All Black great fronts RWC volunteers campaign

Michael Jones begins his campaign with the Petone under-8s. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New Zealand rugby great Michael Jones is the face of a recruitment drive for 5000 volunteers to help run Rugby World Cup 2011.

Jones, a member of the World Cup winning All Black side in 1987 and former coach of Manu Samoa, was named Volunteers Ambassador at the launch of the Volunteer Programme at the Petone Rugby Club yesterday.

"It is a great honour," Jones said. "I accepted this role because I want to encourage New Zealanders to see for themselves the value of volunteering and I hope the experience inspires many to carry on volunteering in the community."

Prime Minister John Key said Jones was the perfect person to inspire people to put their hands up, even though they should not expect any free tickets.

About 85,000 overseas visitors were expected during the tournament and Mr Key said New Zealand may never again host such a major sporting event.

Volunteer tasks vary from ushering to clipping tickets to providing information in hotel lobbies where teams and VIPs are staying.

RWC Minister Murray McCully said the roles varied from the trivial to the important.

"We want people when they arrive at the airport, the bus station, train station, or get off the ferry, to be able to go to a friendly face wearing an identifiable uniform and get helpful directions.

"In the stadiums it's going to be very important that we've got people looking after those finding their seats, which side of the ground they're supposed to be on, where they might get a sandwich or a cup of coffee."

Mr Key said there would be some benefits to being a volunteer, aside from being part of the team showcasing New Zealand to overseas visitors.

"Hopefully there will be lots of events they can come along to, and you never know, they might get to sneak into the odd game."

Mr McCully also revealed that the stoush with the International Rugby Board over the volunteers' uniform had been resolved. He had insisted that the uniforms should have a silver fern, while the IRB feared that it would make every volunteer look like an All Blacks' supporter.

Now every uniform will carry a silver fern, but the uniforms will be of different colours.

Meanwhile Jones, who turned down running for National last election, said he had no intention of standing in the next election at this stage.

"It's not on my radar right now, it's not a priority. My wife's due in 10 days - that's all I'm thinking about."

HANDS UP

* Rugby World Cup 2011 will need 5000 volunteers
* They will have to be at least 17 and subject to a police check
* Public forums will be held around the country and volunteers will be announced early next year
* www.rugbyworldcup.com/volunteer