Rugby World Cup 2015 launches ‘The Pack’ volunteer programme

The England 2015 Organising Committee has today launched ‘The Pack’ – the volunteer programme for Rugby World Cup 2015.
Made up of 6,000 volunteers, ‘The Pack’ will be helping to deliver Rugby World Cup 2015 across England and in Cardiff.  In line with the vision for Rugby World Cup 2015, ‘The Pack’ will have rugby at heart recruiting 75% of the volunteers from rugby clubs in England and Wales.
1,500 additional volunteers will be selected through a national campaign.
Volunteers will play a key role in the delivery of the six week tournament with a range of roles including transport, meet and greet, accreditation and way-finding which will all vary in duration.
Recruitment will begin on March 17 through an online application process. Over 2,000 RFU and WRU clubs will nominate between one and two of their members to join ‘The Pack’, and take part in selection events (‘Try Outs’) across England and in Cardiff throughout 2014.
Members of the general public can register their interest in joining ‘The Pack’ from today (click here) and details will be sent directly to all those signed up to The Front Row – the official newsletter for Rugby World Cup 2015.
The application process will be open for one month between March 17 and April 17, followed by ‘Try Outs’ from June-December, with successful members of ‘The Pack’ confirmed in early 2015.
Chief Executive of the England 2015 Organising Committee Debbie Jevans said: “‘The Pack’ will play a big role in the delivery of Rugby World Cup 2015, welcoming the world to England, Cardiff, and to the game of rugby. True to our vision, rugby is at the heart of our volunteer programme and we will recruit 75% of the 6,000 volunteer members of the ‘The Pack’ from rugby clubs in England and Wales, working with the RFU and WRU. This is a great opportunity to recognise those who support the game week in week out in their club and community.
“In addition we want to bring new people into rugby and will run a national campaign searching for 1,500 volunteers to join ‘The Pack’ with the aim of keeping them involved in the game  beyond 2015.
“Members of ‘The Pack’ will help us to provide the teams and fans with a fantastic experience in 2015 and we look forward to opening the application process in March.”
England 2015 Ambassador and World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson said: “Throughout my career I have seen the vital role that volunteers play in the running of rugby clubs at all levels. Whether it’s helping with club administration, coaching, cleaning kit, driving teams across the country or stewarding on match days, these are the people who allow the game to thrive. It is great to recognise the rugby community through the volunteer programme for Rugby World Cup 2015, and also use this as an opportunity to get more people involved in the game.”