Gilbert announce first ever ‘digital collectible’ rugby balls for Rugby World Cup 2023 Final

Gilbert announce first ever ‘digital collectible’ rugby balls for Rugby World Cup 2023 Final

Gilbert Rugby, the official ball of Rugby World Cup France 2023 is collaborating with the official RWC 2023 Megastore in Paris to launch a limited edition release of Official Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Match Ball powered by authentifyit. 

Available exclusively through the Rugby World Cup flagship store on Place de la Concorde in Paris, the exclusive RWC 2023 Final Match ball is limited to only 150 available & includes an NFT chip inside the ball that will unleash a new level of engagement and access for fans of rugby and major sports events. 

Each ball will have a 3D interactive model, immutable proof of authenticity and ownership, and other exclusive content such as details on how the ball is made, material, and other insightful technical engineering facts on the ball. The digital identity will also include details about Gilbert, the unique manufacturing process and its legacy - celebrating 200 years within rugby in 2023.

Richard Gray, Commercial CEO at Gilbert commented: “For 200 years it has been our commitment to innovation that has kept the Gilbert brand at the forefront of rugby, the launch of this world-first digital rugby match ball cements that.

We have been privileged to have supplied every Rugby World Cup since 1995 and this year’s tournament in France has possibly been the biggest and best – both with the action on the pitch and the fans’ response off it. We are delighted to bring the fans closer to the game – and to the Gilbert brand – with this exclusive new RWC product”

Designed and powered by Authentifyit, this digital identity solution aims to bring a new level of relationship between brands, products and fans. We have all understood the emotional and future commercial value that we as a society attach to physical things around us. Authentifyit leverages the power of two technologies between blockchain, tokenization and the long standing promise of IoT to transform products in the digital world; and create a revolution in how we share data and create value in a privacy preserving manner.

“We are thrilled to be working with Gilbert and Legends to bring this exciting project to life,” said a Co-founders of Authentifyit, Bianca lopes & Olivier Viaud.

“Our technology will provide fans, communities with an unparalleled level of engagement by proving authenticity and ownership for these special commemorative balls. Identity is the path to belonging. Tokenizing the physical world around us allow us to open a new world of opportunity and connection.” - Says Bianca. 

 

About Gilbert Rugby:

Gilbert Rugby is a legendary brand with 200 years of expertise in crafting the finest rugby balls. From humble beginnings in the 1820s, Gilbert Rugby has become the ball of choice for the world's greatest rugby competitions. With a reputation for innovation, precision and quality, Gilbert Rugby is the ultimate symbol of rugby excellence. Proud to be the official ball of every Rugby World Cup since 1995, Gilbert is a market leader in the production and supply of rugby goods including: rugby balls, rugby boots, rugby clothing and rugby equipment.

It is the official supplier of the most important rugby tournaments and competitions in the world, such as the Rugby World Cup 2023, European Professional Club Rugby, Premiership Rugby, United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby and most of the World’s leading international teams.

 

For more information visit www.gilbertrugby.com or follow Gilbert Rugby on social media

 
About Legends: Legends is a global merchandise distributor that specializes in providing high-quality products to fans around the world. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Legends has established itself as a leader in the industry.

About Authentifyit: Authentifyit is a leading provider of digital identity solutions. Our technology helps businesses and individuals protect their digital assets and establish trust in online transactions.