Match ball delivery smiles at RWC 2015

The smiles on their faces say it all. 48 children from 42 countries had an experience of a lifetime delivering the match ball at a Rugby World Cup 2015 game. We accompanied them every step of the way and captured some inspiring stories and emotional moments.

Rugby World Cup 2015 is now a piece of history – a record-breaking event that was by far the biggest and best Tournament to date. How will we ever forget when Japan shocked the Rugby world or or when England missed an opportunity to grace their own World Cup?

We know 48 amazing kids who will also never forget RWC 2015 – our Match Ball Delivery Heroes. Hailing from all four corners of the globe, these lucky youngsters had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They delivered the official match ball onto the field of play alongside the players and referees. 

My friends say I’m the luckiest boy alive.

Manu from Fiji

An experience of a lifetime
These kids have remarkable stories, and we shared some of them in the run-up to and throughout the tournament. We’ve gotten to know a few of these young rugby players, learned why the love the game, were taken in by their excitement and lived vicariously through their experiences. 

Watch and relive the match ball delivery moments

We met Manu who had never left his native Fiji before coming to England to deliver the match ball at the opening match, England vs. Fiji. We even captured the emotional moment he learned he was going to London on film. 

On the other side of the planet, we met Lucy from Canada, who’s a real role model at her home club in Frederick, New Brunswick. The 14-year-old Irish-Canadian has recruited enough girls to set-up a girls’ rugby team! Her excitement was contagious. “On a scale from 1-10, I’m probably an 11 excitement-wise!” she told us.

On a scale from 1-10, I’m probably an 11 excitement-wise!

Lucy from Canada

And then there was Kotetsu from Japan, who got to witness his country’s historic win over South Africa. Although this little guy was obviously ecstatic when he learned he was the winner from Japan, he wasn’t only looking forward to his moment in the spotlight. “When I get there I’m just looking forward to watching the rugby!”

We also shared the stories of other lucky winners like Aileen from Germany, Jacob from New Zealand and Lucky – yes Lucky! – from Uganda. All of them touched our hearts with their stories, smiles and energy.

I think I’m going to have butterflies in my tummy.

Rosie from England

Rosie from England carried the match ball out onto the field at the Rugby World Cup Final in London on October 31. This adorable nine year old was a bundle of unending enthusiasm that added a giant spark to an already electrifying day at Twickenham Stadium.

More match ball delivery moments
We couldn’t tell all of their stories, but there are plenty of moving moments from DHL’s Match Ball Delivery Heroes to be seen on the DHL Rugby YouTube channel or read about them in the Rugby feed right here on DHL InMotion. Let them inspire and motivate you – and help you keep your Rugby spirit alive until we meet again at Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

Follow DHL & Rugby Sevens
DHL’s commitment to the global game of rugby didn’t end when the final whistle blew at Twickenham and New Zealand raised the Webb Ellis Cup. We’ve extended our partnership with World Rugby Sevens Series. So continue to follow us on Facebookand Twitter as we Deliver Rugby Sevens to the World.