Try Outs touch down in Brighton to find The Pack for Rugby World Cup 2015.
England Rugby 2015, the organising committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015), has been in Brighton for the third leg of the volunteer Try Outs to find members of The Pack.
The selection process is an exciting and informative experience where potential members of The Pack will find out more about RWC 2015 and take part in a one-to-one interview.
The Try Outs include 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 England Women’s players, Michaela Staniford and Claire Purdy, along with MP for Brighton Kempton and Peacehaven, Simon Kirby, joined volunteers for the start of the event.
Michaela 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 up to the England team. The sheer number of applications is evidence of the positive influence Rugby can have on people’s lives, regardless of their age.”
Claire added: “Volunteers are of the upmost importance at all levels of the game. Without the mums, dads and support networks Rugby clubs 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.”
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven helped campaign for world cup matches to be brought to the Amex Stadium in 2015.
Simon said: “It was fantastic to see the Try Outs in action in Brighton, and to meet some of the brilliant local volunteer candidates. Volunteers will play a crucial part in ensuring that we give visitors and fans the best possible welcome and spectator experience when they visit our great town. I am confident that members of The Pack will do a wonderful job.”
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, 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 Brighton this week and at the events in all of our host cities across the year. We have had a fantastic level of interest and applications for the programme, which shows the great level of enthusiasm and excitement for volunteering and for the Tournament.
“These are interactive events which give prospective members of The Pack the opportunity to learn about the Tournament the role of The Pack and the wider Game of Rugby and its values. The feedback from participants has been extremely positive and so we only hope that this enthusiasm and excitement continues to grow as we continue our search to recruit ‘The Pack’ who will make RWC 2015 truly special.”
20,000 people applied to be members of The Pack and 10,000 people will be invited to attend the Try Outs to select the 6,000 people who will help welcome the world to England for the Tournament.
The Try Outs, which began in June this year, will run until December 2014 in every Rugby World Cup 2015 host city.
In line with the Tournament’s vision to have Rugby at the heart of the Tournament, 75% of The Pack will come from the Rugby Community who help run the game week in, week out. The rest will come from the general public, an opportunity to bring new people into Rugby.
People who have been successful in being selected to be part of The Pack will be notified in early 2015.
To date, Try Outs have taken place in The Home of Saracens Rugby, Allianz Park and at Leyton Orient FC’s Score Centre.
The Brighton Try Outs will run from July 9 – July 18, 2014.
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