My personal blog as a Volunteer Interviewer... 

With just over a year to go to the Kick Off of Rugby World Cup 2015 the 'Try Outs' are well underway.  Around 10,000 people who applied to volunteer at the Tournament are being invited to 13 venues for an interview.  I was lucky enough to be chosen to be a volunteer interviewer at Exeter University, close to Sandy Park, where Tonga, Namibia, Georgia, Italy and Romania will all play matches.

During my seven shifts I spoke to 33 people who were all incredibly keen to be part of The Pack - the team of 6,000 volunteers who will be the face of the tournament and create an unforgettable experience.  

It was brilliant.  The ER2015 staff had the process really well organised.  Candidates had a memorable time starting from Welcome and Check In where their credentials and photos were recorded for later accreditation.  They got to enjoy an Exhibition packed with information about rugby, its values and the tournament.  There was the chance to try passing skills, have a front row photo and write what the tournament means to them.  Each group of candidates watched a 5 minute film, in a mini cinema with seats from Twickenham Stadium.  During the clip Maggie Alphonsi reassured them about the interview process.  

They were then ready to enter one of the 13 'pods' each named for a Tournament Stadium, where volunteer interviewers like me used a scripted interview tool  to explore their motivations and how their personal behaviours link to rugby's Values.  Finally they got to try on unbranded kit in the 'changing room' so successful candidates get the right size uniform. 

The candidates were from all backgrounds and had lots of relevant experience for the spectator services, logistics, transport and other teams.  The screening process had certainly presented high caliber people.  While not everyone will get a Tournament role, not least because of the ratio of applicants to roles, rugby will certainly be a stronger sport if all their talent can be harnessed for the game.

Time just flew by.  I was so impressed by my fellow interviewers.  They were totally committed to the role but also up for a laugh.  We had a little area with sofas behind the scenes where we could chill out and enjoy the simple refreshments.   The locals brought in home made banana cake and bacon butties.  To help us cope with the heat inside the indoor cricket centre, the staff gave us lollies.  We chatted about life and rugby, of course.

If the atmosphere at the Tournament is anything like the Try Outs, it will be full of smiling people, excited about rugby, buzzing with enthusiasm.  Oh and great fun!