The Delivery is in the Detail

Nearly two years of detailed preparation and planning have gone into the logistics behind Rugby World Cup 2015. With the kick-off fast approaching, watch this video and learn how the team has prepared for the year’s largest sporting event.

“The focus now is very much in terms of finalizing the plans and looking to lock in all the work we’ve done,” says Francis Ktenidis, DHL Logistics Project Lead, Rugby World Cup 2015. 

This after over 18 months working side by side with England 2015 to get everything ready to ensure that the Tournament goes off without a hitch.  A team of approximately 120 DHL staff is in place plus a host of international specialist dispersed across the globe to see to it that the teams’ equipment and materials not only get into the UK as scheduled, but are also delivered to the right destination, on the right day and at the right time during the Tournament.

“So that [the teams] can just worry about playing their game on the pitch and don’t have to worry about anything else.” Eric Vuyk, DHL Express USA

The teams will travel on average with 4 tonnes of equipment, and DHL will be following the teams with this equipment throughout the Tournament between team bases, practice facilities and venues.  The team’s luggage includes what you might expect –  training equipment, practice balls, team kits, etc. – but also you might not expect. For example, in 2011 the French arrived with 800 kg of coffee and the Japanese brought in hyperbolic chambers.

Harnessing the capabilities of our global network, we understand the nuances of international logistics and international business better than anyone. This ensures that even the most unusual items clear customs and are available to the teams.

“Success is not being noticed. Success is having [the players] be the stars.” Darryl Wettlaufer, DHL Express Canada

We’ll be working quietly in the shadows while the 20 best Rugby teams in the world battle hard on the pitch in front of thousands of screaming fans.
 
“Success is not being noticed,” says Darryl Wettlaufer, DHL Express Canada. “Success is having [the players] be the stars.

“It’s a huge responsibility and a huge honor to make sure ?the teams? have all their equipment moved to timely,” adds Eric Vuyk, DHL Express USA. “So that they can just worry about playing their game on the pitch and don’t have to worry about anything else.”

Come Tournament time, you’ll probably see the DHL logo displayed proudly throughout the stadiums, but it’s behind the scenes where the real logistics action will be taking place. With the planning and preparation nearly complete, the next detail is in the delivery – and right now DHL is poise to do just that.

DHL Match Ball Delivery
DHL has searched the glob to bring 48 children from 42 countries to the UK for one unforgettable experience: delivering the match ball to a Rugby World Cup 2015 game. Watch this video and meet  13-year-old Manueli, who is our winner from Fiji, and dreams of stepping onto that field ahead of the Tournament’s opening match, England v Fiji.