DHL EXPRESS SUPPORTS KOTARO MATSUSHIMA, JAPANESE RUGBY STAR, WITH HIS MOVE TO THE TOP 14 LEAGUE IN FRANCE

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, today supported Kotaro Matsushima, Japanese rugby star, with the shipment of his personal effects and rugby equipment to France. Matsushima, who led the Brave Blossoms with five tries at the Rugby World Cup^TM, will join ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 league, the premier tier of French rugby.

“Now I really feel like my journey to France is beginning,” said Matsushima after receiving a warm welcome from DHL staff at the Shinagawa Service Center. “DHL has been very supportive of rugby in Japan and around the world, especially during the last RWC2019 as the Official Logistics Partner. Now DHL is helping me again for my first transfer to a foreign club. I feel quite fortunate to have such great support from DHL.” 

Tony Khan, President and Representative Director of DHL Japan said, “We are glad to support Matsushima-san who decided to take on a new challenge in a foreign environment. I’m sure our superior international door-to-door service will help him kick start his new adventure in France smoothly. DHL will continue to support the sport through sponsorships in top clubs and athletes, as well as hosting grassroots activities for amateur teams and students across the globe.” 

DHL has been the official logistics partner of the previous three Rugby World Cup^TM events since 2011. In the most recent Rugby World Cup 2019TM which was held in Japan, DHL Express delivered more than 60 tons of equipment for all 20 participant national teams and over 100,000 tickets worldwide. In early April, DHL Express collaborated with Canterbury of New Zealand Japan to deliver 30,000 rugby balls to 3,500 elementary schools and education boards throughout Japan. The initiative was aimed at fostering greater interest in rugby amongst the younger generation.