MOTORING NEWS - What could be more apt than the new Land Rover Defender delivering the sought-after trophy to the best bunch of defenders rugby has ever seen? The new Defender proudly carried the Webb Ellis Cup to the Rugby World Cup 2019 winners, the Springboks, in the Yokohama Stadium on Saturday after a dramatic final.
The Defender drove onto the field carrying former New Zealand captain Richie McCaw who was holding up the Webb Ellis Cup to the 70 000 fans in the stadium and a TV audience of over 90 million worldwide, before he handed it over to World Rugby chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont. The new Defender was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
McCaw said it was a huge honour to be a part of the celebrations in Japan. "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 South Africa side have shown they are unstoppable, incomparable, tough and, crucially, capable of great things - all qualities shared with this fantastic new Defender."
From one Defender to a team of defenders! The Webb Ellis Trophy was brought in by former All Black captain Richie McCaw as the New Land Rover Defender paraded it for 70 000 fans in the Yokohama Stadium and 90 million fans worldwide.
Gerry McGovern, chief design officer at Land Rover, said the new Defender is the very 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 grassroots rugby through the "What makes rugby, rugby" campaign. It included 96 Land Rover mascots from the global rugby community meeting their heroes.
From one Defender to a team of defenders! The Webb Ellis Trophy was brought in by former All Black captain Richie McCaw as the New Land Rover Defender paraded it for 70 000 fans in the Yokohama Stadium and 90 million fans worldwide.
10-year old Kristen Janse van Rensburg and 13-year old Milani Pakade were the lucky winners in a mascot selection clinic held by Land Rover South Africa, and led the Springboks onto the field ahead of their games against Italy and New Zealand early in the tournament.
Personalised for your world
The new Defender will be available in the 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. With four Accessory Packs available, customers will be able to personalise their vehicle in more ways than with any previous Land Rover. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban Pack each gives the 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, the 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 winch, rooftop tent and inflatable waterproof awnings to more conventional tow bar systems and roof racks.
The Defender will be available at retailers in South Africa in May / June 2020.
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