DHL has been confirmed as the Official Logistics Partner for one of the world’s largest sportingevents, the Rugby World Cup 2015, which will take place over six weeks in the host country
England.As part of the partnership, DHL will manage the transport of the tournament and team equipmentfrom around the world to the 13 match venues in England. This will include, for example, around1,400 rugby balls, 200 kicking tees and 200 tackle bags. The agreement builds on the successfulpartnership during the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and the longstanding relationshipbetween DHL and rugby.
Ken Allen, DHL Express CEO, commented: “We are very excited to be joining forces once again withthe IRB to deliver Rugby World Cup 2015. DHL sees tremendous synergies between a sport that isbuilt on teamwork, passion and a will to win and the values that we strive to bring to life everyday for our customers.”
He said DHL was actively involved in rugby around the world, both through flagship globalpartnerships and participation in local clubs and grassroots initiatives.
“We will be working hard behind the scenes to support and match the world class performance thatfans will surely be treated to on the pitch,” Allen said.
Over the past week, DHL has been shipping the tournament’s Webb Ellis Cup trophy from NewZealand – the current holder – to its former winning nations: Australia, South Africa and England.The trophy will then be shipped to Dublin, Ireland, on 17 November in time for the inaugural IRB(International Rugby Board) World Rugby Conference.
DHL also sponsored the recent British & Irish Lions Tour 2013 in Australia and is in currentpartnerships with English club rugby side Harlequins; the DHL Stormers in South Africa; the IrishRugby Football Union; and a number of tournaments within the IRB Sevens World Series.
As part of its commitment to the development of rugby worldwide, DHL also supports rugbyfederations, tournaments, clubs and school programmes in Fiji, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Romania, andCanada.
Rugby is said to be the fastest growing sport in the world, played in more than 100 countries.More than 100 million global viewers watched the final of the Rugby World Cup 2011.
