Wilkinson, whose famous last-gasp drop goal won the Webb Ellis Cup for England in the 2003 final against Australia in Sydney, met with some of the volunteers who have been chosen as part of The Pack campaign launched by England 2015.

The campaign aims to find 6,000 volunteers for Rugby World Cup 2015 and Try Outs are taking place in Newcastle today and tomorrow offering potential members of The Pack an opportunity to find out more about next year's tournament and take part in a 20 minute one-to-one interview.

The Try Outs include an exhibition space dedicated to the history of rugby, an interactive space, a motivational video for would-be volunteers and a real-life changing room to try on kit complete with vintage rugby sweaters and an authentic heat spray scent.

"Having launched the search for The Pack back in February, it's been great to see the programme in action at the Try Outs in Newcastle," said 35-year-old Wilkinson, who announced his retirement from the game at the end of last season.

"To be here on a year to go until the tournament begins at St James' Park is really special.

"These volunteer events highlight the enthusiasm for the tournament and how Rugby World Cup 2015 is already engaging with the local community.

"The Try Outs set up is fantastic - it's far more than an interview with a Rugby World Cup exhibition, information on the game and a mini rugby stadium cinema - it's a really enjoyable experience for everyone coming through."

Jonny Wilkinson spent 12 seasons in the colours of the Newcastle Falcons ©Getty Images



Wilkinson, who is England's all-time record points scorer, amassing 1,179 points in 91 appearances, spent 12 seasons playing rugby in Newcastle with the Falcons before moving to French side Toulon in 2009.

He believes the people of the city will get right behind the Rugby World Cup next year and that St James' Park will provide a fitting backdrop to some of the world's best teams.

"Having spent many years living and playing rugby in Newcastle, it's nice to come back and help celebrate the countdown to the tournament," said Wilkinson, who led Toulon to back-to-back Heineken Cup wins in 2013 and 2014.

"With three matches taking place at St James' Park, it's a really exciting time for the city and with reigning champions New Zealand as well as South Africa, Scotland, Samoa and Tonga all guaranteed to showcase some fantastic rugby, in what will be one of the best stadiums at Rugby World Cup 2015.

"I hope that the local community get to the matches and really show the travelling teams and fans what this great city has to offer."

The 52,000 capacity St James' Park, home to Newcastle United Football Club, will host the Pool B clash between two-time Rugby World Cup winners South Africa and Scotland on October 3 next year.

That will be followed by reigning champions New Zealand against Tonga on October 9 in Pool C before Samoa versus Scotland, also in Pool B, on October 10.

The 52,000 capacity St James' Park will host three matches at next year's Rugby World Cup ©Getty Images



"Reaching the 'one year to go' milestone until Rugby World Cup 2015 arrives in Newcastle has really brought the excitement home," said chief executive of destination management and marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Sarah Stewart.

"Having called the region home for a large part of his life, Jonny knows all too well that visiting rugby fans, who will be travelling here from all over the world, will have a unique experience in the destination as we prepare to welcome the tournament with open arms."

St James' Park is one of 13 stadiums across England and Wales being used to host the 48 matches of Rugby World Cup 2015 which takes place from September 18 to October 31.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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