Defender is proud to be a worldwide partner of the Rugby World Cup France 2023. Ahead of tomorrow’s England game against Samoa we took a deep dive into Defender’s partnership with the Rugby World Cup.
FORGED IN HISTORY, DESTINED FOR GREATNESS
Rugby and Defender have a deep connection. We are cast from the same mould, made for strength, durability and versatility.
Rugby demands the same level of endurance that Defender embodies. Both represent the spirit of adventure and an unwavering commitment to excellence – a perfect match for those who seek to push boundaries, on and off the field.
Together we celebrate the determination and resilience of the human spirit. Together we embrace the impossible.
TRAILBLAZERS - IT TAKES INNER STRENGTH TO DRIVE CHANGE
To celebrate the partnership Defender has gathered some extraordinary people as ‘heroes among us’, demonstrating the inner strength to drive change for the better. Celebrating those who embrace the impossible and who have demonstrated the courage to overcome what others may have seen as impossible. These trailblazers have featured across our partnership advertising surrounding the tournament.
Let’s meet some of them…
RYUICHI NAGAYAMA
At 90 years old, Ryuichi is still playing for the Tokyo Fuwaku rugby team who are tackling ageism in the game.
Ryuichi Nagayama is Fuwaku Rugby Club’s oldest active member. Nagayama plays in the front row for the men's over-40 veteran's team. Many of his teammates are in their 70’s and 80’s and still play competitively. At 90 years old most would be content to take it easy at home and in the garden. This is not the life for Nagayama or his teammates as the veteran points out, ‘The members of the club lack the mentality to take life easy’.
“Rugby brings life to all of us.”
As a practicing doctor, Nagayama knows all too well the dangers posed by rugby ‘Since I joined Fuwaku Club, I have broken ribs many times and broke my collarbone too’ but this has never stopped him from continuing with the sport he loves ‘I have never imagined a life without rugby. Furthermore, without rugby what would I become?’
Even since Nagayama’s wife passed, rugby has taken on even greater importance. Now it’s what he lives for. And for the rest of his team, rugby isn’t just an excuse for a run about in the park. It’s something to be taken very seriously. As Nagayama says ‘Rugby brings life to all of us’, and he plans to continue playing until he physically can’t.
Watch Ryuichui's Video
JACOB PICKERING
Jacob, 14, was born without his left forearm due to congenital upper limb deficiency. But this hasn’t stopped him playing the game he’s loved since he was a small child.
At the age of 8, Jacob was spotted by his rugby coach playing in a football game. ‘I was just bowling the other kids over and my coach came up to me and asked if I’d like to give rugby a go. I went along and never looked back’. Jacob soon started playing contact rugby aged 9 and it’s the part of the game he loves most ‘I just love tackling! Not something you get the chance to do in football’.
“I just love playing. I don’t let my arm hold me back in any way.”
Jacob has never let his physical challenge hold him back or put him off. His parents feel exactly the same. They just want him to have fun and enjoy the game. But how others perceive Jacob playing hasn’t been lost on them. Jacob’s mother recalled overhearing parents at a game discussing her son ‘They didn’t know I was listening or that I was his mum, but I heard them say that kid is really good. They sounded shocked. Like they weren’t expecting him to be as good as he was. I thought that was funny’. People put expectations on Jacob that neither he nor his parents ever have.
Watch Jacob's Video
STATUES - WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE
They have carved their place in history, we have sculpted personalised monuments to honour them, that will last for future generations.
With each intricate layer, these statues embody the resilience, compassion, and bravery that defines a true hero.
DEFENDER AT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP - YOU’LL FIND US AT RUGBY VILLAGE
Passion unites. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rugby experience in the heart of Paris. You’ll find live screens, immersive activities, DJ sets and entertainment, talkshows, educational workshops and free training as well as the Defender presence which includes our very own mini Defender vehicles.
THE LIMITED EDITION DEFENDER - THE DRIVE TO VICTORY
In anticipation of Rugby World Cup France 2023, we put our bespoke plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) Defender 110 Trophy Car to the test on a near 4,000km (2,500mi) expedition around France.
Expertly crafted by SV Bespoke, exclusively for Rugby World Cup France 2023.
Inspired by Defender Trophy Car. Only 23 in the world, sold exclusively in France.
Electric range (up to) 52km | 0-100km/h 5.6 seconds | Public charging (from) 30 minutes | Towing capacity (up to) 3,000 KG.
Drive to Victory
DRIVEN BY SUSTAINABILITY
It’s not just the pitches that will be green.
As an official partner of the Under-20 Championship and Rugby World Cup France 2023, we will be providing a fleet of 200 plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) vehicles to chauffeur VIPs and referees between the venues.