The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will begin on Friday, 22 August, at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, marking a significant milestone for women’s rugby. The event is set to be the largest global celebration of the sport, attracting fans from around the world.
As the Principal Partner of the event, Defender reaffirms its dedication to growing women’s rugby. The partnership highlights the rising popularity of women’s rugby and aims to empower female athletes at all levels of the game, from grassroots to elite competition.
One of the key initiatives in this partnership is the Defender Trailblazers program, launched in 2023. This program will continue in 2025, celebrating individuals who represent the determination and spirit of women’s rugby. These inspiring figures will encourage others to push their limits and achieve more in the sport.
Additionally, the Defender Mascot program will recruit 64 young mascots from several rugby nations, including England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and New Zealand. These mascots, along with their families, will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and become role models for future generations of female players.
In a first for rugby, both boys and girls will be invited to participate as mascots. In the UK, Defender retailers will offer lucky customers the chance to be part of this special opportunity.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is a transformative moment for the game. Having Defender, a globally respected brand, involved highlights the strength and empowerment of women’s rugby. We’re looking forward to working together to make a lasting impact.”
Michel Poussau, World Rugby’s Chief Revenue Officer, also shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Defender’s support for women’s rugby is a perfect fit with our goal of growing the women’s game. Together, we will deliver a world-class tournament that inspires the next generation of players.”
Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender, said, “We are proud to support this rapidly growing aspect of rugby. With the tournament taking place on home soil, we’re excited to see our ethos of ‘Embrace the Impossible’ reflected in the athletes and initiatives like Trailblazers and the Mascot Program.”
Defender joins Mastercard, Capgemini, Gallagher, and Asahi as Principal Partners for the event.
About Defender:
Defender is known for its durable and stylish vehicles, offering various body styles with up to eight seats. The Defender 110 is available as an electric hybrid, combining luxury with capability. The brand is also committed to humanitarian efforts, partnering with organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. Designed and engineered in the UK, Defender is sold in 121 countries and is part of the JLR family of brands, including Range Rover, Discovery, and Jaguar.
About Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025:
The Women’s Rugby World Cup will run from 22 August to 27 September 2025 across eight iconic venues. The tournament will showcase the growth of women’s sports in England and globally. It aims to inspire the next generation of rugby players and promote gender equity while benefiting local communities.
About World Rugby:
World Rugby’s mission is to grow the sport of rugby worldwide. The organization works with national federations, players, and fans to make the sport more accessible and relevant across different nations. Major events like the Rugby World Cup are key to sustaining rugby’s growth and visibility.
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