Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team has built another bespoke Defender which will carry the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup on the 100-day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour around the UK and Ireland.

That’s because Land Rover is a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and Official Vehicle Partner for the Tournament.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender features an illuminated Trophy cabinet, with temperature control technology and locking mechanism to ensure Webb Ellis Cup is visible at all times.

Based on a Defender 110 Station Wagon, the modified off-roader has been unveiled at Tower Bridge in London where it emerged from a giant rugby ball driven by Land Rover Ambassador and Rugby World Cup 2003 winner, Lewis Moody. The 8.2m high ball floated 25 miles (40 km) up the River Thames from Tilbury Dock on Thursday, passing London landmarks such as the Thames Barrier and Canary Wharf along the way.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender’s bespoke Trophy cabinet is located at the rear of the vehicle and comes with the Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender App, which controls lighting and the locking mechanism that secures the Webb Ellis Cup, as well as a 40-inch Toshiba TD-E display. The Trophy cabinet is protected with toughened security glazing.

The cabin is based on the Defender Autobiography edition and offers personalized design touches such as Black Windsor Leather seats embellished with gold contrast stitching and Rugby World Cup 2015 blue piping. Contrast stitching extends to the dashboard and doors, with the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour logo being embroidered onto the front headrests. Unique exterior touches include Rugby World Cup 2015 graphics, spot lights and 16-inch off-road tyres.

The bespoke model is powered by Land Rover’s 2.2-liter diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission and features a front winch, aluminum sump guard, side and rear steps, modified raised air intake and expedition rack.

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO