Congratulations to England on winning the Women's Rugby World Cup. Defender is proud to stand alongside rugby, supporting the sport's growth and celebrating the strength, resilience, and determination of its athletes. This partnership embodies values that define both rugby and Defender: connection, courage, and pushing beyond limits, both on and off the field.

Rugby and Defender share a deep connection, cast from the same mould, made for strength and durability. Rugby demands inner strength and endurance that Defender embodies. Both represent the spirit of adventure and the determination to achieve excellence, a perfect match for those who seek to push boundaries in every arena.

In 1887, 10-year-old Emily Valentine begged to join a rugby game when her brothers were down a player. Jettisoning her coat and hat, and despite her Victorian petticoats, Emily used her speed and determination to cut through the opposition and score the first ever documented try by a woman. Her spirit lives on in today's players, women who refuse to accept limits and redefine what's possible.

Defender returned to Enniskillen, Ireland, where Emily Valentine made history, to celebrate the local club that proudly continues her trailblazing legacy with a thriving girls' rugby section. It's one of many examples of how women's rugby thrives around the world, building on foundations laid by pioneers who saw no reason why their gender should limit their ambitions.

Through its partnership with rugby, Defender champions inclusivity, empowerment, and the continued rise of women breaking new ground. The England squad's victory at the Women's Rugby World Cup represents more than a championship; it's proof that when barriers fall and opportunities expand, excellence follows. Defender celebrates the power, resilience, and teamwork shown by these athletes, qualities that embody the Defender spirit.