The final leg of the Rugby World Cup 2015 try outs was marked by a surprise star-studded visit from 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood in Twickenham.

The six-month nationwide search for volunteers received over 20,000 applications and put over 10,000 hopefuls through their paces at try outs held in every Rugby World Cup host city.

Over 1,700 hopeful volunteers had try outs to join The Pack at Richmond-upon-Thames College, Twickenham, over a three week period which finished yesterday (16).

Mr Greenwood, who attended the final day of try outs, said: “The sheer volume of applicants from across the country only demonstrates the enthusiasm for the Rugby World Cup 2015 as we approach the year of the tournament.

“Everyone wants to be a part of one of the world’s biggest sporting events, whether they’ve applied to volunteer, bought tickets or plan to soak up the buzz across the country as the countdown begins.”

Minister for Sport Helen Grant, England 2015 CEO Debbie Jevans and Harlequins player Ollie Lindsay-Hague also paid visits to the try outs.

Ms Grant, said: “The fantastic turnout for the try outs recruitment drive highlights how Rugby World Cup 2015 has captured the excitement and interest of the nation.

“Speaking to the volunteers today their enthusiasm is infectious. I know those selected will play a vital role in making the tournament a huge success, helping to grow the game at home and abroad.”

Helen Grant (Left with large ball - Minister for Sport), Ollie Lindsay-Hague (centre of scrum - Harlequins) & Debbie Jevans (Right with pale blue top - CEO of England Rugby 2015) at Twickenham Try Outs for Rugby World Cup 2015 Photo by Andrew Fosker

Potential volunteers were quizzed on their rugby values and enjoyed a Rugby exhibition, an in-house stadium cinema with real Twickenham stadium seats and uniform sizing in a mock changing room.

Successful applicants will be the faces of the tournament welcoming the fans from around the world to England, and will mainly support transport and spectator services.

Ms Jevans added: “The passion, knowledge and commitment that we have seen throughout the try outs makes me confident the volunteers for the Rugby World Cup 2015 will become the faces of the tournament whilst welcoming the world to every venue, city and match day and of course to the game of rugby.”

Volunteer try outs in other host cities had surprise visits from Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Josh Lewsey and Jason Robinson.

Remaining tickets for Rugby World Cup 2015 are available via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com