Transport group backs Rugby League World Cup as official partner

Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has announced that Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, has become the Official Logistics Partner of the tournament.

As part of the partnership, Kuehne+Nagel – which has operations in Liverpool, Manchester, Haydock, Warrington, Middlewich, Winsford and Heywood – will provide logistics services for what will be the biggest Rugby League World Cup ever, including requirements for all of the 61 matches across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, all 32 participating teams, and the fulfilment of warehousing and storage needs.

RLWC2021 will come to England next year with 21 venues across the country – including Liverpool – hosting games across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, which will take place at the same time. Preston has also been chosen to be a training base for the international sporting event.

The RLWC2021 organising team is based at Quay West, in Manchester’s MediaCityUK.

Founded in Bremen, Germany in 1890 and its headquarters now based in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is the number one global Sea Logistics provider, and the number two global Air Logistics provider.

With more than 83,000 logistics and supply chain professionals, including 13,000 in the UK, Kuehne+Nagel has evolved from a traditional shipping company to a global logistics partner with an outstanding reputation for technology and customer service.

Driven by an ethos to support good causes, Kuehne+Nagel has excellent sustainability credentials and rank amongst the 25 most sustainable companies according to the SXI Switzerland Sustainability Index, with the company having a dedicated ambition to make all shipments carbon neutral by 2030.

In 2018, RLWC2021 pledged its support to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, created to drive emission reductions of sports operations and tap the popularity and passion of sport to engage millions of fans in the effort.

Kuehne+Nagel joins Eversheds Sutherland, Deloitte, Manchester Metropolitan University and Kappa as Official Partners of Rugby League World Cup 2021.

Jonathan Neill, commercial director at RLWC2021, said: “Our approach to partnerships starts with wanting to work with organisations that align with our values, and share elements of our vision – such as connecting people and bringing communities together – so we can deliver a mutually beneficial partnership.

“Kuehne+Nagel firmly believes in delivering progress to society and we will both work together to continue to have a positive impact on the world around us.

“By having truly world class partners like Kuehne+Nagel and their market-leading capabilities and insight, along with positive engagement to thousands of customers and colleagues, we will be able to deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.”

Brian Cox, national manager, Kuehne+Nagel UK, added: “We are delighted to be the Official Logistics Partner for RLWC2021 and hugely excited to be part of this tournament.

“We are really looking forward to working with RLWC2021 and utilising our global transport and logistics network and expertise, to support the success of this event.”