Gilbert, the rugby equipment brand and prominent ball supplier, has renewed its deal to sponsor the British & Irish Lions composite team men’s tour to Australia this year.
Through the agreement struck with the British & Irish Lions' and Rugby Australia governing bodies, Gilbert has been chosen as the official and exclusive match ball supplier for the tour, which will run between late June and early August.
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The brand will also continue as the official ball and protective wear of the Australian men’s national team (Wallabies), who the Lions will play in a trio of test matches on the tour.
Gilbert has created a range of licensed balls to commemorate the tour and the pre-tour 1888 Cup match.
Richard Gray, Gilbert Rugby Commercial CEO, has now said: “We are delighted to be renewing our successful relationship with The British & Irish Lions and the Wallabies. This represents a ringing endorsement of the Gilbert match ball and the wider brand strength and service we offer.
“Lions tours are always such a wonderful occasion and a fantastic opportunity for us to engage new fans.”
This announcement follows several recent partnership renewals by Gilbert over the past 12 months, including the 2025 women’s Rugby World Cup, the Scotland and Wales national teams, and the United Rugby Championship.
The Lions, meanwhile, have secured multiple sponsors for the upcoming tour of Australia, most recently partnering with Dove Men+Care, the male personal care brand owned by Unilever.
Other commercial partners include title sponsor Qatar Airways, Rhino, Oxford Landing, Charles Tyrwhitt, Howden, Canterbury, and Fanatics.
In preparation for the first test, the Lions will face an invitational Australian and New Zealand team at the Adelaide Oval, while the tour will also include pre-test fixtures in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.
The first test of the tour will take place on July 19 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Melbourne Cricket Ground will then host the second test on July 26, while the final test will be played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on August 2.
