Wasps Netball Partners With Gilbert

Wasps Netball has joined forces with sport brand Gilbert to produce the team’s first-ever kit ahead of the Vitality Netball Superleague season in 2017.

The West Midlands club has signed a two-year agreement with the sports manufacturer, which will also cover supply of training kits, match balls and accessories.

Work is currently going on behind the scenes to develop the kit in Wasps black and gold colours, which will be unveiled to fans ahead of the new Vitality Netball Superleague season.

Wasps Netball has already landed a host of star players ahead of the debut season and has recruited former England international Tamsin Greenway as director of netball.

Signings include last season’s league top-scorer Rachel Dunn, who scored 474 goals, South African international Bongiwe Msomi, and 2015 Superleague player of the season Natalie Haythornthwaite.

David Armstrong, group chief executive officer, Wasps said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with a manufacturer like Gilbert on producing our team’s first ever kit.

“This is the latest step in us trying to build a club that is first-class right across the board, from the kit right through to player recruitment.

“We feel that we have some of the best players and coaches in the league, and are confident going into next season that we will be able to compete at the top end of the league.

“There is a real buzz around Wasps Netball at the moment and this partnership with Gilbert will only generate more anticipation ahead of the new season.”

Tamsin added: “It’s great to be partnering with Gilbert this season, they are an excellent netball brand and it’s exciting to be able to work with them on new ideas and ranges both on and off the court.

“The team’s kit is really important to the players to ensure they are comfortable out on court, and also to the fans who want to be able to wear their colours with pride. This relationship with Gilbert will give us an opportunity to really push the Wasps brand and highlight our fantastic team.”

Gilbert, sales & marketing director, Richard Gray added: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Wasps in this ground-breaking, all-encompassing deal and are proud that this is another powerful endorsement of Gilbert’s growing reputation across the board in netball equipment, clothing and footwear. 

“We are very excited to be involved in Wasps’ ambitious and innovative ideas for netball in the Midlands and we wish them every success in their first Superleague campaign. Having enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Wasps rugby and with close connections to the area ever since the Gilbert brand was first established in Rugby in 1823, we are confident that the relationship will be a long and successful one, for both parties.”