Rugby: Rugby League signs exclusive ball contract

The Rugby Football League has signed an exclusive contract with James Gilbert Ltd to supply balls for the 2000 - 2001 Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final between Bradford Bulls and St Helens at Twickenham on Saturday, April 28.

The Rugby-based company are manufacturing a limited edition run of 20 balls that will be used at the historic first appearance of inter-club Rugby League at Twickenham and the 100th Challenge Cup Final.

Following the success of the Gilbert-designed eight-panelled ball for last year’s Lincoln Financial Group Rugby League World Cup and Tetley’s Super League, the same version specially branded for the occasion has been commissioned.

Greg McCallum, the Rugby Football League’s Executive Director of Rugby, said: "The eight-panelled design has proved a real winner with the modern Rugby League professionals and we are delighted to be working with one of the world’s leading ball manufacturing companies for this historic fixture."

Jamie Hassard, the Development Manager for James Gilbert and Co, said: "We’re very pleased to be supplying Rugby balls for such a prestigious fixture as the Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final.

"It is satisfying to know that all the research and development we put into the eight-panelled ball for the Rugby League World Cup has paid off with long-term popularity.

"It was particularly satisfying to us that players from both clubs expressed a desire to play with the eight-panelled ball and this is our mark in the sand for top-class British Rugby League."