Rodd & Gunn collaborates with sporting brand Gilbert

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Mar 27, 2023

New Zealand heritage brand Rodd & Gunn has teamed up with sporting goods manufacturer Gilbert to design an exclusive clothing collection, as an ode to rugby. 

The Rodd & Gunn x Gilbert menswear collection features quintessential sportswear with a Rodd & Gunn twist, including printed sweatshirts, hoodies, polo shirts, trousers and jackets, as well as the Gilbert x Rodd & Gunn rugby ball.

As part of the collaboration, the two brands designed a custom emblem, stitched onto each piece. Likewise, each collection piece has been named after a different rugby stadium in England (where Gilbert is based) and New Zealand.

It is believed that rugby was born in 1823 when schoolboy William Webb Ellis, with a fine disregard for the rules of football, took the ball in his arms and ran with it. The ball in question was a Gilbert, and the name has been synonymous with rugby ever since.

CEO of Rodd & Gunn, Mike Beagley, commented: “We’ve kept this collection true to our brand, keeping in mind the rich heritage and sporting nature of Gilbert, ensuring it appeals to rugby enthusiasts on and off the field.”

Created in 1946, Rodd & Gunn operates stores across New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the United States. In its concept stores, found in Auckland, Queenstown, Brisbane and soon Melbourne, it aims to introduce customers to New Zealand culture via both a culinary and lifestyle experience. The concept will soon be available in the United States, as well as in London and Paris.