IT TAKES INNER STRENGTH TO DRIVE CHANGE

What does courage look like?

Courage is speaking up for those without a voice. Persevering for longer than anyone thought possible. Choosing to do what is right, not what is easy.

As part of Defender’s campaign for Rugby World Cup France 2023, we celebrated those who demonstrated the courage to overcome what others may have seen as impossible.

This is what courage looks like.

CYRIL LEROY 

A true champion for equality in the game, Cyril Leroy founded Les Gaillards, the first LGBTQ+ friendly rugby club in France.

CYRIL LEROY 

A true champion for equality in the game, Cyril Leroy founded Les Gaillards, the first LGBTQ+ friendly rugby club in France.

ZAINAB ALEMA

Zainab Alema, from Richmond in London, is an advocate and role model for both female and Muslim rugby players, running Muslimah Rugby, a community for Muslim women in the game.

ZAINAB ALEMA

Zainab Alema, from Richmond in London, is an advocate and role model for both female and Muslim rugby players, running Muslimah Rugby, a community for Muslim women in the game.

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

At 90 years old, Ryuichi is still playing for the Tokyo Fuwaku rugby team who are tackling ageism in the game.

JACOB PICKERING

The epitome of unstoppable. Being born with one arm didn’t prevent 14-year-old Jacob from pursuing his passion for Rugby.

JACOB PICKERING

The epitome of unstoppable. Being born with one arm didn’t prevent 14-year-old Jacob from pursuing his passion for Rugby.

KYLIE GRIMES

Athlete Kylie Grimes defied the odds, returning to competitive sport just three years after a spinal injury. In 2009 she joined the London Wheelchair Rugby Club and went on to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics in 2012.

KYLIE GRIMES

Athlete Kylie Grimes defied the odds, returning to competitive sport just three years after a spinal injury. In 2009 she joined the London Wheelchair Rugby Club and went on to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics in 2012.

IRTIQA AYOUB

Defying cultural barriers and conquering snow-covered fields to become a national champion. This is Irtiqa’s inspiring journey that has paved the way for other young girls in Inida to pursue their sporting dreams. 

IRTIQA AYOUB

Defying cultural barriers and conquering snow-covered fields to become a national champion. This is Irtiqa’s inspiring journey that has paved the way for other young girls in Inida to pursue their sporting dreams. 

DEFENDERS OF TOMORROW

Celebrating those who know the value of community. Of making a difference.

Our ‘Defenders of Tomorrow’, chosen from hundreds of applicants to represent their country, joined the teams as they walked out onto the pitch.

Future Trailblazers in the making, discover more about these unstoppable young people who have achieved the exceptional in their communities.

WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE

Certain people possess an 'inner steel' – an unwavering ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Defender also embodies this unstoppable inner strength.

At Rugby World Cup France 2023, we honoured the Trailblazers who have used their 'inner strength' to challenge and overcome the obstacles that stood in their way through the technology and artistry of Defender.

With each intricate layer, the statues embody the resilience, compassion, and bravery that defines a true hero.  

INNER STEEL

Portions of the steel used were sourced from chassis reinforcement offcuts, underlining our Destination Zero promise. 

PURPOSEFULLY DESIGNED

To create as accurate a likeness as possible, we used state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to map our Trailblazers.

BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP

Using specialised 3D printing equipment, the statues were constructed from the ground up, one intricate layer at a time.

CARRY THEM HOME

The pilgrimage from the factory floor to the heart of the tournament.

KEEP EXPLORING

 RWC defender with Kid

WHAT’S ON

Unforgettable experiences, engineered to excite.

Defender and Rugby World Cup.

OVERVIEW

Defender and Rugby World Cup. Together we embrace the impossible.