DHL scores with Rugby World Cup deal

DHL today announced it has become the Official Logistics Partner to Rugby World Cup 2011. As Official Logistics Partner, DHL will be responsible for ticket distribution as well as Rugby World Cup Limited/International Rugby Board’s express shipments and international and domestic freight movements, including the delivery of competing teams’ equipment.

Approximately 200 movements of equipment will take place during the tournament, with an expected 2 to 6 tonnes per move. DHL will transport this equipment as well as store and deliver uniforms and official equipment from training grounds to playing venues around New Zealand. It is expected DHL trucks will drive a total of almost 30,000kms over the course of the tournament.

DHL Express CEO Ken Allen said: “We are proud to be the global logistics partner of the Rugby World Cup. DHL has a heritage of supporting Rugby, among others the British and Irish Lions Series. This game is about passion, teamwork and a can-do-spirit and those are characteristics that can be attributed to DHL Express as well.”

Bernard Lapasset, chairman, Rugby World Cup Limited, said: “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 another memorable and exciting tournament.”