DHL kicks off Rugby World Cup partnership

DHL kicked off its Rugby World Cup build up yesterday, at an event held at East Midlands Airport, which featured a line-up of former Union internationals and the Webb Ellis Cup itself.

The operator has been named as the official logistics partner for the competition, which will take place in England and Wales in 2015, and flew the cup in from New Zealand, the current holders, via one of its cargo planes.

Speaking to Motortransport.co.uk, Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express, said: “The Rugby World Cup is a great platform for us as a business. It represents the things we stand for, such as teamwork and passion, and provides us with the opportunity to demonstrate what we can do.”

DHL will be responsible for the transportation of tournament and team equipment from around the world to the 13 match venues.

DHL Express is expected to complete the sale of its UK same day domestic business to Rico today, in a move that will see it play to its strengths in the international express market.