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Trailblazers
Overview
Overview

TRAILBLAZERS

Celebrating those who embrace the impossible.

IT TAKES INNER STRENGTH TO DRIVE CHANGE

As part of Defender’s campaign for Rugby World Cup France 2023, we are celebrating those who have demonstrated the courage to overcome what may have seemed impossible.


This is what courage looks like. Courage is speaking up for those without a voice. Persevering for longer than anyone thought possible. Choosing to do what's right, not what's easy.  


Meet our Trailblazers.

“Rugby changed my life. Made me flourish.”

CYRIL LEROY

A true champion for equality in the game, Cyril Leroy founded Les Gaillards, the first LGBTQ+ friendly rugby club in France.
CYRIL LEROY
"Rugby gave me an identity away from motherhood.”

ZAINAB ALEMA

Zainab Alema, from Richmond in London, is an advocate and role model for both female and Muslim rugby players, running Muslimah Rugby, a community for Muslim women in the game.
ZAINAB ALEMA
“I have never imagined a life without rugby. Without rugby what would I become?”

RYUICHI NAGAYAMA

At 90 years old, Ryuichi is still playing for the Tokyo Fuwaku rugby team who are tackling ageism in the game.
RYUICHI NAGAYAMA
“I just love playing. I don’t let my arm hold me back in any way.”

JACOB PICKERING

The epitome of unstoppable. Being born with one arm didn’t prevent 14-year-old Jacob from pursuing his passion for Rugby.
JACOB PICKERING
"At times you have imposter syndrome with the men thinking can I do this, but I know I can.”

KYLIE GRIMES

Athlete Kylie Grimes defied the odds, returning to competitive sport just three years after a spinal injury. In 2009 she joined the London Wheelchair Rugby Club and went on to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics in 2012.
KYLIE GRIMES
“My father disapproved of me playing rugby. Because of the social structures we have in India, there’s already a lot of restrictions on women.”

IRTIQA AYOUB

Defying cultural barriers and conquering snow-covered fields to become a national champion. This is Irtiqa’s inspiring journey that has paved the way for other young girls in India to pursue their sporting dreams.
IRTIQA AYOUB

DEFENDERS OF TOMORROW

Celebrating those who know the value of community. Of making a difference. 


Our ‘Defenders of Tomorrow’, chosen from hundreds of applicants to represent their country, will join the teams as they walk out onto the pitch. 


Future Trailblazers in the making, discover more about these unstoppable young people who have achieved the exceptional in their communities.

EXPLORE

WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE

Certain people possess 'inner steel' – an unwavering ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Defender also embodies this unstoppable inner strength. 


At Rugby World Cup France 2023, we honour the Trailblazers who have used their 'inner strength' to challenge and overcome the obstacles that stood in their way through the technology and artistry of Defender.  


With each intricate layer, these statues embody the resilience, compassion, and bravery that defines a true hero.

INNER STEEL

Portions of the steel used has been sourced from chassis reinforcement offcuts, underlining our Destination Zero promise.

PURPOSEFULLY DESIGNED

To create as accurate a likeness as possible, we have used state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to map our Trailblazers.

BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP

Using specialised 3D printing equipment, the statues were constructed from the ground up, one intricate layer at a time.

KEEP EXPLORING

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON

Unforgettable experiences, engineered to excite.
OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Defender and Rugby World Cup. Together we embrace the impossible.