Funding helps X-Blades UK take next steps to growth

The Australian label is run in the UK and Ireland by former Doncaster RLFC owner Shane Miller from a distribution base in the South Yorkshire town.

Star players who wear X Blades boots include rugby union internationals Richard Hibbard and Dylan Hartley, while rugby league stars Kevin Sinfield, Sam Tomkins and Josh Charnley also have agreements with the company.

Jason Robinson, the dual code international rugby player, is a director of the company.

X Blades, established in 1989 and headquartered in Sydney, makes a wide range of sportswear including footwear, protection, sports apparel and leisurewear.

It was the first brand to develop a bladed outsole, which is now a staple of sports boots across the world.

Leeds-based Reward Capital said it has provided X Blades UK with cash flow funding and invoice finance facilities to help it acquire stock to meet demand.

The funding is also being used to accelerate X Blade UK’s growth strategy.

James Mortimore, business development director at Reward Capital, said X Blades UK is a growing brand within the sports industry.

“X Blades UK’s products are worn by many leading sportsmen and the brand has tremendous growth opportunities,” he said.

“It has exciting plans to expand its product range and also win more contracts with large UK sports distributors and Reward’s support will help to achieve these aims.”

Mr Miller said: “Reward’s support is already proving invaluable as we accelerate our plans to continue to be recognised as one of the leading sportswear brands in the UK and Ireland.

“We required help to allow us to acquire new stock and this financial assistance is proving crucial to achieving that.”

Blades claims that all of the major football boot brands have tried to copy its patented sole design, but they have been unable to achieve the same level of performance and protection.

Mr Robinson said: “Having played at the highest level I understand what players want from a boot. The exciting thing for me is the massive potential of this true rugby brand.

“I’m confident our combined attributes will make X Blades one of the leading rugby brands in the worldwide.”

The firm said that the past decade has seen it develop from a small Australian brand with a product designed primarily for injury protection, comfort and playing longevity, to a high performance all Australian football boot company.

It added that its new “Bionic” football boot is being worn by many world class players.