Australian Rugby Union Inks Logistics Deal with TNT Express

The Australian Rugby Union today announced that global logistics firm TNT Express has extended its decade-long partnership with Australian Rugby Union for another three years until the end of 2016.

TNT Express’ managing director – Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Bob Black, said: “We’re excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the Australian Rugby Union as they up the ante on recruitment and retention. As a global business we know the importance of having the best players in a team for success and we’re looking forward to the implementation of the new plan.

“One of our core qualities is to build local and global partnerships while delivering the orange customer experience, and this season the referees will be as prominent as ever in their bright orange jerseys.

“It goes without saying that referees play an integral role in a game of rugby, and without them there is no game. Our ‘Sure we can’ philosophy to support referees is our contribution to the game.”

TNT Express’ support of match officials includes sponsoring Super Rugby referees in Australia and working with the Australian Rugby Union to develop a Referee Mentoring Program and a Referee Recognition Program.

“TNT Express is very proud of its continued support of the Australian Rugby Union through its sponsorship of the Super Rugby Referees,” Mr Black said.

“TNT Express shares the same priority with the Australian Rugby Union for its focus on recruiting women into a predominantly male industry. Our Women in Transport campaign targets women into the non-stereotypical roles of drivers and dockhands – and it’s a campaign that we’re passionate about and will continue to drive into the future.

“There are a lot of parallels between what we do as a business and the discipline, professionalism and drive for continual improvement shown by Super Rugby referees.

“Rugby referees need to adapt quickly and manage the flow of the game under pressure, not unlike the ever-changing environment transport and logistics companies like TNT Express find themselves in.”

Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver thanked TNT Express for its ongoing support of Australian Rugby.

“I am delighted that TNT Express is continuing its support of referees at Australian Super Rugby matches and I am excited by their commitment to create a number of unique programs for our match officials.

“Match officials are essential to our game and ensure it is played according to our values, particularly respect. We appreciate having a partner like TNT Express that supports and invests in referees from the grassroots through to the elite level.”