DHL Extends Winning Rugby World Cup Worldwide Partnership
Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has announced the appointment of global logistics giant DHL as a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.
The announcement furthers the strong partnership between DHL and Rugby’s global showcase event following a highly-visible and successful collaboration for New Zealand 2011.
As Official Logistics Partner, DHL will support England Rugby 2015 with all freight logistics for the 20 participating teams to England and on to the training bases and 13 match venues the length and breadth of the host nation. The equipment to be transported will include an estimated 1,400 balls, 200 kicking tees and 200 tackle bags.
With less than two years to go until England welcomes the world to a nationwide celebration of Rugby and the host nation, DHL has also unveiled details of its special first official tournament assignment – transporting the iconic Webb Ellis Cup from 2011 winners New Zealand to the IRB in Dublin for the official trophy handover ceremony.
Aboard one of the globally-recognised DHL cargo aircraft, the Cup will visit each of the previous Rugby World Cup winning nations from October 26 en route to the international federation’s headquarters in Dublin, stopping off in Australia, South Africa and England before 2011 winning captain and All Black legend Richie McCaw hands the Webb Ellis Cup over to RWCL and IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset on November 18.
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.”
“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.”
IRB Head of Commercial, Broadcast and Marketing Murray Barnett added: “We are well on track to secure and announce the full Rugby World Cup 2015 commercial programme in record time, which is great for the tournament and great for Rugby at a time when the sport is experiencing unprecedented global profile, participation and commercial appeal.”
Ken Allen, DHL Express CEO, said: “We are very excited to be joining forces once again with Rugby World Cup Limited to deliver Rugby World Cup 2015. DHL sees tremendous synergies between a sport that is built on the character-building values of teamwork, passion and integrity 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 community 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.”
Debbie Jevans, England Rugby 2015 CEO, added: “Rugby is at the heart of all our planning and we are committed to providing the 20 teams with the best possible environment in which to train and play. Efficient and reliable logistics support is therefore integral to the success of the tournament. We are pleased that DHL, global leaders in the logistics industry with a proven track record at Rugby World Cup and established links in the game, will continue their long standing partnership with Rugby World Cup Limited. We look forward to working with DHL to deliver an exceptional tournament.”
The announcement follows the appointment of Heineken, Land Rover and Société Générale as Rugby World Cup 2015 Worldwide Partners, Gilbert as Official Ball Supplier, Canterbury of New Zealand as Official Sportswear Supplier and Clifford Chance as Official Law Firm.
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