader when it comes to rugby balls, in my mind they have always been ahead of the pack,” said Van Straaten, specialist kicking coach for South Africa and other international teams.
Van Straaten tested the Gilbert Virtuo ball during last year’s Tri-Nations, “The ball travels perfectly through the air – it’s aerodynamic and with the adaptation Gilbert has made to both the strength and the bladder makes it a pleasure to kick.
“Of course a lot is dependent on the climate and ultimately the pressure on the ball, but my experience shows that this is an amazing ball and it has been a pleasure to test. I have no doubt that it will meet all the relevant expectations of the players and referees participating in Rugby World Cup 2011.”
Wayne Dannheisser, Gilbert SA CEO added: “Gilbert has earned its reputation since 1832 and has been the preferred ball for five consecutive Rugby World Cup tournaments. Our products are created for performance, they are consistent and developed with leading edge technology.”
“We are proud to once again be associated with the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and to bring this unique ball to the tournament – we wish all the teams everything of the best and look forward to experiencing an amazing and exciting tournament with Rugby supporters from all around the world.”
- Gilbert RWC ball merchandise has been on sale since December 2010, with a limited amount of RWC-quality Virtuo match balls set to go on sale from May 1 at all leading sports stores.
For more information, visit the Gilbert website, www.gilbertrugby.com, or follow @gilbertsa on Twitter and gilbertsa on Facebook.
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