The programme, dubbed "The Pack", will see 6,000 volunteers from across England and Wales become the face of the tournament, helping to deliver the "Rugby World Cup fever" across the nation.

Launching the event here at the Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club was England 2015 Ambassador, and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, Jonny Wilkinson.

"Throughout my career I have seen the vital role that volunteers play in the running of rugby clubs at all levels," said Wilkinson.

"Whether it's helping with the 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."

The volunteer programme was launched by England 2015 Ambassador Jonny Wilkinson at the Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club ©ITG


In line with the vision for Rugby World Cup 2015, "The Pack" will see 4,500 - 75 percent - of its volunteers recruited from within existing rugby clubs across England and Wales.

In order for this process to work, more than 2,000 clubs will be given the chance to nominate between one and two of their members to join "The Pack", with each nominee moving through to a selection process - or "try out" - throughout 2014.

The additional 1,500 volunteers will come through a new national campaign which aims to attract non-rugby players to get involved in the sport, with the intention for them then to continue to participate in rugby in the ongoing future.

"The Pack will play a big role in the delivery of the rugby World Cup 2015, welcoming the world to England, Cardiff, and to the game of rugby," said Debbie Jevans, chief executive of the England 2015 Organising Committee.

"True to our vision, rugby is at the heart of our volunteer programme and we will recruit 75 per cent of the 6,000 volunteer members of The Pack from rugby clubs in England and Wales, working with the RFU (Rugby Football Union) and WRU (Welsh Rugby Union).

"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."

A volunteer from the Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club shows her support for the new programme ©ITG


Members of the public are able to register their interest in joining the programme from today via the Rugby World Cup website - www.rugbyworldcup.com/volunteers.

The application process will open on March 17 for one month, with "Try Outs" expected between June and December 2014.

Successful members will then be confirmed in early 2015.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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