EFM and International Rugby: tackling logistics head on

“I have a huge amount of trust in the ability of EFM to deliver as planned. In the period we have worked with them (since 2004), they have consistently managed to meet all the challenges put before them. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending EFM to other professional sporting organisations.” All Blacks Rugby Team Management

In 2017, EFM have once again been moving the British & Irish Lions Team down to New Zealand, the touring England Rugby team's equipment over to Argentina, the All Blacks around Australia, Argentina, South Africa, USA and Europe, the Wallabies to Japan, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa and Europe, in addition to providing baggage trucks and logistical support to the Springboks, Pumas and Fiji over in Europe. We have also been busy working on the Under 20s World Cup in Georgia and with World Rugby on the HSBC Sevens World Series for the 12th consecutive year .

We provide door to door freighting services via air, road and sea, in addition to value-added services including baggage handling, arranging private aircraft charters, meet and greet services, baggage trucks and coach transfers. EFM are fortunate to count most of the international rugby teams amongst our most frequent and loyal sports team clients. Rugby broadcasters, photographers, suppliers and sponsors also regularly call on EFM logistical services for their equipment transportation.

On an ongoing basis, EFM handles the freighting for many rugby teams, including New Zealand, England, Scotland and Australia for their overseas tours, the Rugby Championship, Six Nations, IRB Rugby Sevens Tournaments, and training camps, through countries including UK, Italy, France, Ireland, Portugal, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Samoa, Fiji, Japan, Hong Kong, USA and Canada.

EFM is also proud to have been associated with the prestigious British and Irish Lions Rugby team tours through Australia in 2013 and 2001, South Africa in 2009 and New Zealand in 2005 and 2017 - looking after the team’s international and domestic logistical arrangements.

Some challenges that are overcome by EFM on a regular basis in this sector include:

• Moving equipment from hotel to hotel and training ground to training ground in extremely tight timeframes, allowing the teams the maximum amount of time for training and preparation.
• Preparing customs paperwork and ATA carnets on behalf of the teams and arranging fast customs clearances worldwide.
• Arranging the relevant import permissions for the importation of medical supplies, nutritional products and foodstuffs into each country.
• Dangerous goods packing and paperwork for items such as aerosol sprays and oxygen tanks.
• Assisting the players and management to relocate personal effects and baggage and complete the necessary paperwork.
• Transportation of heavy / awkward scrum machines, gym and weight training equipment between training grounds.
• Organising air-side access for meeting and greeting teams at international airports.
• Arranging private charter aircraft for teams, coaches and baggage trucks.
• Ensuring trucks and crew are on standby during major tournaments after pool stages, to transfer the teams’ equipment and baggage to the next venue (or back home).
• Door to door delivery and management of complex procedures and permit applications for sports team food, drink and nutritional products.

We are extremely proud of our long-standing sporting pedigree, with a client base that includes many successful international sports teams. EFM assist these teams, their sponsors and suppliers with their freighting and logistical arrangements for tours, competitions and major championships and events – EFM is the team behind the team.