A fleet of plug-in electric hybrid Defenders will support tournament operations throughout the country. The Defender line-up has also been extended to a 130 eight-seater version, accompanying the iconic Defender 90 and 110 duo.
Land Rover says the Defender backs World Rugby in raising awareness and driving engagement with women’s rugby around the world.
Land Rover and World Rugby have announced a new partnership that puts the New Defender at the heart of the women’s game for the first time.
Excited about the emerging power of women‘s rugby, Land Rover’s 25-year commitment to supporting rugby at all levels around the world has expanded, with the Defender becoming a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2022, which is being played from October 8 to November 12 in New Zealand.
It is the first time the brand will support the women’s tournament as a worldwide partner, with Defender pledging to help introduce new audiences and engage them with a sport that is growing at a phenomenal rate around the world. This will run alongside its long-term role as worldwide partner of the men’s tournament.
“With every Rugby World Cup location confirmed through to 2033, this is the era of women and rugby, and we are committed to ensuring that the sport is as attractive and accessible as possible on a global basis,” says World Rugby Chief Executive Officer Alan Gilpin. “Partnerships like this not only showcase the excitement of the women’s game, but are also purpose-driven, impactful and help attract new audiences and participants.”
Steve Kenchington, CEO, Land Rover New Zealand, adds, “We are very proud of the partnership between the new Defender and Women’s Rugby – a sport that runs deep through Land Rover’s DNA. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is committed to providing the same world-class game for the incredibly capable female players, while embracing a sustainability-focused experience for spectators – the Defender plug-in hybrid perfectly aligns with that ethos.”
Land Rover has already outlined its commitment to a more sustainable future as a brand, and Rugby World Cup 2022 and the men’s edition in 2023 will provide a central platform to tell the story. This commitment will extend to the New Zealand tournament where a fleet of new electric hybrid Defenders will help the running of the tournament.
Fifty-two youth mascots will be selected as ‘Defenders of Tomorrow’. Children from across New Zealand and beyond, will be chosen for their passion and dedication to changing their world for the better. On top of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, the youngsters will actively influence and determine the post-tournament legacy for Defender and Rugby World Cup 2022.
Sally Horrox, Director of Women’s Rugby at World Rugby, says “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the New Defender for Rugby World Cup 2021. Forging meaningful partnerships that are purpose-driven is extremely important to us and we are particularly excited that the Defenders of Tomorrow mascot programme will engage and inspire our future rugby generation to act and deliver impact on and off the pitch.”
More information about the Defender campaign for Rugby World Cup 2022 will be announced later this year. Recruitment for the ‘Defenders of Tomorrow’ mascot programme begins this month.