Logistics firm DHL has been confirmed as the official logistics partner of the Rugby World Cup 2015.
The partnership will see DHL assume responsibility for the logistics of one of the biggest international sporting events, which will take place in host country England over six weeks in September and October, 2015.
DHL will also hand-carry the Webb Ellis Cup on to one of its cargo aircraft in New Zealand on Saturday, en route to Australia, in the first leg of a global journey that will visit each of the former holders of the trophy. The cup will be accompanied by New Zealand rugby legend Grant Fox.
“We are very excited to be joining forces once again with the IRB to deliver Rugby World Cup 2015,” says Tim Baxter, country manager, DHL Express New Zealand.
“We were proud of the role we played in delivering rugby to the world in 2011, and look forward to delivering once again in 2015. 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 grassroots initiatives.”
From October 26 to October 30, 2013, DHL will also carry the 4.5kg Webb Ellis Cup on its global network between the four former holders: New Zealand (the current holder), Australia, South Africa and England.
The journey will see the trophy handed over by DHL and cup chaperone – former New Zealand player, Grant Fox – to former Rugby World Cup winning players from each country for a brief local celebration with fans, It will then be delivered by DHL to Dublin, Ireland on November 17 in time for the inaugural IRB World Rugby Conference.
Grant Fox says: “It’s an honour to be travelling with the Webb Ellis Cup. I intend on taking my role as an honourary DHL ‘on-board courier’ very seriously and rest assured, the cup will arrive safe and sound on October 30.”
