Pretoria, 31 May 2023:
With only 100 days to go until Rugby World Cup France 2023, Defender has revealed the Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car, a unique electric hybrid Defender 110 created to display the Webb Ellis Cup on a Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour across France.

Philippe Robbrecht, Executive Director for JLR France, said:
"We are delighted to be running the Trophy Tour in the host nation ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023. Rugby embodies determination, integrity, courage, and capability – core values for Defender. Our partnership and the bespoke Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car celebrate these shared values. We look forward to welcoming existing and prospective Defender customers to the Trophy Tour over the summer.”

Richard Woolley, Studio Director, Brand Creation said:
“I am proud of my team for creating the incredible Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car. Defender is all about embracing the impossible and it is very exciting for our vehicle to play such an important role in this fantastic tournament.”

Defender is a proud Worldwide Partner of the Rugby World Cup in France, committed to supporting the sustainability pledge that World Rugby has made for Rugby World Cup France 2023 and has created a bespoke vehicle to display one of the most recognised pieces of silverware in global sport – the Webb Ellis Cup.

The specially modified electric hybrid Defender was developed and constructed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division in Coventry, England. The Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car has been designed to safely and securely showcase the Webb Ellis Cup using Defender’s advanced electrified plug-in electric hybrid powertrain.

The bespoke trophy cabinet at the rear of the vehicle has been designed with high-specification technology to ensure optimum conditions for the famous trophy, without compromising Defender’s instantly recognisable silhouette. Minimalistic Rugby World Cup France 2023 and partnership livery has been applied across the bonnet and doors.

The Trophy Tour commences in France on 9 June at the Top 14 Semi Finals in Biarritz. The Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car will be on display for invited guests as part of Defender’s hospitality guest programme. The Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car and Webb Ellis Cup will then be displayed at subsequent rugby events and Defender Retailers across the host nation. Rugby fans and prospective Defender customers will have the chance to view and photograph the Webb Ellis Cup and bespoke Defender 110.

The Rugby World Cup 2023 Trophy Car and Webb Ellis Cup will be displayed at the following locations.

9 – 10 June: Top 14 Semi Finals, Biarritz*
12 June: 17ème Retailer, Paris
15 June: Montmartre Retailer, Paris
16 June: Boulogne Retailer, Boulogne
17 June: Top 14 Final, Mortefontaine*
18 – 19 June: Casino de Deauville, Deauville / Hotel le Normany, Deauville
15 – 16 July: Domaine de Biar, Montpellier
17 July: Marseille or Toulon Retailer
18 – 19 July: Lounge Club, St Tropez
10 August: Mas Tolosa, Toulouse / Le Manoir du Prince, Toulouse
11 – 12 August: Château Mader, Arcachon
13 – 14 August: Cap Ferret

The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour in France and the UK began in May and will conclude on 14 August ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 opening match on 8 September at Stade de France in Paris.