The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) competition organizing body has extended its commercial tie-up with worldwide logistics heavyweight DHL for the next two seasons.
The renewal, covering the 2025-26 and 2026-27 campaigns, will see DHL continue to perform as the global logistics partner of both the Champions Cup (top-tier) and Challenge Cup (second-tier) men's club competitions.
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The deal has been unveiled ahead of the first round of both those competitions' 2025-26 campaigns getting underway this coming weekend (December 5 to 7).
DHL also has separate deals, meanwhile, with a trio of teams set to compete in the Champions Cup this coming season – Harlequins (England), Munster (Ireland), and the DHL Stormers of South Africa. In addition, it has been a partner of the British and Irish Lions touring organization since 2005.
Both parties have pointed to "high-impact, innovative digital content that boosts DHL's brand visibility" as being a key feature of the partnership.
The original deal between the pair dates back to late 2021 and has been valued by GlobalData Sport at $1.25 million per season.
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By GlobalDataJacques Raynaud, the EPCR's chief executive, has said: "This extension is a clear demonstration of our joint success. DHL is deeply embedded in global rugby, and we look forward to continuing to work with the market leader to deliver exceptional activations and results.”
Early November saw the EPCR appoint John Barton as its new chief commercial and marketing officer.
Based out of EPCR’s Lausanne headquarters, he is now heading up the organization’s commercial, marketing, and broadcast teams.
Elliott Stanton, head of global partnerships for DHL Express, added: "Rugby continues to play a key role in our partnership portfolio, with both the sport and our DHL brand being fueled by passion, speed and teamwork. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with the teams, our employees and our customers – and cannot wait to celebrate this year’s champions.”
Away from rugby union, DHL is also a sponsor of motor racing's prestigious Formula 1.
