Land Rover has been confirmed as the fifth worldwide partner for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France after extending their partnership with World Rugby.

The partnership extension sees Land Rover build on the connection to World Rugby which began in 2015, helping deliver grassroots activities and the Rugby World Cup mascot programme.

As part of the deal, the Rugby World Cup 2023 mascot program allowing young fans to join team captains on the field ahead of every match will be named the Land Rover Defenders of Tomorrow.

World Rugby chairman, Bill Beaumont, said: “Land Rover is a true partner of rugby at all levels, and we are delighted to be extending our worldwide partnership for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.”

“As a tournament and a rugby family, we are committed to making a positive impact in France and more widely for our planet for future generations to enjoy.

“Our worldwide partnerships with Land Rover have always been purpose-driven.

“In Japan their active support of the Impact Beyond programme saw 10,000 children introduced to the sport.

“We are excited to share the same vision and commitment for France 2023 and look forward to working together to drive change for the future,” Beaumont said.

Land Rover chief commercial officer, Lennard Hoornik, said the company will work to support the tournament’s ambitions to minimise carbon emissions as part of Land Rover’s push to full electrification.

“Land Rover has been at the heart of rugby for two decades,” Hoornik said.

“As we write this next chapter, we share France 2023’s commitment to making a positive difference on society through rugby.

“The next three years represent a significant time for Land Rover as we journey towards electrification and Rugby World Cup will play an important part in that,” he said.

Expanding further on the hopes of positive societal difference through the partnership, France 2023 Rugby World Cup CEO, Claude Atcher, said: “We are very honoured to welcome Land Rover as global worldwide partner of Rugby World Cup France 2023.”

“Beyond its historical commitment to rugby, from grassroots to the pinnacle of the game, Land Rover has set out an ambitious roadmap for electrification and positive societal impact which is totally in line with the ambition of our event.

“We are extremely happy to benefit from their knowledge and their support in the organisation of Rugby World Cup,” Atcher said.