Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has announced the appointment of
DHL Express as a Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New
Zealand.
A global market leader in the international express and
logistics industry, the announcement represents the first time that
Deutsche Post-owned DHL has partnered with Rugby's showcase
Tournament.
Under the deal, DHL will perform the key roles of
in-tournament ticket distribution and express freight logistics for
the 20 participating teams, including equipment transportation. The
agreement will also see DHL partner with the International Rugby
Board as international express shipments partner.
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said:
"Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted to announce that DHL has
joined the family of Worldwide Partners supporting Rugby World Cup
2011. The appointment of a globally renowned brand and a world
leader in the logistics industry further underscores Rugby World
Cup's considerable global prestige and appeal."
"We look forward to working with DHL over the next 12
months to further the promotion of the Game around the world as the
sporting community looks forward to Rugby World Cup 2011 in New
Zealand and a Tournament that will write another memorable and
successful chapter in the Rugby World Cup success story."
Tournament team equipment logistics is an important area of
delivery for major global sports events and DHL will undertake
approximately 200 movements of team equipment during the seven-week
Tournament at an average of two tonnes per move. DHL will also
provide storage solutions, while transporting all team training
equipment between the 48 training and 13 match venues for Rugby
World Cup 2011. It is expected that DHL will cover almost 30,000
kilometres during the Tournament.
Ken Allen, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Express said:
"We are proud to be the Official Logistics Partner of Rugby
World Cup 2011. Rugby is about passion, teamwork and can-do spirit,
values that are shared by DHL Express as well."
With five Worldwide Partners now confirmed for next
year's Tournament, the announcement represents another boost to
Rugby World Cup 2011 with a year to go until the Opening Match
between New Zealand and Tonga at Auckland's Eden Park on
September 9.
DHL joins Emirates Airline, MasterCard, Heineken and ANZ as
Rugby World Cup 2011 Worldwide Partners, Brancott Estate and
Toshiba as Official Sponsors, Licensing in Motion and RTH as Master
Licencees, Canterbury as Official Sportswear Supplier, Gilbert
Rugby as the Official Ball Supplier, Russell McVeagh as Official
Law Firm and KPMG as Tournament Supplier of accounting and tax
advisory services.
