RWC2015 volunteer try outs conclude in Twickenham
The final leg of the Rugby World Cup 2015 volunteer selection events, the Try Outs, concluded in Twickenham yesterday following six months on the road.
The search for the 6,000 volunteers who will make up The Pack launched in February 2014 and England Rugby 2015 was delighted to receive over 20,000 applications. Over 10,000 applicants have since been part of the Try Outs with events held in every Rugby World Cup 2015 Host City.
The search for The Pack has spanned 1,320 miles, across 13 venues and included over 3,333 hours of interviews. Prospective volunteers have ranged from age 18-85 and enjoyed a unique experience as part of the interactive selection event including; a Rugby exhibition, in house cinema with real Twickenham stadium seats, uniform sizing in a mock changing room with an authentic heat spray scent and the chance to see the coveted Webb Ellis Cup or some of those who lifted it in 2003 with visits from RWC 2003 winners Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson and Will Greenwood, who was in attendance to mark the final day.
England Rugby 2015 CEO, Debbie Jevans, and Minister for Sport, Helen Grant also attended the final leg of the Try Outs, meeting the volunteers alongside Harlequins' player Ollie Lindsay-Hague. Over 1,700 volunteers passed through Richmond upon Thames College over the course of the three weeks of Try Outs, all hoping to secure a coveted place in The Pack.
England Rugby 2015 CEO, Debbie Jevans, said; “The interest we have received from people across England and Wales to volunteer at Rugby World Cup 2015 has been fantastic. With over 20,000 applications for just 6,000 roles within The Pack, the enthusiasm to be part of the event is clear and we thank everyone for taking the time to apply.
“Our aim throughout the Try Outs has been to make the process a truly memorable experience and we have seen a strong response to our in-house stadium cinema, Rugby exhibition, changing room and interactive activities. We’ve even surprised some attendees with visits from the Webb Ellis Cup as well as a few well known faces like Jonny Wilkinson, Will Greenwood and Martin Johnson who have seen for themselves the important role that volunteers play at Rugby World Cup tournaments. The passion, knowledge and commitment that we have seen throughout the Try Outs makes me confident the volunteers for Rugby World Cup 2015 will become the faces of the Tournament whilst welcoming the world to every venue, city and match day and of course to the game of Rugby.”
As part of the selection process, potential members of The Pack are asked questions based on the values of the game and their suitability for the role that they are being considered for in 2015. There will be a range of roles throughout the lead up and delivery of the Tournament but they will mainly be focused on transport and spectator services. There will be a small number of specialist roles including media operations, accreditation and workforce operations.
Minister for Sport Helen Grant, who attended the Richmond Upon Try Outs said; “The fantastic turnout for the Try Outs recruitment drive highlights how Rugby World Cup 2015 has captured the excitement and interest of the nation. Speaking to the volunteers today their enthusiasm is infectious. I know those selected will play a vital role in making the Tournament a huge success, helping to grow the game at home and abroad.”
The majority of The Pack will be recruited from the Rugby community who help run the game week in, week out. The remainder will come from the general public, providing an opportunity to bring new people into the game. Offers will be made to join The Pack from early 2015.
Will Greenwood, who attended the final day of Try Outs, said; “The sheer volume of applicants for the The Pack from across the country only demonstrates the enthusiasm for Rugby World Cup 2015 as we approach the year of the Tournament. Everyone wants to be a part of one of the world’s biggest sporting events, whether they’ve applied to volunteer, bought tickets or plan to soak up the buzz across the country as the countdown begins.”
Remaining tickets for Rugby World Cup 2015 are available via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. Official travel and hospitality packages are also available via www.rugbyworldcup.com/ticketing/buyofficial
