Hundreds of volunteers recruited in Exeter for Rugby World Cup

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HUNDREDS of volunteers are being recruited to make sure next year’s Rugby World Cup games in Exeter run smoothly.

England Rugby 2015, the Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015, visited Exeter for the fourth leg of the volunteer Try Outs to find members of what they have called The Pack.

Some 20,000 people applied to be members of The Pack and 10,000 people will be invited to attend the Try Outs.

Some 6,000 people will themn be selected to help welcome the world to England for the tournament.

The selection process to find potential helpers also gave people the chance to find out more about World Cup and take part in a one-to-one interview.

It included an exhibition space dedicated to the history of rugby, a motivational video for would-be volunteers and a real-life changing room to try kit on for size, complete with vintage Rugby sweaters and an authentic heat spray ‘scent’.

Two Exeter Chiefs players, Stuart Townsend and Joel Conlon, who both helped drive England to victory in the recent IRB Junior World Championship, were in attendance, along with Exeter Council Leader, Pete Edwards, joining volunteers for he Exeter leg of the Try Outs.

Stuart said: “I think the volunteers will make a real difference throughout Rugby World Cup 2015 next year because The Pack embodies the values of the game all the way from grass roots right up to the teams and players themselves. Rugby is at the heart of Exeter and the sheer number of applicants taking part in this week’s Try Outs is testament to the sport’s appeal in the region.”

Joel added: “Volunteers are of the upmost importance at all levels of the game. Without the mums, dads and support networks Rugby clubs such as the Exeter Chiefs would not be able to provide the great experience for members that they currently do.

“The same can be said for the volunteers that will be at Rugby World Cup 2015.”

As part of the selection process, potential members of The Pack are asked questions based on the values of the Game along with questions on suitability for the role that volunteers 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 roles in media operations, accreditation and workforce operations.

Debbie Jevans, Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, said: “’The Pack will welcome the world to England and Rugby World Cup 2015.

“We’re extremely thankful to all those who have volunteered their time to take part in the process, both in Exeter this week and at the events in all of our host cities across the year.

Article source: http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/rugby/howe-of-fife-s-george-horne-brought-in-to-scotland-s-gb7s-squad-1.384718

Hundreds of volunteers recruited in Exeter for Rugby World Cup