Pretoria, South Africa – Tuesday, 03 February 2026: The stage is set for an epic display of endurance, skill, and determination as twelve finalists prepare to compete in the South African national finals of the Defender Trophy this March. Selected from 48 contestants in the initial selection round held late last year, these adventurers now have their sights firmly set on representing South Africa at the global finals later this year.
The twelve finalists—nine men and three women—are Lance Kime, Gerrit Pieterse, Robert le Brun, Simon Fraser, Bernd Rohrmuller, Mike Hewan, Clinton Mackintosh, Isabel Roux, Nicholaas Louw, Jackie Moore, Anastatia Esterhuizen, and Henry Liebenberg.
The Defender Trophy is a new breed of adventure challenge that carries a greater purpose, signalling Land Rover’s return to global competition events inspired by the brand’s iconic Trophy and Challenge history. This year, the competition drew more than 10,000 entries worldwide, with rigorous training and selection events across seven countries.
Janico Dannhauser, Defender Brand Manager at JLR South Africa, emphasised the calibre of the South African finalists: “The call for entries for Defender Trophy emphasised the kind of participants we were looking for—those who embrace the impossible, with a passion for conservation. All participants in the selection round embodied the spirit of Defender, but the 12 finalists excelled across multiple challenges, showing exceptional determination both physically and mentally.”
Mark Collins, adventure racer and Defender Trophy organiser, added: “The standard of competition in the selection round was truly world-class, making the selection of just 12 finalists a tough decision. Success required more than brute strength—participants had to excel in teamwork, navigation, vehicle handling, and resilience. These finalists demonstrated all of these qualities with distinction. We congratulate them on reaching this stage and wish them the best for the national finals.”
The two winners of South Africa’s national finals will go on to compete at the global Defender Trophy, joining winners from six other countries for an unparalleled adventure experience in Africa later this year.
The Defender Trophy Collection
Fans and adventure enthusiasts can channel the spirit of the Defender Trophy through official branded merchandise. The Defender Trophy Collection includes waterproof, lightweight insulated, and hybrid jackets; hybrid gilets; long- and short-sleeve T-shirts; snoods; beanies; and caps. Selected pieces from this collection will also feature in the global finals, allowing fans to feel connected to the action wherever they are.
