Chiefs show support for 'The Pack'

By Mark Stevens

Volunteers looking to be part of 'The Pack' at next year's Rugby World Cup have been given the thumbs up by Exeter Chiefs duo Joel Conlon and Stuart Townsend this week.

Fresh from helping England's Under-20s successfully reclaim their IRB Junior World Championship crown in New Zealand, both Conlon and Townsend descended on the University of Exeter to show their support for the fourth leg of the volunteer Try Outs.

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'.

Both Conlon and Townsend, members of the Chiefs' highly-successful Academy system, were in attendance alongside Exeter Council Leader, Peter Edwards, joining volunteers for the Exeter leg of the Try Outs.

Townsend 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.”

And Conlon 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.”

Working closely with the Chiefs - who will stage three World Cup games at Sandy Park next season - the City Council admit they are already seeing huge interest in the global event coming to Exeter and the region.

Mr Edwards said: "It was fantastic to see the Try Outs in action in Exeter 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 city. I am confident that members of 'The Pack' will do a wonderful job in representing Exeter and showcasing our celebrated Sandy Park Stadium during 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. 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, their potential roles 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 vision to have Rugby at the heart , 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.