By Gary Anderson

October 24 - DHL planes will deliver kit and equipment for the 20 competing nations at England 2015 Rugby World CupGlobal logistics outfit DHL has been announced as an official worldwide partner of the Rugby World Cup 2015 in a deal that sees the firm continue its partnership that began at the tournament in New Zealand in 2011. 


As official logistics partner, DHL will support England Rugby 2015 with all freight logistics for the 20 participating nations as they arrive in the UK and on to the training bases and 13 match venues across England and Wales.

The equipment to be transported will include an estimated 1,400 balls, 200 kicking tees and 200 tackle bags.

"We are very excited to be joining forces once again with Rugby World Cup Limited (RCWL) to deliver Rugby World Cup 2015," said Ken Allen, chief executive of DHL Express.

"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."

The first task for one of DHL's famous yellow and red planes will be to deliver the Webb Ellis Cup from current holders New Zealand to the International Rugby Board (IRB) headquarters in Dublin for the official handover ceremony on November 18 during the inaugural IRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition.

New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw and the Webb Ellis Cup will soon have to part ways at the official handover ceremony in Dublin next monthNew Zealand skipper Richie McCaw and the Webb Ellis Cup will soon have to part ways at the official handover ceremony in Dublin next month


























On the way, the Cup will stop off in Australia, South Africa and England, the three other nations that have claimed the title, before Richie McCaw, the skipper of the All Blacks side that ended their country's 24-year wait for a second Rugby World Cup win with victory over France in 2011, hands the Cup over to IRB and RWCL chairman Bernard Lapasset in the Irish capital.

"We are delighted to be renewing our successful partnership with DHL," said Lapasset.

"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."

The new deal with DHL marks the appointment of another key worldwide partner for Rugby World Cup 2015 and follows on from agreements already in place with Dutch brewing company Heineken, automobile firm Land Rover and French banking corporation Société Générale, as well as official ball supplier Gilbert, official sportswear supplier Canterbury and official law firm Clifford Chance.

Current All Blacks selector and 1987 Rugby World Cup winner Grant Fox will accompany the Webb Ellis Cup as it is transported to IRB headquarters in Dublin via DHLCurrent All Blacks selector and 1987 Rugby World Cup winner Grant Fox will accompany the Webb Ellis Cup as it is transported to IRB headquarters in Dublin via DHL












































Last month, RWCL managing director Brett Gosper claimed England 2015, which is due to run from September 18 to October 31, will be the most commercially successful Rugby World Cup to date as a result of record sponsorship agreements, estimating that the event is set to generate more than £150 million ($240 million/€179 million) in surplus funds that will be invested back into the game.

"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," said Debbie Jevans, the England Rugby 2015 chief executive, about the latest deal with DHL.

"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."

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