DHL has kicked off ‘one of its largest challenges ever in the UK’ to provide wide-ranging transportation and delivery services as the official logistics partner of the Rugby World Cup 2015 tournament which started on Friday (Sept 18).
The company will be transporting team equipment 192 times and delivering 300 official match balls to more than 100 locations across the country, mostly by road, over the coming weeks. Overall, DHL will transport more than 48 tons of equipment for all 20 participating nations – from match kit and scrum machines to tackle bags and ice baths – across 89 team base locations and 13 match venues.
DHL’s support also includes stadium infrastructure and fit-out, fulfillment of international ticket distribution and delivery of doping samples to testing laboratories, among many other requirements.
Ken Allen, CEO DHL Express, said: "DHL has been planning meticulously with England Rugby 2015 over the last two years to ensure the ultimate competition in the world Rugby calendar is an unqualified success.
"Harnessing our global network capabilities and working behind-the-scenes throughout the Tournament, DHL is committed to delivering a seamless logistics operation so that the players and their support teams can focus on bringing their best game to the pitch, making Rugby World Cup 2015 memorable for fans whether they're watching from the stands or across the globe."
England Rugby 2015 Chief Operating Officer, Neil Snowball, said: "We would like to extend our thanks to DHL for their support in helping us to plan and deliver the complex freight and logistics requirements for Rugby World Cup 2015. DHL are leaders in the field and their high level service has allowed our freight and logistics team to ensure the best possible operation is in place for all our stakeholders."
DHL has been helping build excitement and anticipation in the run-up to this year's Tournament with the international Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour, showcasing the Webb Ellis Cup to audiences around the world, culminating in a 100-day tour of the UK and Ireland to mark the final countdown to kick-off.
