Attention Sydney Olympic Games volunteers: get out the wide-brimmed hat and rekindle that enthusiasm, because it's about to start again.

The Australian Rugby Union has begun the official recruitment drive for volunteers for the World Cup which begins on October 10 when Australia meets Argentina at Telstra Stadium in Sydney.

The tournament will take place in venues across the country.

More than 10,500 people have already expressed an interest in volunteering for the tournament, despite no official call from organisers.

Many are destined to be disappointed, however, with tournament general manager Matt Carroll saying numbers needed were minimal.

"Whilst we want to actively encourage interested people to apply, we would like all to be aware that we currently only require around 1,000 volunteers nationally," he said.

Because of the limited space, volunteers will be matched up to an area that suits their skills.

"We are not looking for specific background experience, although an attention to detail and previous experience in events will be well regarded," said Brendan Gregor, human resources manager for the World Cup.

Most volunteers are expected to be assigned to accreditation, match-day operations and media services.

Interested applicants, who must be over 18, can fill out the online application form at rugby2003.com.au.

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