Is The iNNOVO The Best Quality Gilbert Rugby Ball in the World?
Gilbert is the undisputed leader in rugby ball manufacturing, producing high-quality balls for elite competitions worldwide. Is the iNNOVO the best quality Gilbert rugby ball though? For sure, they can probably lay claim to manufacturing the highest quality balls around. Moreover their craftsmanship, durability, and performance make them the preferred choice for professionals and amateurs alike.
Gilbert Rugby products not only dominate the UK market but they have cornered the world market too. Among their extensive range, one rugby ball stood out for years as the best quality Gilbert rugby ball. The Gilbert Barbarian Match Rugby Ball realised iconic status amongst the ball buying brigade and is still available to buy on Amazon.
The Gilbert Sirius rugby ball replaced the Gilbert Barbarian but was never as popular. Even though the Sirius was used in all elite grade rugby matches around the globe, including the Rugby World Cup. However, launched in 2024 and rolled out further in 2025, there is a serious contender to the title of the best quality Gilbert rugby ball in the world.
Key Features of the Gilbert iNNOVO Match Rugby Ball
1. Patented Hypernova Grip – Probably The Best Rugby Grip Available
The Gilbert iNNOVO match ball features the most advanced grip pattern known as Hypernova Grip. Unlike traditional pimples, this technology has a combination of different grip styles which ensures a superior and consistent grip, even in wet conditions. Grip pattern’s are developed over a number of years. They enhance control, allowing players to maintain a firm hold on the ball when passing, kicking, or carrying.
2. High-Performance Bladder
The bladder sits at the heart of every rugby ball, and Gilbert developed the Copolymer ‘Air-Loc’ Bladder, incorporating it into the iNNOVO ball. A latex bladder minimizes air loss, ensuring balls retain their shape and pressure over extended periods. As such, this feature is crucial for professional gameplay, whilst maintaining the optimum inflation for the most consistant performance.
3. Hand-Stitched Constructed Rugby Ball By The Very Best Craftsmen and Women
A few years ago, I visited a factory in India that claimed to manufacture 90% of the world’s rugby balls. The staff guided me through the entire ball production process, including the hand-stitching department. The stitchers maintained the highest standards, knowing the elite balls would be used at the pinnacle of the game. Each stitcher completed only about 15 balls per day because of the laborious nature of the process.
Gilbert manufactures the balls in the same town, and expert stitchers meticulously hand-stitch the iNNOVO. This craftsmanship delivers unmatched durability and ensures consistent, reliable performance. The high-quality hand-stitching secures each panel firmly, maintaining the ball’s structural integrity even after repeated impacts and extended use. Additionally, the iNNOVO rugby balls undergo a pre-kicking process, giving users precision right out of the box. However, the term “pre-kicked” doesn’t mean the ball is physically kicked. Instead, the rubber and outer layers go through a stretching and pounding process, simulating the effect of being pre-kicked.
4. An Incredible Rugby Ball With An Incredibly Durable Outer Surface
Firstly, we observed the process of mixing and pounding the rubber compound to create the finest base layers. The exact ratio of rubber types varied depending on the quality of the rugby ball. Manufacturers used more of the cheaper compound for training balls and a higher concentration of the expensive compound for elite balls. After mixing, they rolled out the compound multiple times, similar to how a chef rolls out pasta. Next, they glued the outer layer of cross-ply laminated material to the rubber compound.
What helps the claim of being the best quality Gilbert rugby ball, is the make up of these outer layers. Made from a high-quality G-XV natural rubber compound, the outer layer of the iNNOVO is engineered to withstand harsh playing conditions. The rubber compound enhances grip and longevity, making the ball suitable for use in all weather conditions without compromising performance. The Reaction Laminate Construction also offers strength and durability to a high quality product. All of this ensures the iNNOVO is capable of withstanding the rigors of elite rugby around the world.
5. Ellipse Truflight™ Duo Valve For The Best Aerodynamic Rugby Balls
A standout feature of the iNNOVO rugby ball is its use of the Ellipse Truflight™ Duo Valve, which is claimed to improve flight accuracy. This technology reduces drag and ensures a stable trajectory when kicked. Thus, making it a favorite among kickers and tactical players who rely on precision in their game.
Materials Used in Manufacture Of The World’s Best Quality Gilbert Rugby Ball
Gilbert uses premium-grade materials to craft the iNNOVO Match Ball, enhancing its elite performance and durability.
- Outer Layer: G-XV natural rubber blend for optimal grip and durability
- Bladder: Patented latex Copolymer ‘Air-Loc’ bladder for long-lasting air retention
- Lining: Multi-layered synthetic and polyester laminates to provide shape retention and stability
- Stitching: Hand-stitched using high-strength polyester threads by the very best hand stitchers
- Valve: Durable latex-based Ellipse Truflight™ Duo Valve for a tru flight and accurate trajectory every time
Leagues and Competitions Using the Gilbert iNNOVO Match Rugby Ball
The Gilbert Sirius is the official match ball of various prestigious rugby leagues and competitions, including:
- Rugby World Cup – Used in the pinnacle of international rugby competition.
- Six Nations Championship – The premier European rugby tournament featuring top-tier nations.
- The Rugby Championship – Contested by New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.
- Gallagher Premiership Rugby – England’s premier domestic league.
- United Rugby Championship (URC) – Featuring teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa.
What Is The Cost Of The Gilbert iNNOVO Match Rugby Ball? Our Verdict On the Best Quality Gilbert Rugby Ball
As a premium rugby ball, the Gilbert iNNOVO Match Rugby Ball is priced in the range of £140 to £160 GBP, depending on the retailer and location. Seemingly, Gilbert has given the ball their highest rrp to date at £159.99. However, given its high quality and advanced technology, can this price is justified? The ball is for serious players and professional teams who require a top performance rugby ball. On the other hand, if you are a collector of rugby balls, it is a huge sum to justify and it could be said the price is inflated, to cover the marketing spend and sponsorship deals.
There is no doubt it is a great ball but I won’t be spending £160 to buy one.
Because rugby enthusiasts seek the absolute best quality ball, the Gilbert iNNOVO Match Ball stands unmatched. Furthermore its innovative grip technology, superior aerodynamics, and high-quality materials make it the top choice for elite players and international competitions. Whilst its price may be higher than standard match or club-level balls, its performance, durability, and reliability make it worthy of the accolade of the best quality Gilbert rugby ball to date.
However if you are looking for something more affordable the Gilbert Barbarian Rugby Ball or the Gilbert Atom Rugby Balls are more affordable. At this time, they are also available to buy on Amazon unlike the Gilbert iNNOVO.
Further information of other rugby balls in the Gilbert range please check out our Rugby Balls Reviewed page.
