Dhl Takes On Rugby World Cup Logistics

DHL has been announced as the Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015, after the express logistics firm secured a deal with the International Rugby Board.

The new deal will see DHL assume responsibility for the logistics of the event – including the transportation of team training kit and equipment from as far afield as Samoa and Fiji to the tournament’s 13 venues across England and Wales. DHL estimates that they will likely carry around 1,400 rugby balls and 200 tackle bags.

The express logistics firm also hand-carried the Webb Ellis Cup onto one of its cargo aircraft in New Zealand on Thursday en route to Australia in the first leg of a global journey that will visit each of the former holders.

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. 

Phil Couchman, CEO, DHL Express UK, said: ‘We are very excited to be teaming up with the IRB again as Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.’ 

‘We have a long history of supporting professional and grassroots rugby around the world. The values of rugby are closely aligned to ours at DHL – teamwork, passion, will to win, and commitment to excellence.’

‘The prospect of Rugby World Cup 2015 coming to this country is one we are all looking forward to. Our role here in the UK will be to support the tournament and its teams by moving equipment from the globe, whilst also ensuring the main star of the show – the very precious Webb Ellis Cup – arrives safely from New Zealand.’

Rugby World Cup Limited chairman Bernard Lapasset added: ‘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.’

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 programmes as far afield as Fiji, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Romania, and Canada.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 will take place in England and Wales over six weeks in September and October of that year.