Western Province Rugby and DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, today announced the signing of a 3 year umbrella sponsorship agreement encompassing all representative WP Rugby teams, the Stormers and Newlands Rugby Stadium, effective 1 January 2011.

DHL is the global market leader in international express, overland transport and air freight. It is also the world’s number one in ocean freight and contract logistics. DHL offers a full range of customized solutions – from express document shipping to supply chain management. Our goal is to build strong, long-term partnerships with our customers by providing world class services, across all our operations.

Phil Couchman, MD, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa commented “We are extremely proud and excited to be the new official sponsors for the Western Province and Stormers Rugby Teams and we strive to build on the motto of Western Province Rugby, which is to bring the fans closer to the players. This opportunity will further reinforce the brand, promoting positive public and customer perception. By strengthening our ties with Rugby, we have an opportunity to strengthen our marketing platform.”

The value of the sponsorship goes far beyond the financial contribution for DHL, it’s about their customers, employees and the people of South Africa. DHL looks forward to fostering even deeper relationships with their customers who value their passion and commitment to sport as well as further connecting with its employees who share the passion and pride of supporting this team.

“Rugby is in DHL’s DNA and is one of the sports that we have a long history of supporting, hence the decision to support the Western Province and Stormers teams was not a difficult one, as well as providing us with a platform to further our growing involvement in CSR initiatives,” said Couchman.

DHL already looks into a successful history of sports marketing. The long lasting Official Logistics Partnership with Formula 1^TM, the sponsorship of the Rugby 7’s in Dubai and South Africa and the new Official Logistics Partner to Rugby World Cup 2011 are remarkable examples for this.

“The game of rugby is perfectly in line with DHL’s values, such as a strong heritage, the importance of teamwork, speed & commitment, along with a strong desire to succeed,” added Couchman. “In South Africa our commitment to sport not only aligns itself with the DHL brand, but to the country’s obligation in developing and nurturing South Africa’s talent and thereby cultivating the sporting professionals of the future.”

Neil Kuschel, VP Commercial, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa comments, “As all South African Rugby fans gear themselves up for the well anticipated 2011 rugby season, the DHL teams have their sleeves rolled up and are well down the path of finalizing plans that will go far beyond the fans’ expectations.  The sponsorship will provide a platform for DHL to interact directly with rugby fans and to contribute to the improvement of the fan experience in the Union. At the stadium itself, fans can look forward to interactive events and activities and much more, all proudly brought to you by DHL.

DHL’s commitment to making this sponsorship a fun-filled, unforgettable experience is unquestionable and unique and we assure the Western Province and Stormers Rugby Teams as well as their fans that they will receive the caliber of sponsorship expected of a global market leader.”

Tobie Titus, President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union added, “It is fitting that a major multi-national has decided to partner us into the future. Our structures and plans are in place and recent results have shown that our teams are poised for a run of success. The new agreement will help facilitate this process and will ensure that we can continue to grow and develop the game at all levels in the Western Province.”