The Swiss-based company will provide logistics services for the event, including requirements for all 61 matches across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, all 32 participating teams, and the fulfillment of warehousing and storage needs.

It joins Eversheds Sutherland, Deloitte, Manchester Metropolitan University and Kappa as official partners of RLWC2021. 

"Our approach to partnerships starts with wanting to work with organisations that align with our values, and share elements of our vision - such as connecting people and bringing communities together - so we can deliver a mutually beneficial partnership," said Jonathan Neill, RLWC2021 commercial director.

"Kuehne+Nagel firmly believes in delivering progress to society and we will both work together to continue to have a positive impact on the world around us.

"By having truly world class partners like Kuehne+Nagel and their market leading capabilities and insight, along with positive engagement to thousands of customers and colleagues, we will be able to deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup."

Kuehne+Nagel has more than 83,000 logistics and supply chain professionals, including 13,000 in the United Kingdom, and has evolved from a traditional shipping company to a global logistics firm.

It also ranks among the 25 most sustainable companies according to the SXI Switzerland Sustainability Index, with the company aiming to make all shipments carbon neutral by 2030. 

In 2018, RLWC2021 pledged its support to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, created to drive emission reductions of sports operations.

"We are delighted to be the Official Logistics Partner for RLWC2021 and hugely excited to be part of this tournament," Kuehne+Nagel UK national manager Brian Cox said.

"We are really looking forward to working with RLWC2021 and utilising our global transport and logistics network and expertise, to support the success of this event."

The men's RLWC2021 will take place from October 23 to November 27 next year in England, featuring 16 teams.

The eight-team women's tournament is scheduled for November 13 to 27, with the wheelchair event running alongside both competitions.