Family-owned removals firm, Ballards, has been involved with several removals efforts during the Rugby World Cup
East Midlands removals firm Ballards has helped four international rugby players move house during this year’s Rugby World Cup, building on its reputation for moving professional sportspeople across Europe.
With the tournament entering its final week, Ballards has moved four of its stars since it kicked off on September 8th, including veteran Puma’s hooker Agustín Creevy, who played a pivotal role off the bench during Argentina’s quarter-final victory against Wales.
The Argentinian is likely to feature once again in the semi-final against New Zealand this evening.
Here’s what Agustiín had to say about the move:
“Matt and his team helped my family to move locally within London. We live in an apartment and there were a couple of tricky items to move – but the team took care of absolutely everything, including the packing of our boxes.
“I would really recommend Matt and the Ballards team to anyone who is moving.”
Leva Fifta was another client assisted by the Ballards team, starting all pool games in the World Cup for the Tongan national team. Leva has now returned to his day job with his new club, Oyonnax, which is based in France.
Leva was pleased with the service he received from the team at Ballards:
“A few years ago, Matt and his team handled our move from France to Ireland. Recently, he has also arranged for some of our things to be shipped from storage in Ireland to Oyonnax in France. This move also went very well – especially as I was arranging it during the World Cup so it was a busy time. The level of communication at times to best suit me was great.”
The third player to be moved by the family firm was Lima Sopoaga, who is a former All Black who went back to his roots following the change of eligibility rules – meaning that he could represent Samoa.
Lima, who switched clubs from Lyon in France to Japanese side Shimizu Blue Sharks in the summer, was already in Japan when the initial collection was made by Ballards, with the final arrangement and shipping of the goods all taking place during the busy World Cup pool stages.
Here’s what Lima had to say about the Ballards service:
“Matt and his guys first moved me to France after lockdown – I remember parking the truck was very difficult, but regardless of this, the move went very well.
“When we moved from France to Japan, I asked Matt to arrange for a small consignment to be sent. We had various options to send it via sea or air, and we chose to opt for the air freight option.
“Whilst the customs process wasn’t straightforward, Matt and his team were always on hand to guide us through the process. Great job again guys!”
The company also received positive feedback from Ryan, Director of Talent & Rights at Twenty Sports Group – an industry-leader in sports management.
Ryan shared his feedback with the team:
“I work with a player that is part of an international squad, and needed to arrange a move from the UK to France at fairly short notice.
“This move was during the Rugby World Cup, and the goods needed to be delivered to coincide with the player’s time off. I made initial contact with Matt on the Tuesday, and the quote was provided quickly.
“Collection was then arranged for the Sunday, with delivery in France the following day. As well as arranging the move in record time, Matt and his team were able to take great care of all of the customs formalities. I will certainly be asking Ballards to quote for any moves that I need assistance with in the future.”
Ballards was founded in Nottinghamshire in 1978 and moved into its 22,000 sq ft headquarters at Markham Moor in 2017. Ballards Group, which includes Ballards Removals, Steeles of Stamford and Bespoke Moving Solutions, has become a ‘go-to’ name for movers, both locally, regionally and internationally – including many celebrities and high net worth clients.
Ballards Removals Managing Director, Matt Ballard, said:
“We just want to thank our fantastic customers for their continued confidence and support in us here at Ballards. We always strive to provide the best possible service for all of our clients, so it’s really fantastic to be recognised once again for our efforts.”
“I am a huge rugby fan myself, and really enjoy assisting the players wherever I can, helping them to move around the world. As well as working with some of the best international players, Ballards also supports grassroots rugby too. I play for Ollerton RUFC myself, and our firm proudly sponsors England Fire Service Rugby and our local club, the Bassetlaw Bulldogs.
“Rugby will always be one of my greatest passions, so being able to help to make rugby players’ lives easier really means a lot to our family business.”
For more information on Ballards Removals, please visit www.ballards-move.co.uk.
