RWC 2015 Workforce Training day @ Stadium MK

Before I knew it, 2 months had passed and I was in the car on the way to Stadium MK for the first in a number of training sessions, starting with Workforce Kick-Off.  The queues were fairly heavy heading into the stadium which I took as a good sign that it was going to be well attended.  Upon arrival I received a bottle of coke branded with 'The Pack', a bag of goodies and the all important baby blue t-shirt.  As I approached my seat, I realised just how big the stadium is.  Even with 5,000 members of the pack, we looked like a couple of hundred rather than a couple of thousand.  

First to take the stage was Laurence Dallagio who made a brief speech followed by a few pack photos with those all important blue tshirts and branded coke bottles.  The presenter and master of ceremonies was of course, the one and only, John Inverdale.  Throughout the course of the morning, The Pack were entertained by stories and words of encouragement from Jason Leonard, Will Greenwood, Serge Betsen, Laura Wright, Maggie Alphonsi, Shane Williams and Bill Beaumont.  Being Welsh, the highlight for me was certainly listening to Shane Williams.  Singing the words to Jerusalem...perhaps not so much.  Listening to these greats, really brought home how fortunate we are to have this magnificent once in a lifetime opportunity. It was also the first chance we had to find out more about the places where we'll be volunteering and and what we will actually be expected to do on the days that we are volunteering. 

A few key moments stood out such as Bill Beaumont's speech and Jason Leonard's standing ovation.  

We have to remember that The Pack is made up of rugby club members, volunteers and fans of the sport, so to listen to words of encouragement from these two English greats, can only demonstrate how fortunate we are to have Leonard and Beaumont as President and Chairman in our World Cup year.

Yet for me, the star of the show, the memory I will take away from that day has to be Will Greenwood's speech.  It was witty, inspiring, and motivational.  No doubt everything Greenwood set out to achieve and more.  It was unprepared to the point that he once had to refer to the leadership team to get back on track.  He took the mick out of the Welsh but also recognised the true talent we have in our country and of course, the roar of our national anthem at the millennium stadium that leaves the hairs on the back of your neck standing for minutes afterwards.  My favourite quote?  What one of his team mates described him as during the RWC 2005 "like a lighthouse in a desert....brilliant and f**ing useless!"

Take a look at his speech here:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10202785788124553

During lunch, I wandered around the stadium in a failed attempt to find Shane Williams for a quick photo.  Sadly it was not meant to be.  I did however meet John Inverdale pitch side who was very friendly and accommodating chatting about why I decided to volunteer.  The lunch provided was less memorable.

The afternoon was spent doing dancing to a rap about The Pack, singing to Jerusalem and finally getting to look at the uniform we will be wearing this Autumn.  All I can say is, there's a lot of blue and that hat will definitely make sure we are seen!

I think one of the main observations I took from the day was the wide variety of people volunteering for this event.  It really was equal across the board between; men, women, boys, girls, young and old.  Everyone you sat next to or spoke with had that same passion for the game.  That rumble in their belly.  That determination to make this the best rugby World Cup yet!

And I for one cannot wait...

Next session: Talking Tactics @ Twickenham