- Land Rover, Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2019, surprised team who play rugby in the South African bush
- Land Rover ambassador Bryan Habana and New Zealand’s Justin Marshall joined the rangers for the match amongst the wildlife
- Land Rover celebrates one month until the start of Rugby World Cup 2019, and look ahead to the fixture between South Africa and New Zealand in Japan
BIG GAME: LAND ROVER SURPRISES RUGBY PLAYING RANGERS TO MARK RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019TM COUNTDOWN
Land Rover, proud Worldwide Partner and Official Vehicle of Rugby World Cup 2019, drove brand ambassador Bryan Habana to the Kwandwe private game reserve in the Eastern Cape to surprise to a team of bush rangers who play touch rugby on a makeshift pitch in the African savannah – home to some of the world’s deadliest wildlife.
The former Springbok was joined by Justin Marshall of New Zealand on the visit, organised to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of grassroots rugby around the world. The pair delighted the bush rangers by joining in their match – set in 54,000 acres of wilderness that is home to the famous Big Five African wild animals.
This has to be one of the most stunning locations I’ve ever played in, as well as arguably one of the most dangerous! This group of players enjoy everything we all love about the game. Rugby is rugby, no matter where or how you play it.
Bryan Habana
Rugby World Cup winner in 2007
To see the guys from Kwandwe playing out here in the middle of the bush has been amazing. What a place to celebrate rugby and to look ahead to New Zealand’s first Rugby World Cup 2019 fixture against the Springboks.
Justin Marshall
Former New Zealand Rugby Player
Habana added: “So much pressure will be on New Zealand going into the tournament off the back of their successive Rugby World Cup victories, but the Springboks often step up a level for such big occasions and we have a great squad, boosted by the return of Siya Kolisi, so I can’t wait.”
Ryan Hillier, one of the rangers living and working at the reserve, was surprised to see two of his heroes pull up in a Land Rover Discovery, having travelled miles through the bush.
BIG GAME: LAND ROVER SURPRISES RUGBY PLAYING RANGERS TO MARK RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019TM COUNTDOWN
BIG GAME: LAND ROVER SURPRISES RUGBY PLAYING RANGERS TO MARK RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019TM COUNTDOWN
BIG GAME: LAND ROVER SURPRISES RUGBY PLAYING RANGERS TO MARK RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019TM COUNTDOWN
During the winter months, in particular, when its cooler, we love to come out here and play a bit of touch rugby. It’s not a fenced pitch so we obviously have to be careful. We have had some hippo close by in the past, but we haven’t had to abandon a match due to a lion pitch invasion just yet.
Ryan Hillier
Ranger
Land Rover has award‑winning, multi‑terrain capability, and as a brand we share many of the values of rugby. So to bring the rugby ambassadors to a group of players who regularly show their commitment to the game – despite the location, the terrain and the dangerous spectators – seemed a perfect way to demonstrate Land Rover’s commitment to rugby at all levels, and in all environments.
Laura Wood
Jaguar Land Rover Head of Global PR, Brand and Partnerships
Further information
About Land Rover
Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's SUV sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 100 countries.
Notes to Editors
About Land Rover and Rugby World Cup
Land Rover is proud to have a long‑standing, 20‑year heritage and commitment to rugby at all levels and has been a sponsor of Rugby World Cup since 2011.
As Official Vehicle of Rugby World Cup 2019, Land Rover will play a functional role to the tournament organisers providing a fleet of cars to Japan Rugby 2019 and World Rugby to help facilitate the world’s third biggest sporting event.
