South African rugby legends were reunited with the Webb Ellis Trophy at the same venue where the Springbok team claimed its first victory in the Rugby World Cup.
DHL was announced as the logistics partner of the Rugby World Cup 2015 at an event held at Ellis Park on October 28.
The announcement was made by the new partner and the International Rugby Board. England will be host the 2015 tournament.
The Webb Ellis Trophy touched down in Johannesburg on the same day for a whistle-stop tour that started with a press briefing and culminating with a coaching clinic in Diepsloot run by some of South Africa’s most celebrated rugby legends. These included Joel Stransky, Chester Williams, Joost van der Westhuizen and the man who faced off against the daunting Jonah Lomu in the 95 final against the All Blacks, James Small.
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman, Mr Bernard Lapasset, expressed his delight at the renewed partnership.
“We are delighted to be renewing our successful partnership with DHL. The reappointment of a globally renowned brand and a world leader in the logistics industry further underscores Rugby World Cup 2015’s considerable global prestige with the tournament’s commercial programme set to be finalised in record time,” said Mr Lapasset.
He said they looked forward to collaborating with DHL to further the promotion of rugby around the world, as the sporting community looks forward to what promises to be an exceptional England 2015 tournament.
DHL will be responsible for the transportation of tournament and team equipment from around the world to the 13 match venues in England.
The equipment to be transported includes an estimated 1 400 rugby balls, 200 kicking tees and 200 tackle bags.
It will also carry the 4,5 kilogramme Webb Ellis Trophy on its global network between the four former holders of the trophy: New Zealand (current holder), Australia, South Africa and England.
The journey will see the trophy handed over by DHL and cup chaperone, the legendary former New Zealand player Grant Fox. He will hand the cup to former Rugby World Cup winning players from each country for a brief local celebration with fans, before it is delivered to Dublin, Ireland, for the inaugural IRB World Rugby Conference
