Team 2011 uniform to help welcome the world
Members of Team 2011 model the new uniform (Credit: Getty Images)
The uniform to be worn by RWC 2011 volunteers and other core staff at this year’s Tournament has been officially unveiled at a function at the North Shore Rugby Club in Devonport, Auckland.
The Team 2011 uniform was launched this afternoon by Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key who joined some of the first RWC 2011 volunteers in modelling the uniform.
“Today’s launch is another sure sign of this Tournament really coming alive,” said Brian Roche, Chairman of Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011).
Team 2011 is the core workforce of RWC 2011 numbering around 7,000. It includes 5,000 plus volunteers, match venue staff and RNZ 2011 staff.
The uniform consists of a jacket, polo shirt, rugby jersey and trousers and features the Tournament’s “look and feel” - the distinctive mangopare and koru designs which represent the world coming together in union for Rugby’s ultimate contest.
“That’s what Team 2011 is all about – a coming together of people to help deliver a fantastic Tournament. I am sure it will really help each member of workforce feel they are part of one great team delivering something unique for our country.”
Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully said the uniform launch was another important milestone in preparations to stage the seventh Rugby World Cup.
“This year we welcome the world to New Zealand. The Rugby World Cup is an unprecedented opportunity to show the world what great hosts we are and what a spectacular country this is. We all have a role to play in providing our guests with a warm welcome and an excellent visitor experience, but at the frontline will be the members of the Team 2011 workforce.
"I am sure that all of the Team 2011 workforce will wear their uniforms with pride this year, and I am pleased that the uniform includes the silver fern as a strong symbol of our country."
The launch was also attended by IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
“The eyes of the global Rugby family will be on New Zealand in just 218 days so today is another important step along the path to staging Rugby’s showpiece Tournament. I know from RWC 2007 in France that volunteers play an important part in its success. They are the welcoming face of the Tournament and I am confident the uniform will help them and others in Team 2011 do an excellent job.
“It’s also pleasing to see one of our world-wide sponsors ANZ, supporting this programme. ANZ has funded the cost of 50 of their workforce to perform volunteer roles during the Tournament and contributed to the uniform costs.”
Claire Kronfeld was one of the volunteers chosen to model the uniform.
“I love it, the clothes are bright, and really distinctive so I think visitors will have no problem finding us when they need a helping hand.
“They’re going to be fun to wear too which is just what this Tournament is about and I reckon they’ll be a lovely memento of the small part we all played in making it a success.”
RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden said more than 12,000 people from all walks of life have put their hands up to be volunteers.
“Over the next few months we will be busy recruiting and confirming positions before training begins in May. But time is running out. While registrations are still open, the last round of interviews will be held over February and March so we urge people to hurry up as this will be there last chance to join the team making RWC 2011 a success.”
People can register at www.rugbyworldcup.com/volunteer.