Gilbert are the official and exclusive ball and equipment supplier for the Scotland representative teams and the Thistle Trust.

David James, Scottish Rugby head of commercial, told www.scottishrugby.org: We have been very happy with our long and successful relationship with Gilbert and we value their support.

''We are delighted to extend this contract to include training equipment and are very pleased that Gilbert have been keen to support the Thistle Trust and help us to develop the game in Scotland.

Gilberts sales and marketing director Richard Gray added: ''We are delighted to have been awarded this contract. We value our long-term relationship with Scottish Rugby and look forward to taking our partnership forward to a new level.

''We are very happy that the players and coaching staff have endorsed the Gilbert ball and we wish Scottish Rugby every success.