Rhino v Gilbert Rugby Balls – Which Are The Best?

We were asked, Rhino v Gilbert Rugby Balls – Which Are The Best? But to answer that question, we probably need to find out a little about each brand first. Both brands are major players when it comes to rugby balls, especially in the UK. Furthermore, it should be noted that Rhino and Gilbert are established brands on a world scale, not just the UK. It is true, that Gilbert has more global exposure and is the official rugby ball supplier, with more governing bodies than Rhino. But we often ask, does this worldwide exposure result in more expensive rugby balls, for the end user?

Rhino and Gilbert manufacture a great range of training, match and pro quality rugby balls. Most rugby ball brands manufacture their products in India, specifically in Jalandhar, northwest India. When we last checked, factories in Jalandhar were still producing the balls from Rhino and Gilbert. Additionally, rugby balls from this region have consistently demonstrated superior quality. So, Rhino v Gilbert , how do your decide which is the best brand?

Rhino v Gilbert – A Brief History

A brief history of Rhino Rugby

Rhino were pioneers in world rugby. Rhino introduced the first mass-produced scrum machines to the market in 1980. Meanwhile, these machines became more affordable and widely available, making them a common sight at clubs worldwide. Additionally, their range of tackle bags and hit shields gained popularity among both grassroots and professional clubs. With this growing presence in the rugby world, it was only natural for Rhino to expand into manufacturing rugby balls as well. Rugby union and rugby league, both use balls manufactured by Rhino. The balls produced for both codes differ though, with the rugby league balls tending to be narrower and have a longer appearance.

1980 Rhino began producing training and match rugby balls for grassroots clubs, in the UK and Ireland

The first notable jump into professional rugby, saw the Rhino training balls used by the British and Irish Lions for their 2009 tour to South Africa. Launched in 2011, The Rhino Vortex Elite rugby ball was initially adopted as the official match ball to the Pro 12 league. Across the years Rhino have had associations with some of the major governing bodies across the world. However, with Gilbert’s global dominance, it was hard to gain and retain contracts to be the official match balls for many of the major tournaments.

In 2025, Rhino signed their biggest ever deal and became the official ball of South African rugby. In fact, Rhino signed a seven-year partnership with SA Rugby and the Springboks. The deal covers the men’s and women’s fifteens and sevens side.

A brief history of Gilbert Rugby

Rugby’s origins trace back to 1823 when schoolboy William Webb Ellis allegedly defied the rules of football by picking up the ball and running with it. Around the same time, shoemaker William Gilbert crafted what many consider the first rugby ball. Since the 19th century, the Gilbert brand has played a major role in the sport, staying in the Gilbert family until 1978. In 2002, the Grays family took over the brand and continues to run it today.

Gilbert rugby balls are a fixture at grassroots clubs worldwide. In 1995, the brand made history as the first official ball of the Rugby World Cup and has held that status ever since. When rugby returned to the Olympics at the 2016 Rio Games, Gilbert became the official ball supplier once again. On television, whether in features or advertisements, rugby balls are often Gilbert-branded. The company offers a wide range of rugby balls to suit all budgets and skill levels, including high-quality training balls, match balls, and elite-level rugby balls.

Gilbert are the official ball suppliers to most of the world’s rugby governing bodies including

• Australia Rugby
• England Rugby
• Welsh Rugby Union
• Scottish Rugby
• Ireland RFU
• Italian Rugby Federation
• Argentina Rugby
• France Rugby
• Gilbert are also the official ball supplier to New Zealand Rugby for the first time since 2006.
• And The Gallagher Premiership amongst one of the many, major leagues and cup around the world.

All of these rugby federations exclusively use Gilbert iNNOVO Match rugby balls. Each ball features customized graphics tailored to the specific organization, league, or cup competition.

Rhino v Gilbert – Training Rugby Balls

Training rugby balls are generally at the entry price point and offer best value to clubs and players, especially when buying in bulk. Rhino and Gilbert have 2 exceptional models available in sizes 3, 4 and 5. Both brands have a variety of colours available in the higher priced model.

• Rhino Rapide Training Rugby Ball – The Rapide is available in 3 sizes – Size 3, 4 and 5. The Rhino Rapide XV ball features a unique embossed grip and is generally available for around £11 to £14.
• The Gilbert GTR-3000 Training Rugby Ball – The GTR-3000 is Gilbert’s entry level ball and is available in sizes 3, 4 and 5. However, all 3 sizes are a different colour which is a great feature. The graphics on the size 3 ball are red, green on the size 4 ball and blue on the size 5 ball. The TRI-grip is becoming more popular and is less rounded than a traditional ball grip. The GTR-3000 rugby ball is generally priced around £11 to £14. Check out our Gilbert GTR-3000 Rugby Ball Review
• Rhino Cyclone Training Rugby Ball – This is one of our favourite training rugby balls. It features a great all round 3-D grip and is also available in 3 sizes. Priced around £12 to £15. Check out our Rhino Cyclone Rugby Ball Review.
• The Gilbert GTR-4000 Training Rugby Ball – The GTR-4000 ball is a great training ball and is a higher quality version of the GTR-3000 ball. This model is a 3 ply ball and is available in 3 sizes. It has the best range of colours across any of the training rugby balls and is generally priced around £12 to £16. Check out our Gilbert GTR-4000 Rugby Ball Review.

Rhino v Gilbert – Match Rugby Balls

If you have a higher budget, you might consider buying a match ball. Match balls tend to be more expensive and therefore should be reserved for match play to extend their lifespan. Of course, the price of match rugby balls vary greatly across brands and models. Match balls are generally priced around £15 to £60. Anything above this would probably be classified as pro quality or for elite rugby. The Rhino range of match rugby balls include:

• Rhino Hurricane XV Match Rugby Ball – The Rhino Hurricane is the entry level match ball and is available in all 3 sizes. It has a standard raised Multigrain Max grip which has been popular through the years. The price range for the Hurricane is between £15 to £18.
• Rhino Tornado XV Match Rugby Ball – The Rhino Tornado ball is at a higher price point than the Hurricane at around £25. It is available in 2 sizes only – size 4 and 5.
• The Rhino Comet Match Rugby Ball – The Rhino Comet is a great value match rugby ball, although at a higher price point to the Tornado. It is available in sizes 4, 4.5 and 5. It also has a couple of colour options which we love. The Comet has a unique star style grip and is pre-kicked, which is a sign of a high quality match rugby ball. A special rugby ball but you would expect that for a ball at the £40 price point.
• Rhino Meteor Match Rugby Ball – I’m pretty sure the Rhino Meteor is being discontinued but was originally priced around the price point as the Comet. Available in sizes 4 and 5.

Rhino v Gilbert – Rhino’s Elite Level Match Ball

• Rhino Vortex Pro Match Rugby Ball – The Rhino Vortex Pro Rugby Ball is the highest spec ball from Rhino and is priced around £100. Again, it should be noted this quality ball will be used by all South African teams from 2025.

Rhino v Gilbert – Gilbert’s Match Rugby Balls

• Gilbert Omega Match Rugby Ball – The Gilbert Omega rugby ball is Gilbert’s best selling match ball. Available in sizes 3, 4 and 5 and in 2 colourways. The price point is a key factor for being so popular @ £27 to £31. The grip is the ever reliable standard style and it is proven to react well in all weather conditions.
• Gilbert Atom Match Rugby Ball – We feel the Gilbert Atom is very similar to the Omega ball. However, it is manufactured with a slightly different rubber compound to give a better grip and feel. It is a match rugby ball for serious players with a bigger budget. Priced around £45 to £50
• The Gilbert Barbarian 2.0 Match Rugby Ball – The Barbarian has been one of our favourite rugby balls, for a number of years. It is expensive but the quality is there for all to see. Features include a great grip, colourways which are stylish and it a 4-ply construction for improved durability. Interestingly, the price varies somewhat, between £60 to £72, which is an early indication that the Barbarian might be upgraded, discontinued or relaunched.

Rhino v Gilbert – Gilbert Elite Level Match Rugby Balls

• Gilbert Kinetica Match Rugby Ball – The Gilbert Kinetica is a classy rugby ball and is an improved version of the Revolution X ball. For this reason, the price point is around £85 to £90 so is an expensive ball. However, if you need an elite level ball from Gilbert, this is the ball for you. Of course, given the price, it is no surprise to see it only available in size 5.
• The pinnacle of the Gilbert range – Gilbert iNNOVO Elite Match Rugby Ball – The Gilbert iNNOVO match rugby ball is used across all major league and International rugby matches where Gilbert are the official ball supplier. Check out our Gilbert iNNOVO match rugby ball review. The iNNOVO ball shown below is the England rugby version. In our opinion, the colourway on the international balls are more striking than those on the standard ball.

In Conclusion, Which Is The Best Rugby Ball Brand Rhino or Gilbert

Coming to a decision on which is the best rugby ball brand, depends on what type of ball you require. Both brands have a range of great quality balls. Your budget also has an impact on which brand you might choose too. Although, Gilbert are the market leader, Rhino have rugby balls of equal quality. In either case, you can buy quality balls, at a budget to suit your pocket. But ultimately – Rhino v Gilbert – only you can decide.