Defender at the heart of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Starting from Emily Valentine’s legacy
81885: the number of spectators who filled Twickenham on Saturday afternoon for the Women’s Rugby World Cup final, witnessing England’s historic victory 33-13 over Canada. For the Red Roses, this is the third world title in their history after their triumphs in 1994 and 2014. A success that erases the bitter disappointments of the 2017 and 2021 editions when England lost in the final, both times against New Zealand. After an almost ten-year wait, England’s captain, Zoe Aldcroft, was finally able to lift the trophy that had made its triumphant entrance onto the pitch before the match aboard a Defender.
After its involvement in the Rugby World Cup 2023, Defender confirmed its bond with rugby also on the occasion of the Women’s World Cup, playing an absolutely leading role. The first step was to honor the legacy of Emily Valentine, the first known woman to have played rugby. After visiting the club of her hometown, Enniskillen RFC, in Northern Ireland, and recreating the moment when Valentine scored the first try, the Defender Trailblazers campaign focused on the sacrifices made by today’s international stars, who are the same age Emily was when she made her debut, using childhood photos and videos to show how they faced the impossible to make their dreams come true.
The second crucial step was the launch of the Defender Mascot programme, an ambitious initiative that saw the selection of 64 young mascots from the most important rugby nations worldwide. Among them were representatives from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and New Zealand, countries with a rich tradition and a deep love for rugby. Defender offered them a unique and unforgettable opportunity: to experience first-hand the excitement and atmosphere of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. This was not only about taking part in pre-match ceremonies or meeting their heroines, but about a true immersion into the world of professional women’s rugby, allowing them to feel an integral part of a sporting event of such magnitude. The goal was twofold: on the one hand, to inspire a new generation of fans and potential athletes; on the other, to strengthen the bond between the Defender brand and the core values of rugby, such as passion, determination, and team spirit, while at the same time promoting women’s sport.
