World Rugby Announces Defender as the Fifth Principal Partner for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

World Rugby confirmed Defender as a Principal Partner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 as the brand extends on 25 years of Land Rover’s commitment to the sport. 

Defender joins Mastercard, Capgemini, Gallagher and Asahi as Principal Partners for the tournament, and in a press release, World Rugby said this reinforces Defender’s “commitment to the sport as the women’s game experiences unprecedented growth in popularity around the world.”

Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive, said: “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to be a transformational moment for the game and having a globally respected brand like Defender at the heart of it is a powerful statement. Their commitment to telling stories of strength, determination and empowerment reflects the very spirit of women’s rugby, and we’re excited to work together to create lasting impact both on and off the field.”

Michel Poussau, World Rugby’s Chief Revenue Officer, added: “Their long-standing support for rugby, combined with a bold vision to champion women and girls in sport, aligns perfectly with our ambition to accelerate the growth and visibility of the women’s game. Together, we’ll deliver a world-class tournament that not only showcases elite performance but also inspires the next generation through powerful initiatives like Trailblazers and the Mascot Programme.”

Defender Trailblazers – RWC 2025

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will provide the platform for the next phase of Defender Trailblazers, first introduced in 2023, to celebrate individuals who best represent the determination, resilience and spirit of women’s rugby and inspire others to strive for more said the statement.

This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the mascots and their families, and the Defender Mascot programme will see 64 mascots (both boys and girls) recruited from several rugby nations, including England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and New Zealand.

Defender’s Trailblazer campaign will celebrate “the indomitable spirit of women and girls who encapsulate its ‘Embrace the Impossible’ ethos.

Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said: “Defender is incredibly proud to be such an integral part of this fast-growing dimension of the game. With Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 taking place on our home soil, it feels especially fitting to be championing our Embrace the Impossible ethos through the endeavours of our Trailblazers, Mascots and the competitors themselves as they embark on the toughest challenge their sport has to offer.”

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, which kicks off on Friday, 22 August at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

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• Gallagher Announced As Official Partner of Women’s Rugby, WXV and RWC 2025.
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