X Blades UK

XBlades is proud to announce that Welsh International and Ospreys rugby star Richard Hibbard joins XBlades.

Richard Hibbard Joins XBlades

Richard Hibbard, the 29 year old Ospreys hooker, is the latest rugby star to join XBlades UK’s talented line-up of players to proudly wear the renowned boots on the pitch, joining names such as Gloucester & Fiji Flanker Akapusi Qera, Northampton Saints Winger Jamie Elliot, Saracens & England Flanker Mouritz Botha and Wales player and London Welsh fly-half Gavin Henson.

Born in Neath, south Wales, Hibbard made his name playing for local clubs Aberavon FC and Swansea before joining the Ospreys in 2004.  He made his Wales international debut against Argentina during Wales’ 2006 Summer Tour and has been a regularly featured player ever since.  Today Hibbard has been announced as one of the members of Warren Gatland’s 37-strong squad for the British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia this summer, a great achievement which will see him join the long list of legendary players to be given this honour.

Richard Hibbard’s signing as the newest XBlades Player is a mark of the incredible success that the brand has seen since entering the UK market.Already one of the biggest makers of rugby boots in Australia, the sponsorship of world class players like Hibbard has cemented XBlades place as one of the professional rugby world’s premier choices for footwear.  Featuring innovative technology and design, XBlades are the perfect choice for both professional and non-professional rugby players, available in a great range of styles and colours.

XBlades UK look forward to working with Richard Hibbard over the coming years and following his progress with the Ospreys and Wales as well as the upcoming Lions Tour.

Darren joined the Cornish Pirates as an ‘Academy’ player in 2006 having played his youth rugby at Truro, joining the city club at the age of 12, and making progress through the juniors and colts set up.He became a member of the South West of England Rugby Academy (SWERA) based at Truro, and he also gained selection to the England Colleges team in 2005 and 2006.After making 27 appearances in total for the Cornish Pirates in 2008-9 he joined Gloucester in the summer of 2009. He made good progress in his first season at Kingsholm and signed a new contract in spring 2010.

He made 11 appearances in total in 2010-11 including scoring a try in the LV= Cup Final win.

2011-12 saw him feature even more frequently at first team level and he signed a new contract with the club in the spring.

Joel is a dynamic young backrow who is quickly making a name for himself at Exeter Chiefs. Joel is a powerful ball carrier and a regular try scorer as he has demonstrated on numerous occasions for England U18 this season. He is also known for his physicality in defence and this combined with his impressive speed make Joel the perfect fit for the modern number 8.

Fans favourite ‘Wagga’ is a vastly experienced and respected Super League player.With over 200 appearances in the Elite division he has played for Castleford,Wigan,Hull FC,Bradford and now Salford.His position is at hooker although he can operate at Half Back.He is also an England A international and is known for his distribution skills and ‘eye’ for the try line.

Wayne will be wearing the Legend Sleek 6 stud and Blade.

‘Having had a few foot injuries during my career i’m ultra careful in choosing the boots I wear. That’s the reason i’m delighted to be wearing X Blades in 2013 and beyond-they have the protection built in to them that all Rugby players should look for. Any boots that minimise injuries are a must! Any of you looking for confirmation of this feel free to contact me on Twitter @Waggataurus.’

Kyle is equally adept at hooker or half back his pace often been utilised off the bench as inter change Hooker when defences are tiering.Previously with Super League clubs Castleford and Huddersfield he moved to Wakefield in 2012 and played every round in SL of that year-an exceptional record so proving his consistency and rapidly maturing game.His best years are undoubtedly in front of him.

Kyle will be wearing the Legend Sleek boot.

 
‘I’m really pleased to be wearing X blades in 2013.Not only do they have the good looking and comfortable Elites and Sleeks but the perfect training boots for all artificial surfaces’