John Winter

Why Do Rugby Balls Have Gilbert On Them?

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Sometimes it seems like all rugby balls are called Gilbert. Are you watching an international match or a game of touch in the park? The rugby balls are likely to have Gilbert stamped on them. Let’s get stuck into the reasons why! Why Are Rugby balls Called Gilbert? Gilbert is a brand name that is … Read more

Do Rugby Balls Have Bladders? (Explained)

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If you opened a rugby ball, what would you see inside? Modern rugby balls contain rubber or synthetic bladders with an attached valve for inflation. Historically, rugby balls had pigs’ bladders that were inflated by mouth. The bladders inside rugby balls are commonly made with one of three types of materials: Natural latex Butyl rubber … Read more

Do Rugby Balls Have Laces?

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Here’s a picture of two rugby balls. The ball on the left is an antique from the 1930s. I bought the ball on the right a few years ago. Spot the difference? The red arrow is a clue: the older rugby ball has laces. There are also a few other differences that are key to … Read more