Covid-19 and Gilbert ball care

To get the best performance from you Gilbert rugby ball and to minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus when rugby returns, please follow our rugby ball care guide below.

Inflation and Air Pressure.

All balls should be inflated to the correct pressure of 9.5 psi.

For optimum performance from Gilbert match balls, do not overinflate balls and then reduce the pressure down to 9.5psi – this can cause balls to lose their shape and affect performance. Once a ball has been overinflated, it will never return to its original, intended and optimal shape.

Before use, check the pressure and adjust accordingly as slight variations of ball pressure can occur due to the natural materials used in the bladder and changes in external climate.

We recommend only using the stirrup pump (or another hand pump) to inflate the balls - inflation using a compressor or airline is not recommended as it can lead to over inflation, which can cause the properties of the ball to change.

Cleaning.

Before each training session or match, you should clean your rugby ball to remove any mud or residue. Do this with a soft cloth, a light detergent and warm water to ensure the grip is kept in its optimum condition for the maximum length of time.

Following the Covid-19 outbreak, we have consulted with World Rugby’s Chief Medical Officer Eanna Falvey who advises that

“Soapy water kills the bacteria so standard hand soap based products are perfectly adequate”.

World Rugby confirm that Gilbert’s current advise is adequate however, players should be reminded that hand hygiene is also important part of this process.


Storing.

After a wet winters game, your ball needs to be stored in the optimum conditions to prolong its life. This means keeping your ball in a dry environment. Even though the ball is waterproof, if left in a damp setting, tiny amounts of water will accumulate inside and eventually increase the weight of the ball. This will ultimately affect your performance on the field and the ball will not last as long!