DHL Announces Worldwide Partnership of RWC

DHL Announces Worldwide Partnership of Rugby World Cup 2011

• DHL named Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2011

• Exclusive global freight, express and postal services, including world wide ticket distribution

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

DHL celebrated the announcement by kicking the RWC 2011 Official Match Ball off Auckland's iconic Sky Tower today. At nearly 200 metres above ground, the world's tallest known kick off was made by New Zealand Legend and Rugby World Cup 1987 winning squad member, Grant Fox, and took place in the same week as the Official One Year to Go countdown to the kick off of RWC 2011 opening match.

Hundreds of movements will take place during the Tournament with an expected 2 to 6 tonnes of equipment per move. DHL will provide transport 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 30,000 kilometers over the course of the Tournament.

Ken Allen, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Express, said: "We are proud to be the Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2011. 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: "We are 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. This is a Tournament that will write another memorable and successful chapter in the Rugby World Cup success story."

Gary Edstein, Senior Vice President, DHL Express Oceania, said: "DHL is excited about becoming a Worldwide Partner of the Rugby World Cup 2011. Rugby is a perfect fit with DHL. Just like in our business, Rugby teams must have a strong sense of timing and be accurate, both on the ground and in the air.

"Come September 2011, 20 teams will travel to New Zealand, bringing a combined 76 tonnes of baggage and equipment and an average of four tonnes of baggage and equipment each. The DHL team will be responsible for handing all this equipment and, quite literally, delivering Rugby to the world."

DHL has a strong heritage of supporting Rugby in New Zealand. Being named Official Logistics Partner of RWC 2011 complements the company's successful Rugby partnership of the 2005 DHL British and Irish Lions Series.

ENDS

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