One young Tauranga dancer will find herself on a different kind of dance floor as she runs onto the pitch with the world's best rugby players in France this month.

Sibheal is one of four lucky Kiwi kids aged seven-13 to be selected as a Land Rover Defender of Tomorrow to represent New Zealand in France for the Rugby World Cup 2023. The four mascots symbolise one of four behaviours – bravery, innovation, positivity and aroha.

Kiwi rugby legend Stephen Donald selected Sibheal as a young Kiwi showing aroha. 'We have discovered young members of our community like Sibheal who are challenging the status quo, fighting the good fight, and defending the future in their own way,” says Stephen.

'It is an honour to work alongside Land Rover Defender and hear about so many young Kiwis, their passions and unique stories. Sibheal radiates aroha and always shows up for those around her – making her a very deserving Defender of Tomorrow.”

Sibheal has a medical condition called achondroplasia – also known as dwarfism. While she doesn't play rugby herself, Sibheal loves to dance and discovered she'd be going to France after the TVNZ crew turned up to her dance lesson – the 10-year-old's reaction on camera said it all.

Sibheal says: 'I am super excited to go to France and run out with the rugby players”.

'Winning this trip feels awesome and it's nice to know others believe in me too.”

Her dad Guy Dobson says: 'My wife Syully and I knew for about three weeks so had been planning the surprise, getting her a new passport, along with a new passport photo, whilst also trying to keep the secret”.

With flights, accommodation, tickets to the Rugby World Cup 2023 covered and the chance to walk onto the field with world class rugby players, Guy adds: 'It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for her, as well as all the other mascots, so she is soaking it all up and making the most of the trip and also the French food and freshly baked croissants!”