Plantation, Florida and Boulder, Colo. – October 22, 2014: USA Rugby announced today that DHL has signed an agreement to become the Official Presenting Sponsor of the national governing body. DHL will also be the Official Express Delivery and Logistics Provider of the USA Eagles’ upcoming match against New Zealand on Nov. 1, with AIG serving as title sponsor of the event. The match takes place following the U.S. leg of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour as the coveted prize of the Webb Ellis Cup is transported by DHL through its visit to 15 countries in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.
As part of the upcoming match sponsorship – which includes in-stadium branding, advertising, and hospitality – DHL will present the match ball prior to kickoff at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The DHL brand will be visible to the more than 60,000 fans in attendance at the stadium, as well as the millions of viewers watching the historic match featuring the world champions on NBC’s live broadcast.
In its role as Official Presenting Sponsor of USA Rugby, DHL will also be present at all USA Rugby National Championship Series events, including the 15s and sevens championships for men’s and women’s clubs and colleges, from the round of eight to the final championship weekend. Activation will also be seen at 2015 home matches for the Men’s Eagles as they prepare for RWC 2015.
“As the global leader in the logistics industry, our Presenting Sponsorship of USA Rugby, and sponsorship of the upcoming match between the USA Eagles and New Zealand, are the perfect platforms to position the DHL brand attributes of speed, passion, determination, and commitment in front of a global audience,” said DHL Express U.S. Chief Executive Officer Mike Parra. “As one of the world’s fastest growing sports, Rugby’s popularity on the global stage is huge and continues to grow in the U.S. We are proud to support the growth and adoption of Rugby to a U.S. audience and the world.”
“USA Rugby is delighted to be partnering with DHL,” USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer Nigel Melville said. “DHL is recognized across the world as a supporter of Rugby, has a passion for the game, and sees the potential of Rugby in the USA. With 2015 Rugby World Cup just 11 months away, DHL will provide important support to the Eagles as they prepare to compete in the world biggest Rugby event. Rugby is now the fastest growing team sport in the USA and these are exciting times for our players, fans, and partners.”
DHL also serves as Worldwide Partner and Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and is a Presenting Partner of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour – a year-long journey for the Webb Ellis Cup through traditional Rugby hotspots and countries where rugby is an emerging sport. DHL has been delivering the Trophy throughout its journey, helping to build the excitement for RWC 2015 every step on the way. As part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour, DHL is hosting a Rugby vs. The World Challenge event – in the U.S. this will involve well-known Rugby personalities ‘taking on’ American Football players in a series of Rugby-versus-American Football competitions.
On a global scale, DHL also sponsors many other major sporting brands such as Manchester United Football Club, Formula 1®, Andretti Autosport, World Touring Car Championships, FC Bayern Munich, and Formula E, as well as other national Rugby organizations such as South African Rugby club Western Province/DHL Stormers and England’s Harlequins.
As part of the upcoming match sponsorship – which includes in-stadium branding, advertising, and hospitality – DHL will present the match ball prior to kickoff at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The DHL brand will be visible to the more than 60,000 fans in attendance at the stadium, as well as the millions of viewers watching the historic match featuring the world champions on NBC’s live broadcast.
In its role as Official Presenting Sponsor of USA Rugby, DHL will also be present at all USA Rugby National Championship Series events, including the 15s and sevens championships for men’s and women’s clubs and colleges, from the round of eight to the final championship weekend. Activation will also be seen at 2015 home matches for the Men’s Eagles as they prepare for RWC 2015.
“As the global leader in the logistics industry, our Presenting Sponsorship of USA Rugby, and sponsorship of the upcoming match between the USA Eagles and New Zealand, are the perfect platforms to position the DHL brand attributes of speed, passion, determination, and commitment in front of a global audience,” said DHL Express U.S. Chief Executive Officer Mike Parra. “As one of the world’s fastest growing sports, Rugby’s popularity on the global stage is huge and continues to grow in the U.S. We are proud to support the growth and adoption of Rugby to a U.S. audience and the world.”
“USA Rugby is delighted to be partnering with DHL,” USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer Nigel Melville said. “DHL is recognized across the world as a supporter of Rugby, has a passion for the game, and sees the potential of Rugby in the USA. With 2015 Rugby World Cup just 11 months away, DHL will provide important support to the Eagles as they prepare to compete in the world biggest Rugby event. Rugby is now the fastest growing team sport in the USA and these are exciting times for our players, fans, and partners.”
DHL also serves as Worldwide Partner and Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and is a Presenting Partner of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour – a year-long journey for the Webb Ellis Cup through traditional Rugby hotspots and countries where rugby is an emerging sport. DHL has been delivering the Trophy throughout its journey, helping to build the excitement for RWC 2015 every step on the way. As part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour, DHL is hosting a Rugby vs. The World Challenge event – in the U.S. this will involve well-known Rugby personalities ‘taking on’ American Football players in a series of Rugby-versus-American Football competitions.
On a global scale, DHL also sponsors many other major sporting brands such as Manchester United Football Club, Formula 1®, Andretti Autosport, World Touring Car Championships, FC Bayern Munich, and Formula E, as well as other national Rugby organizations such as South African Rugby club Western Province/DHL Stormers and England’s Harlequins.
