Gilbert engineered the ball specifically for the showpiece after a series of tests, and it features an innovative valve and bladder design to ensure improved shape retention and spin.

Rugby World Cup Limited chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Gilbert is a brand that is synonymous with Rugby World Cup, having supplied balls for all tournaments since 1995.

"We are delighted to be launching an Official Rugby World Cup 2011 Match Ball that does not just look great, but will deliver another advance in performance through Gilbert's expertise.

"We are enthused by how well the Virtuo has been received by the elite playing community."

Richard Gray, sales and marketing director of Grays International, added: "No one more than Gilbert understands the need for absolute precision in the manufacture of a top quality Rugby ball to perform on the world stage.

"The Virtuo is without question our best ball yet.

"Since its creation we have put the ball through its paces.

"So far it has seen action in the November internationals and throughout the Six Nations equating to over 30 hours play time in international Rugby, by July every Rugby World Cup 2011 participating union will have played or trained with the ball for extended periods.

"The Virtuo has exceeded our expectations."

Gilbert have designed match balls for the last four Rugby World Cups, and the latest ball has been used by 12 of the 20 nations participating in this year's competition.

Replicas of the match balls are selling prolifically online, and 1,000 limited edition boxed balls complete with their own certificates are also now available.

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