Pretoria, South Africa – 8 August 2025 – Defender is celebrating one of the most important, yet often overlooked, moments in sporting history as it kicks off its partnership with the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025. At the heart of this campaign is the story of Emily Valentine – the first known woman to play rugby – whose fearless debut in 1887 has inspired generations to embrace the impossible.
Captured in an evocative new short film, Defender’s Trailblazers campaign travels to Enniskillen RFC, Emily’s hometown club in Northern Ireland, to bring her story vividly to life. This year marks the club’s centenary, making it a fitting moment to honour its heritage and showcase the thriving female rugby talent it fosters today.
A Try That Changed Everything
In 1887, a 10-year-old Emily Valentine was watching her brothers play when fate intervened. Called from the sidelines to replace an injured player, Emily cast off her coat and Victorian petticoat, sprinted through the opposition, and scored a try that would become the first documented by a female rugby player.
Defender’s film recreates that defining moment, ending with a symbolic handover: the rugby ball from Emily’s era caught by Amy Nelson, a 12-year-old aspiring professional and star of the campaign, surrounded by her Enniskillen teammates.
“Emily Valentine perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Defender – of embracing the impossible,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender. “Her trailblazing performance has inspired this whole festival of women’s rugby. It’s fitting that her hometown club has a thriving female contingent, and we’re proud to support these young players throughout the tournament.”
Celebrating the Next Generation
The Defender Trailblazers campaign will roll out in three stages. Following the launch film honouring Emily’s historic moment, the second stage will spotlight rising young female talent, while the final chapter will profile today’s international stars at the same age Emily made her debut – using childhood photos and footage to show the shared determination that drives them.
Enniskillen RFC President Tommy Dane expressed pride in the collaboration:
“Our women’s rugby teams are a thriving and important part of the club community, and our youngsters relished the chance to recreate a seminal moment for female players in the game’s history. To do this in our centenary year, alongside a global brand like Defender, makes it even more special.”
Defender’s Role in Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
As a Principal Partner of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Defender will bring its Embrace the Impossible ethos to the tournament, which kicks off on 22 August with England facing the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The campaign builds on Defender’s established commitment to rugby, following its impactful debut during the men’s Rugby World Cup 2023.
A highlight of the programme will be the Defender Mascot initiative, which will recruit 64 mascots from rugby nations including England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and New Zealand – inviting both boys and girls to be part of the action.
With its celebration of history-makers like Emily Valentine and its focus on inspiring the next wave of talent, Defender Trailblazers promises to be one of the most meaningful activations of this year’s tournament – a powerful reminder that barriers are made to be broken.
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