MEET THE DEFENDERS OF TOMORROW
Defender is a passionate supporter of rugby at all levels. Our ‘Defenders of Tomorrow’ mascot programme celebrates those who know the value of community. Of making a difference. Discover more about these unstoppable young people who are doing their part to build a better future.
LOUIS HAYWARD
Louis from the ACT was nominated for his commitment to his local community as a volunteer lifesaver at Broulee Surfers Life Saving Club.
JESSE SHARMA
Jesse from Melbourne was nominated for his passionate global citizenship and fundraising efforts to help vulnerable children facing hunger.
MEMORABLE MATCH DAY MOMENTS
Land Rover Australia proudly introduces three inspiring young, motivated rugby fans. Each have been selected as Defenders of Tomorrow, recognising the positive difference they are making in their communities. These three young Australians were rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime Wallabies experience during The Rugby Championships. Watch the film.
MATTHEW DOUGAN-BATH
Matthew, 15, from Melbourne, has made a difference in his community through volunteering and raising funds for the Sony Foundation, Ute Full of Food and the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development team. Matthew was rewarded with a once in a lifetime experience with the Wallabies. Watch his story.
OSCAR DONNAN
Oscar, 14, from Sydney, is changing the world for the better through his work with Youth in Union. He was rewarded with a once in a lifetime experience with the Wallabies in the game against the South African Springboks. Watch his story.
LUCY BOTT
Lucy, 16, from Melbourne, is making the world a better place through her dedication to raising funds for childhood brain cancer and efforts towards a sustainable future. She was rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Wallabies during the Bledisloe Cup. Watch her story.
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME WALLABIES EXPERIENCE
Defenders of Tomorrow were chosen for each of the three matches in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney of the 2022 England Test Series. Each of these inspiring children were given the opportunity to meet the Wallabies team during an intimate training session before match day, including Captain and Land Rover Ambassador, Michael Hooper. The match day experience included running out onto the field at the start of the game, singing the national anthem with the team, and delivering the official ball at the start of play, and receiving recognition for their achievements over the PA and big screen broadcast. Watch the film.
COOPER CLAYTON
Cooper, 11, from Perth, plays for Associates Rugby Club and he was nominated for his commitment to leadership. Cooper is passionate about sustainability and the environment, volunteering for coastal clean-ups in his local community. Watch his story.
CLAIRE WHITE
Claire, 13, from Brisbane plays for her local club, the Gold Coast Eagles, and was nominated for championing cultural diversity in her local rugby community. Watch her story.
JACK BERNE
Jack, 14, from Sydney, plays rugby for the Manly Savers, and was nominated for his commitment to community service. Over the last four years Jack has raised over $1.8 million to help Australians impacted by natural disasters through his ‘Fiver for a Farmer’ campaign, and in January 2022 was awarded an Australia Day Award for Outstanding Community Service. Watch his story.