Global major to source rugby balls from Jalandhar

The world's largest supplier of rugby balls, Webb Ellis, has signed a three-year agreement with Jalandhar-based Chopra Synthetic Rubber Udyog for supplying rugby balls.

This was the first time UK-based Webb Ellis has signed an agreement with a Jalandhar firm, said Director Munish Chopra. The company will supply a range of training rugby balls to Webb Ellis.

With this agreement, Indian rugby balls are all set to make their debut in almost 84 countries around the world.

"The development consultant for Webb Ellis and former England rugby player, Rod Webb, signed the three-year agreement on behalf of Webb with us," Chopra told Business Standard.

Webb Ellis, headquartered in St Mathew's Street, Rugby, is one of the world's best-known rugby brands.

Commenting upon the size of order, he added, "The order for the balls will be placed from time to time according to the requirements of the company."

Apart from rugby balls, the company manufactures and exports net balls and footballs. At present exports contribute 6-7 per cent of the total production, but the company is aiming to export 95 per cent of the total production this fiscal year

"Considering the immense demand in the international market, we have plans to double the manufacturing capacity from 1,500 pieces per day to 3,000 pieces per day," Chopra said.

Jalandhar is the nucleus of the sports goods industry in Punjab and has about 90 per cent of the total sports goods units of the state.