Land Rover floats giant rugby ball along the Thames to Tower Bridge to reveal Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender.
Land Rover today revealed the bespoke Defender that will transport the Webb Ellis Cup on a 100-day tour around the UK and Ireland in the build-up to Rugby World Cup 2015.
In true Land Rover style the Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender emerged from a giant rugby ball, which had floated up the Thames from Tilbury Docks to the world famous Tower Bridge.
Constructed at a secret location the 8.2 metre high ball travelled 25 miles upriver on Thursday afternoon, passing London’s iconic landmarks; the Thames Barrier, North Greenwich Arena, Canary Wharf and finally passing through Tower Bridge before being moored at Butler’s Wharf.
At dawn, the ball opened to reveal the Land Rover Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender, with Land Rover Ambassador and Rugby World Cup 2003 winner Lewis Moody behind the wheel.
After driving the vehicle out of the giant ball, Moody was met by his Rugby World Cup 2003 captain and fellow Land Rover Ambassador Martin Johnson. Johnson was on hand with the Webb Ellis Cup to place the prestigious Trophy in the vehicle’s bespoke display cabinet.
Land Rover Ambassador Martin Johnson said: “This is an incredibly exciting time in the build-up to the start of Rugby World Cup 2015. The anticipation is really starting to build and with just over 100 days to go until the Tournament I am sure this amazing Land Rover spectacle, with the reveal of this truly remarkable Defender here in London, has fuelled the excitement even more. The Trophy Tour is a fantastic way for people to engage and celebrate Rugby in the countdown to the Tournament.