Japan v Russia

20th Sept 19:45

Eiki Yamamura

DHL Match Ball Delivery campaign was launched on September 19, 2018 unveiling DHL ambassadors at the same time. The very first child was chosen among the children participated in the event.

Japanese

10

Eiki started playing rugby when he was 5 years old, recommended by his sports-loving father who wanted to spend more time with his son. As being responsible for the ball delivery in the opening match, he can't wait to stand on the pitch together with the Japan national team.


Australia v Fiji

21st Sept. 13:45

Harlem Walker

Internal staff competition, where applicants had to send in a photo demonstrating DHL and Rugby values (Teamwork, Speed, Passion, and Can Do Attitude)

New Zealand

12

A Rugby 7's player, Harlem can't wait to be able to travel to Japan and entering the stadium. Harlem loves playing rugby, which she credits as giving her a never give up attitude, but her favourite part is the friends she has made through the game.


France v Argentine

21st Sep 16:15

Elliott Mercier

Customer competition, where applicants had to send in why they want to go to Japan

French

9

Elliott first came into rugby thanks to his dad, and hasn’t looked back since. Having been chosen to deliver the Match Ball, Elliott is excited to walk onto the pitch with the french team, and can't wait to stand in the stadium while listening to the French national anthem! His favourite part of rugby is the team spirit and friendships he has made.


New Zealand v South Africa

21st Sept 18:45

Aiden Luke Smith

SSA wide competition, working with Jean De Villiars, asking applicants why Jean should pick them to go to Japan  

South African

12

Aiden's best memory is watching the Springboks at the Newslands stadium, but knows that seeing them in Japan will be even better! Having played for two years, Aiden is a keen rugby player, and is hopeful of South African winning the tournament in November!


Italy v Namibia

22nd Sept 14:15

Sechaba Matidza

Internal SSA wide competition, working with Jean De Villiars, asking applicants why Jean should pick them to go to Japan

South African

13

Although only playing rugby for a year, Sechaba is already the captain for his school's B team and appreciates rugby for building his character and developing himself as a person and player. Sechaba can’t wait to hold the ball that will be used for this match, and his hopeful that South Africa will win the tournament for a 3rd time.


Ireland v Scotland

22nd Sept 16:45

Emily Irwin

Applicants had to send in a motivational half time team talk for the Irish National Team

Irish

9

Emily has been playing rugby for 5 years and loves scoring tries. A massive Ireland fan, her greatest memory is having Rory Best high-five her before a six-nations match, but knows that walking out with the team will eclipse that! Walking onto the pitch with her heroes, Emily is excited to hear all the fans cheering and shouting for Ireland!


England v Tonga

22nd Sept 19:15

Okinari Fujimoto

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

9

Okinari started playing rugby at the age of 5 thanks to his father, having played the sport when he was in school, who thought it was good for him for he was full of physical energy and challenging his older brother by body contacts. Okinari, who is aiming to participate in Rugby World Cup as a member of Japanese national team in the future, is eager to deliver the match ball while experiencing the atmosphere on the pitch and also delivering the thoughts of those who didn't get this chance.


Wales v Georgia

23rd Sept 19:15

Sora Kawamura

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

13

Sora started playing rugby after he had watched Japan V South Africa match in RWC2015. Putting forth every effort during the match and then still being able to become friends with opposing team is his best part of rugby. He is grateful to be chosen as a MBD child and he wants to share the fun of rugby to many of his friends through fulfilling his precious role.


Russia v Samoa

24th Sept 19:15

Valaimatagi Maddison Lam

Internal competition

 

9

Rugby is all about family, and Valaimatagi credits her dad for teaching herself and her siblings how to pass a rugby ball at a young age. Valaimatagi can't wait to run the ball out onto the pitch in front of her favourite team, Manu Samoa, and the rest of the world!


Fiji v Uruguay

25th Sept 14:15

Koshin Maekawa

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

10

The reason why Koshin started rugby is his father who was playing rugby at that time, so he wanted to try it too. He is eager to deliver the ball with gratitude to people who helped Kamaishi a lot after the earthquake.


Italy v Canada

26th Sept 16:45

 

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

12

Tomoya wanted to be stronger, that's why he started rugby. His favourite part is that every player, small or big, has his own role and everyone can participate in a game equally. He can't wait to meet world's best players and to stand in the fully packed stadium.


England v USA

26th Sept 19:45

Nene Fujii

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

10

Nene started rugby at the age of 5 because of her brother. "Rugby is cool and fun for making tries by passing one ball and joining forces with teammates", she says. "I'm so happy!", she exclaimed recieving a call with congratulions on her winning. She is very excited to feel the atmosphere of RWC on the match day.


Argentina v Tonga

28th Sept 13:45

Rion Mieda

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

12

"I didn't think that I was going to be chosen. I was very happy!", comments Rion on her feelings when she was selected. Rion, who started playing rugby from 2nd grade after watching his father playing it, says that her best part of rugby is "being able to fearlessly pass and tackle".


Japan v Ireland

28th Sept 16:15

Fuga Tanaka

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

12

Fuga started playing rugby recommended by his father. He says that the ability to play a game where everyone helps each other is the best part of rugby. He is very excited to have an opportunity to be together with world's best players who are participating in RWC.


South Africa v Namibia

28th Sept 18:45

Darius Stefan Mihaescu

Worked with a mentorship programme for disadvantaged children to select a MBD winner

Romania

9

While Darius hasn’t been involved in rugby for long, he can't wait to deliver the ball at Rugby World Cup 2019. Darius is looking forward to being on the pitch, and has a feeling South Africa might be the overall winner this year.


Georgia v Uruguay

29th Sept 14:15

Saito Hayashi

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

12

Saito was introduced to rugby by his friend’s father, while his grandfather was also plyaing rugby then. He wanted to deliver a match ball ever since the last world cup and after 4 years his dream has come true.


Australia v Wales

29th Sept 16:45

Jack Thorniley

Staff competition

Australia

9

Jack is super excited about delivering the match ball and can’t wait for his friends and family back at home to see him walking out on the pitch. He enjors rugby as he can play with his friends, and thinks Australia will be the winner this year.


Scotland v Samoa

30th Sept 19:15

Cameron Bruce

Customer competition

Scotland

9

Having played for just under two years, Cameron's best memory so far is winning a tournament in Glasgow with his team and scoring plenty of tries! He's most looking forward to walking out and lining up for the national anthems.


France v USA

2nd Oct 16:45

Jamiyah Brown

Using the #DHLGoForward, applicants had to demonstrate how they posses a cando attitude

American

12

Jamiyah has only played for a year, but is already the captain of her team whilst being the only girl! Rugby has taught her leadership and determination, and she can't wait to fly to Japan for the experience of a lifetime!


New Zealand v Canada

2nd Oct 19:15

Kento Soga

Staff competition

Japanese

11

Kento is plyaing for a local soccer club, and he says that he is very happy when he wins a game. Kento is a little bit nervous to be able to perform well, but he looks forward to seeing and being close to big and tough players.


Georgia v Fiji

3rd Oct 14:15

Izumi Kawata

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

12

”Physical contact and it's force are what I like most about rugby”, says Izumi. He started playing rugby after his father, who used to play it, passed away. He believes that his father is watching over him, and that is what gave him strength to continue playing rugby for 6 years now.


Ireland v Russia

3rd Oct 19:15

Yota Konno

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

13

Yota started playing rugby after watching performance of Japan national team during RWC2015. His favourite part of rugby is the speed and a lot of contact, as well as that he can play it with lots of his friends. He is excited to experience every opportunity that match ball delivery will give him.


South Africa v Italy

4th Oct 18:45

Tommaso Vianello

Staff competition

Italian

8

Tommaso has only played for a year, but already loves the sport and says playing rugby is his favourite time of the day! Whilst he will cheer for Italy, Tommaso does think New Zealand will become the champions, but is excited to talk with the players in the tunnel before the match.


Australia v Uruguay

5th Oct 14:15

Mateo Martin Pla

Applicants had to send in a video as to why they should be chosen to deliver the match ball

Uruguayan

8

 


England v Argentina

5th Oct 17:00

Milena Lasalandra Huber

Applicants had to send in a video as to why they should be chosen to deliver the match ball

Argentinian

12

Having started playing with her brothers, Milena loves running up and down the pitch scoring tries. Although not knowing who will win, she can't wait to walk on the pitch with her family watching, and already knows it will be the best experience of her life.


Japan v Samoa

5th Oct 19:30

Arashi Yazawa

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

12


Arashi started rugby thanks to his long known friend, and his best part of game is scoring tries. He is a fan of DHL ambassador, Kotaro Matsushima. He can’t wait to meet the Japan national team members and especially his favourite Matsushima.


New Zealand v Namibia

6th Oct 13:45

Dan Mitsumori

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

11

”It feels good to run and outrun your opponent during the game”, says Dan. He would be very happy to have an opportunity to talk to his favourite player Dan Carter and referees in English. He can't wait for the day of tournament and hoping not to drop the ball by being nervous.


France v Tonga

6th Oct 16:45

So Kodama

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

11

So was motivated to play rugby afte uncles and grandfather. He is excited about the once-in-a-lifetime experience and wants to touch a big player he has never seen before.


South Africa v Canada

8th Oct 19:15

Trinity Bodenchuk

Applicants had to submit their best #RugbyMoment

Canadian

14

TBC


Argentina v USA

9th Oct 13:45

Yuki Umezawa

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

11

お兄さんの影響でラグビーを始めた遊輝くん。仲間と協力してプレーできるところがラグビーの好きなところ。今回のマッチボールデリバリーを励みにして、将来プレーヤーとしてのワールドカップ出場を目指します。
Yuki started rugby under his brother’s influence. He thinks that the best part of rugby is teamwork. This match ball delivery experience will encourage him to aim for rugby world cup as a player in the future.


Scotland v Russia

9th Oct 16:15

Maksim Chumakov

Applicants had to creatively send in why they should go to Japan

Russian

14

Maksim has played rugby for a few years since one of his teachers introduced him to the game, and since then loves working together with his team. Although Russian, his favourite team is New Zealand, who he thinks will win the tournament this year.


Wales v Fiji

9th Oct 18:45

Asenaca Adi Wellington Caucau

Public competition where applicants had to say in 20 words or less why they should win the competition

Fijian

12

Asenaca comes from a rugby family, being named after the Wellington sevens series which happened the same year she was born! Asenaca is extremely excited to travel to Japan and make her family proud when she delivers the match ball


Australia v Georgia

11th Oct 19:15

Giorgi Melia

Working with the Georgian rugby union, 3 players were chosen from a tournament from which DHL created highlight videos

Goergian

14

Giorgi has been playing rugby for around 8 years, and his favourite memory is winning the Georgian 7s last year! Winning and scoring tries is his favourite part of playing, and is hoping to make his friends and family back home proud when he delivers the match ball


New Zealand v Italy

12th Oct 13:45

Nathan Tofilau

Applicants had to write, in 200 words or less, why Sir John Kirwan should pick them to go to RWC19 and deliver the match ball

New Zealand

12

TBC


England v France

12th Oct 17:15

Rhys Jones

Via BT Sport, applicants had to demonstrate their DHL Rugby Moment

English

14

A keen rugby player, Rhys loves the fast paced nature of the game and scoring tries. Rhys can't wait to get into the stadium and speak with some of the English team in the tunnel. Although hopeful England can win, Rhys does admit New Zealand are favourites


Ireland v Samoa

12th Oct 19:45

May Tanaka

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

13

Watching her brother playing rugby, May found it very interesting, and that is why she started playing it herself as well. She says that the best part of rugby is running through the pitch holding a ball. She is very excited to interact with top class players from all over the world and be able to watch them play.


Namibia v Canada

13th Oct 12:15

Rio Sasaki

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

9

Rio was fascinated by rugby while going to her father’s practices with him. She has watched her local Kamaishi team, Sea Waves, and top league matches, but she is now looking forward to see matches of top-class players. She is very excited that a lot of people from different countries will come to Kamaishi to watch rugby matches.


USA v Tonga

13th Oct 14:45

Christine Lisa Marie Vea

Staff competition
社員向けのキャンペーン

TONGA

9

Born into a rugby family, Christine's best memory is watching rugby with her dad. Her favourite part of rugby is the pasion of fans when watching their national teams, something she can't wait to do as in well in Japan, going to her first Tonga match.


Wales v Uruguay

13th Oct 17:15

Seidai Nakashima

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

9

Seidai entered a rugby club advised by his parents and totally got into it. He is very happy to be chosen as a MBD child and very excited that the match will be started with the ball he will deliver.


Japan v Scotland

13th Oct 19:45

Shoma Uesugi


Rugby World Cup 2019 ™ Official Legacy Program “ChildFund Pass It Back Cup Delivered by DHL”was held in Tokyo in March 2019. As a part of MBD campiagn, the winner was chosen among those who participated the entire curriculum.

Japanese 日本

14

Shoma, who is from city of rugby, Fuchu, started playing rugby being invited by his friend. Intensive contact play is his favourite part of it. Being a rugby man himself, he can’t wait to interact with some of the best players in the world and to stand with them on the same pitch.


QF1 (Winner Group C vs Runner Up Group D

19th Oct 16:15

Asuka Yuki


Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese 日本

11

Asuka became obsessed with rugby while watching her father playing it. She is a scrum half at a local rugby school and she has a dream that there could be a chance for her to “throw a long pass to kick-off kicker” during match ball delivery.


QF2 (Winner Group B vs Runners Up Group A)

19th Oct 19:15

Anish Raul

DHL India held 3 customer events, where 5 children from each event were picked at random. The final 15 were then again put into a raffle, with the winner being chosen to go to Japan。

Indian

11

Whilst completely new to rugby, Anish already enjoys working with his team jumping for lineouts. He's extremely proud to lead out two teams in a quarter final, and has a feeling New Zealand will win the RWC


QF3 (Winner Group D vs Runners Up Group C)

20th Oct 16:15

Kawany Higa

Applicants were invited to send a video, explaining why they should be the one to deliver the match ball

Brazilian

14

After going through a difficult stage in her life, Kawany credits rugby to making friends and bringing back her character. She loves working as a team, and is excited to run out into the packed stadium.


QF4 (Winner Group A vs Runners Up Group B)

20th Oct 19:15

Yuya Indo

Staff competition

Japanese

9

Yuya is very fond of being physically active and now he into baseball and swimming. Match Ball Delivery will give him the first ever experience of rugby, so he is very curious about how big the pitch is and how players feel when playing the sport.


SF1 (Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2)

26th Oct 17:00

Rosa Tesse

Working with a local rugby club (Dubai Warrriors), players were able to apply why they should win the chance to go to Japan

French

12

Everyone in her family has played rugby, so it only made sense for Rose to join a team as well! She loves the team spirit and never give up attitude of rugby, and is excited and proud to stand on the field, next to two great teams, in a semi final


SF2 (Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4)

27th Oct 18:00

Vishal Ishimura

Customer competition

Japanese

12

Vishal started playing soccer at the age of 5, but after having watched 2015 tournament held in England, he decided to switch to rugby. He very much liked the manly manner of the sport. He is very excited to stand in the center of the pitch as a MBD child.


Bronze Final 3

1st Nov 18:00

Freya DitschkuB

Applicants were invited to creatively say why they should go to Japan via social media, before the top 5 were invited to a German rugby match where they competed in a small rugby skills match to determine who would win

German

12

9 years ago, Freye was brought to her first game with her dad. A week later, and Freya had started playing for her local team! A player who likes to ruck, Freya hopes she won't drop the ball in front of the referee! Looking at the outsiders, Freya thinks Scotland might win the tournament this year.


Final

2nd Nov 18:00

Keito Wattez

Applicants had to send in an essay describing their dreams and passion to sports and photos for "DHL Match Ball Delivery" Campaign.

Japanese

8

Keito started playing tennis and soccer when he was 3 years old, and now he is crazy about soccer. Although restricted to play rugby due to a heart surgery done at the age of 4, he and his family are very happy to know that Keito has been chosen as one of the MBD kids.