TRAILBLAZERS
Celebrating those who embrace the impossible.
IT TAKES INNER STRENGTH TO DRIVE CHANGE
What does courage look like?
Courage is speaking up for those without a voice. Persevering for longer than anyone thought possible. Choosing to do what is right, not what is easy.
As part of Defender’s campaign for Rugby World Cup France 2023, we are celebrating those who have demonstrated the courage to overcome what others may have seen as impossible.
This is what courage looks like.
CYRIL LEROY
A true champion for equality in the game, Cyril Leroy founded Les Gaillards, the first LGBTQ+ friendly rugby club in France.
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.
RYUICHI NAGAYAMA
At 90 years old, Ryuichi is still playing for the Tokyo Fuwaku rugby team who are tackling ageism in the game.
JACOB PICKERING
The epitome of unstoppable. Being born with one arm didn’t prevent 14-year-old Jacob from pursuing his passion for Rugby.
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.
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 Inida to pursue their sporting dreams.
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.
WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE
Certain people possess an '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.
