Rugby league referees secure new boot deal

17/01/2013
England’s Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced a new deal under which footwear brand XBlades Sport will supply boots to its referees and touch judges.

XBlades operations director for the UK, Dave Wild, said at the time of the announcement: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to be the official footwear supplier of the RFL match officials. XBlades has prided itself on its innovative technology and design, making it a market leader for bladed-sole rugby boots and a substantial competitor for major international brands. Designed primarily for injury protection, comfort and playing longevity, XBlades continues to design and manufacture revolutionary footwear that is worn by many world-class rugby league, rugby union, Australian Football League and football players.”

Established in Australia in 1989, the brand developed the first bladed outsole. It claims that all of the big-name football boot brands have “tried to copy” its patented sole design but have been “unable to achieve the same level of performance and protection”.