Springbok playing among Springboks

Worldwide Partner and Official Vehicle of Rugby World Cup 2019 drove the rugby legends to play a game of rugby against the bushrangers. The game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape is home to some of the world’s deadliest wildlife, however, that did not stop the touch rugby match-up between the bushrangers and the Land Rover ambassadors on the makeshift pitch in the African savannah.

“This has to be one of the most stunning locations I’ve ever played in, as well as arguably one of the most dangerous! This group of players enjoy everything we all love about the game. Rugby is rugby, no matter where or how you play it,” Bryan Habana, a Rugby World Cup winner in 2007.

Bush Ranger Ryan Hillier was surprised to make the acquaintance of the two rugby heroes after seeing the Land Rover Discovery vehicles making their way to the game reserve which amongst others hosts all five members of the big five. “During the winter months in particular, when its cooler, we love to come out here and play a bit of touch rugby. It’s not a fenced pitch so we obviously have to be careful. We have had some hippo close by in the past, but we haven’t had to abandon a match due to a lion pitch invasion just yet,” Ryan Hillier, Bush Ranger, Kwandwe private game reserve.

The Springboks rugby team is set to face off against New Zealand in its first match at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, taking place in Japan later this year. Justin Marshall who won 81 caps for New Zealand, said: “To see the guys from Kwandwe playing out here in the middle of the bush has been amazing. What a place to celebrate rugby and to look ahead to New Zealand’s first Rugby World Cup 2019 fixture against the Springboks.” Habana added: “So much pressure will be on New Zealand going into the tournament off the back of their successive Rugby World Cup victories, but the Springboks often step up a level for such big occasions and we have a great squad, boosted by the return of Siya Kolisi, so I can’t wait.”

The visit which was planned and executed by the team from Jaguar Land Rover South Africa was a great success. “Land Rover has award-winning, multi-terrain capability, and as a brand, we share many of the values of rugby. So to bring the rugby ambassadors to a group of players who regularly show their commitment to the game – despite the location, the terrain and the dangerous spectators – seemed a perfect way to demonstrate Land Rover’s commitment to rugby at all levels, and in all environments,” Laura Wood, Jaguar Land Rover Head of Global PR, Brand and Partnerships.