DHL to be Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015

Tuesday, 5 November 2013 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

DHL to provide logistics support before and during the tournament Agreement builds on successful Rugby World Cup 2011 partnership and longstanding relationship between DHL and rugby Webb Ellis Cup to visit former RWC-winning countries en route back to IRB headquarters in Dublin DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics provider and Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has announced that DHL will be Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015. The partnership will see DHL assume responsibility for the logistics for one of the biggest international sporting events, which will take place in host country England over six weeks in September and October 2015. DHL also hand-carried the Webb Ellis Cup onto one of its cargo aircraft in New Zealand today en route to Australia, in the first leg of a global journey that will visit each of the former holders of the trophy.

“We are very excited to be joining forces once again with the IRB to deliver Rugby World Cup 2015,” said DHL Express CEO Ken Allen. “DHL sees tremendous synergies between a sport that is built on teamwork, passion and a will to win and the values that we strive to bring to life every day for our customers. “We are actively involved in rugby the world over, both through flagship global partnerships such as this one and through our participation in local clubs and grassroots initiatives. We will be working hard behind the scenes to support and match the world class performance that fans will surely be treated to on the pitch.” Rugby World Cup Ltd. Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted to be renewing our successful partnership with DHL. The reappointment of a globally renowned brand and a world leader in the logistics industry further underscores Rugby World Cup 2015’s considerable global prestige with the tournament’s commercial programme set to be finalised in record time. “We look forward to collaborating with DHL to further the promotion of Rugby around the world as the sporting community looks forward to what promises to be an exceptional England 2015 tournament that will engage and inspire new fans and participants the length and breadth of the host nation and around the world.” As Official Logistics Partner, DHL will be responsible for the transportation of tournament and team equipment from around the world to the 13 match venues in England. The equipment to be transported will include, for example, an estimated 1,400 rugby balls, 200 kicking tees and 200 tackle bags. From 26 October to 30 October, 2013, DHL carried the 4.5 kilogram Webb Ellis Cup on its global network between the four former holders of the Trophy: New Zealand (the current holder), Australia, South Africa and England. The journey saw the trophy handed over by DHL and the Cup Chaperone, legendary former New Zealand player Grant Fox, to former Rugby World Cup winning players from each country for a brief local celebration with fans. It will then be delivered by DHL to Dublin, Ireland on 17 November in time for the inaugural IRB World Rugby Conference. The partnership between DHL and Rugby World Cup 2015 continues a longstanding relationship between DHL and the game of rugby. DHL was Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, and was a naming rights sponsor of the recent 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia. The company also currently partners with Harlequins in England, the DHL Stormers in South Africa, the Irish Rugby Football Union and a number of tournaments within the IRB Sevens World Series. Other initiatives by DHL to support rugby development around the world have included partnerships with rugby federations, tournaments, clubs and school programs as far afield as Fiji, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Romania, and Canada. Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the world, played in over 100 countries. A total of 102 million global viewers watched the Final of Rugby World Cup 2011.