South Africa, 2 November 2019 – Rugby World Cup 2019 winners South Africa lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy after it was delivered onto the pitch by the New Land Rover Defender.
The New Defender, which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, was driven onto the field after the whistle blew on an incredible World Cup final. The Webb Ellis Trophy was carried by Richie McCaw as the New Defender paraded it for the 70,000 in the Yokohama Stadium.
Joined by a TV audience of over 90 million, the Defender – an icon reimagined for the 21st century – was the perfect accompaniment to the celebrations that followed a dramatic final. With its distinctive silhouette, no one was in doubt that this was the New Land Rover Defender.
Richie McCaw proudly held the Webb Ellis Trophy aloft out of the roof of the New Defender before handing it over to World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.
Richie McCaw said: “It was a huge honour to be a part of the celebrations here in Japan tonight. I would like to congratulate South Africa on their win. Being in this iconic New Land Rover Defender, in front of the crowds and carrying the Webb Ellis Trophy was something I will never forget. Throughout this tournament, the Springboks have shown they are unstoppable, incomparable, tough and, crucially, capable of great things – all qualities shared with this fantastic New Defender.”
Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover, said: “The New Defender is the definition of durability. It is built for adventurous hearts and curious minds, for those who know the value of community and strive to make a difference. These values are shared by our rugby communities the world over. It has been a privilege to bring this vehicle to Japan and to share it with all of those here who have embraced the Rugby World Cup and shown such generosity to all the fans who have come to support their nations.”
The trophy delivery moment capped a successful partnership between Rugby World Cup and Land Rover, celebrating the grass-roots rugby through the ‘What makes rugby, rugby’ campaign. It included 96 Land Rover mascots from the global rugby community meeting their heroes.
Personalised for your world
New Defender will be available in 90 and 110 body designs, with up to six seats in the 90 and the option of five, six or 5+2 seating in the 110. The range comprises Defender, First Edition and top–of-the-range Defender X models, as well as standard, S, SE and HSE specification packs. Customers will be able to personalise their vehicle in more ways than any previous Land Rover with four Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban Pack each give New Defender a distinct character with a specially selected range of enhancements. The exclusive First Edition model features a unique specification and will be available throughout the first year of production.
In addition to the Accessory Packs, New Defender is available with the widest choice of individual accessories ever assembled for a new Land Rover, with everything from a Remote Control Electric Winchº, Rooftop Tent and Inflatable Waterproof Awnings to more conventional tow bar systems and roof racks.
