THE Rugby League World Cup 2021 is presenting a record number of volunteering opportunities with the chance to be part of the biggest Rugby League World Cup (RLWC).

Applications to join ‘The Power Squad’ opened today at 8am.

The Power Squad will be made up of 2,000 volunteers who will be the faces of the tournament, showcasing the values of Rugby League as well as welcoming the world to England when the 16th edition of the historic global event kicks off in the autumn.

With hundreds of thousands expected to attend matches and World Cup activations happening across England - and millions more watching around the world – the RLWC2021 team are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to deliver an exceptional Rugby League World Cup experience for both fans and players.

At twenty-one venues across eighteen host towns, including Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium hosting the match between the Cook Islands and Tonga at 2.30pm on Sunday, November 7, the Power Squad will play a key role in the delivery of the six-week tournament with a range of roles, including transport, spectator services, accreditation, way-finding, media, content and broadcast support.

Recruitment will conclude at 8:21pm on April 23.

The programme features a dedicated interview process followed by comprehensive training for successful candidates.

The Power Squad will experience the unique atmosphere of the Rugby League World Cup, gaining important skills, meeting new people, and contributing to a world-class global event.

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said: “The Power Squad programme will be the biggest volunteer squad ever assembled for a Rugby League event. We want to engage with all ages, genders and communities and build on the incredible passion for volunteering at major events in England.

"The UK has a fantastic volunteer network which we hope to tap into. A successful tournament cannot be run without our Power Squad and we hope to welcome many new people to the ever-growing Rugby League family to experience the passion, pride and community spirit of the sport."

Former England star Lois Forsell said: “I urge everyone in and around the RLWC2021 host towns and cities to take up this opportunity and apply to be a volunteer at international Rugby League’s showpiece event.

“There is no better chance to be the face of a global tournament in England and with that comes a unique opportunity to play an important role in the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.”

Robbie Hunter-Paul who helped New Zealand reach the final of the World Cup in 2000, said: “As a player you always highly appreciate the work that the volunteers do to provide a platform for greatness on the field of play - without a dedicated team of volunteers the tournament wouldn’t be a success.

“There is a real correlation between good mental fitness and new challenges and opportunities. In a time when the world is deprived of opportunities like this RLWC2021 is a beacon of light and being part of The Power Squad and experiencing the power of together to make memories that will last forever is really special.”

Candidates must be available for a minimum of three shifts across the tournament and available to attend training sessions in the summer as well as being 18 or above by the September 1.

Apply or find out more information on The Power Squad programme for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 here: volunteers.rlwc2021.com

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen backed the volunteer drive urging local people to join “The Power Squad”.

Roles will include wayfinders and stewards, information givers and event facilitators across the Tees Valley’s five boroughs, including at the Cook Islands’ training base at Darlington’s Mowden Park, with the action focusing on Middlesbrough in the run-up to the big day. Should any coronavirus restrictions still be in place, volunteers will be briefed and these will be followed.

The Cook Islands take their name from Middlesbrough-born Captain James Cook, who visited many of the nation’s southern islands. The team will be based at Darlington’s Rockliffe Hall from October 16 while they compete in the competition.

Mr Houchen said: “This is your chance to be a part of one of the first big events that will be taking place in the region when national coronavirus lockdown restrictions are lifted in the summer.

“For the first time in more than a year, we will be able to come together to celebrate and be part of something really exciting. I know at the top of many people’s lists is to be able to go to see live sport again and Rugby League is growing in popularity right across the region.

“The tournament will attract people from far and wide to our area giving our hospitality sector and tourist economy a much-needed shot in the arm following the difficulties they have faced over the past 12 months.

“We were building up a huge momentum in securing top events before the pandemic, with concerts by the likes of Take That and the BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and this will kick-start the next phase of us attracting even more.

“I’d encourage local people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to volunteer to help make this a massive success but, most importantly, to have fun after a hard year.”