Via the Jay-Z ROC Nation Sports…. GLOBAL RUGBY STAR AND RUGBY WORLD CUP WINNER CHESLIN KOLBE JOINS THE GILBERT RUGBY FAMILY
#RUGBY
Gilbert Rugby are excited to welcome South Africa international and Stade Toulouse player, Cheslin Kolbe to its family; a partnership developed with Roc Nation Sports, the world’s leading entertainment company.
Cheslin joins Gilbert Rugby, following one of the most successful seasons in rugby’s history. After helping Stade Toulouse win the Heineken Champions Cup and Top 14 Championship, Cheslin’s man of the match performance helped the Rugby World Cup Champions – the Springboks – to a 2-1 Series victory over the British and Irish Lions over the past few weeks.
Kolbe is not only one of the most exciting athletes on the planet and one of the best wingers in world rugby, but he is also an icon off the pitch for his humility, attitude, support and work in setting the highest standards within the rugby community – particularly in deprived areas and townships across South Africa.
On the pitch, Cheslin is wearing the Gilbert Air Head Guard and working with the Gilbert team to design a unique ‘Kolbe Head Guard and Rugby Ball’ – set to launch in our 2022 collection. Off the pitch, Gilbert have committed to supporting Cheslin in his social inclusion programmes, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts to facilitate positive change to young players in deprived areas across the globe.
On the announcement, a delighted Richard Gray (Commercial CEO at Gilbert) comments: “Welcoming Cheslin and Roc-Nation into the Gilbert family signifies a step forward for the Gilbert brand, Cheslin is a global superstar – on and off the pitch. We are excited to work with him and the team at Roc Nation to bring fresh content, entertainment and products to our supporters, driven by the innovation, performance and integrity at our brand’s core.”
Kolbe is thrilled to partner with a brand that is close to his heart:
“Being a part of the Gilbert Rugby family is a childhood dream come true. The first rugby ball I ever picked up was a Gilbert. I love what the brand stands for; innovation, performance and integrity, these are values that I strive for both on and off the field. I look forward to a long-standing partnership and making many more special memories with the brand.”
Roc Nation Sports President, Michael Yormark said:
“At Roc Nation Sports we strive to connect our athletes with brands that have the same values and vision as our athlete. This partnership between Cheslin and Gilbert Rugby is more than a commercial partnership, it is the coming together of two iconic brands who want to continue bringing excellence, innovation, and passion to all that they do. We are excited about what is to come.”
The Cheslin Kolbe x Gilbert range is set to launch in early 2022. To be the first to hear, head to mailchi.mp/gilbertrugby.com/jointheteam
ABOUT GILBERT RUGBY
Gilbert Rugby is the world’s longest serving rugby brand having served the rugby world since 1823 and remains a UK family run business at the heart of the game today; trusted by the Global rugby family to provide the best innovative products & support to enable players to perform to their full potential.
For more information visit www.gilbertrugby.com or follow the brand:
instagram.com/gilbertrugby
facebook.com/GILBERTRUGBY
twitter.com/GILBERT_RUGBY
ABOUT ROC NATION
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter’s love of sports led to the natural formation of Roc Nation Sports, supporting athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been working alongside and advocating for artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ careers on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations, and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as: Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Kyrie Irving, Siya Kolisi, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Cheslin Kolbe, CC Sabathia, Saquon Barkley, Lungi Ngidi, Dez Bryant, Leonard Fournette, Temba Bavuma, Danny Green, Tendai Mtawarira, Juju Smith-Schuster, Sbu Nkosi, Todd Gurley, Justise Winslow, LaMelo Ball, Jaire Alexander, Bongiwe Msomi, Ronnie Stanley, and Michael Vick. The consulting clients include AC Milan, The United Rugby Championship (URC) and Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
