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Introducing the Original Barbarian Match Ball - a replica of the first synthetic rubber match ball produced in the 1980s by Gilbert.
Celebrating your club or schools inception and heritage is a special occasion each year when the day comes around.
If you are hosting a special round of rugby to commemorate this, we have the perfect ball to reflect this important occasion - The Original Barbarian Match Ball.
This vintage design reflects the look of the old-school Rugby ball used in the 20th Century but features all the high-quality modern Gilbert Match Ball characteristics.
This includes the rubber compound that provides premium performance and 2024 grip pattern which enables outstanding handling and control during games.
Ball History
During the 1980s, the landscape of Rugby balls was changing. Gilbert's developments in new manufacture and materials led to the Barbarian. The first synthetic rubber match ball to feature multi pimpled surfaces - to enhance grip - was created from a unique rubber compound to improve handling in all conditions. The Barbarian replicated the size and weight distribution of the traditional leather balls, and fast became the ball of choice of schools, clubs and the World's leading international teams.