The Union has launched a new online service at www.wru.co.uk/volunteers providing the existing and potential ‘unsung heroes’ of the game in Wales with all the information they may need to become tomorrow’s referees, coaches, stewards, ground staff or club helpers at all levels of rugby.
In a bid to aid volunteer recruitment nationwide, the trophy will embark upon a two month tour throughout the summer giving the opportunity to any of the WRU’s member clubs to apply to host European Rugby’s top piece of silverware.
All clubs need to do to access the glittering prize held aloft by Wales Grand Slam Captain Ryan Jones just a few short weeks ago, is apply within the next 7 days (closing date is 5pm, 11th April 2008) through their club secretaries via an online form found at the volunteer’s section of the WRU’s website. All applicants will be entered into a prize draw within their region and the lucky winners will be contacted with the good news.
The trophy will start its tour of Wales in the Blues region, available for ten days at the end of May, it then moves on to the Scarlets region on the 1st June before being escorted to North Wales on 11th June. The Dragons region is up next beginning 18th June, before the Ospreys region finally gets its hands on the ultimate Grand Slam reminder from 28th June to 7th July.
“The RBS Six Nations trophy is the one overriding symbol of the success Ryan Jones and his team have brought to Wales,” said Tim Burton, Head of WRU Group Operations. “We’ve had a great season in Welsh rugby, but the hard work starts here and the trophy tour is a key part of our plans to maximise the impact of the success story of 2008.
“A full-house at the Millennium Stadium and millions watching on TV were able to be a part of something magical on 15th March and now clubs throughout the country can have the chance to re-live some of those famous scenes.
“If the trophy visit can inspire one more volunteer at grass roots level, one more referee, steward or junior rugby coach to join the game in Wales then it will be a success. We must support the volunteers who are keeping the game alive and we hope the new online service, beginning with the Grand Slam trophy tour will help us to do that.”
The volunteers section of the WRU website, launched today aims to help in the recruitment, development and recognition of volunteers which are so vital to the game in Wales.
Key features of the volunteers section include:
– Frequently asked questions
– Online forms for individuals to fill in if they want to become a volunteer
– Online voluntary vacancies section for clubs to advertise voluntary positions within their club
– Links to internal and external courses for various volunteer roles to help with volunteer development
– An online hall of fame recognising community volunteers
– Links to external recognition awards
