The Rugby World Cup starts today, and it just got bigger for Union fans with Port Douglas Reef Raiders securing a piece of history to help in their efforts to raise funds for the club.

The Raiders will auction off a prized Queensland Reds 2011 jersey signed by the entire 22-man squad. The item has become even hotter property after the Reds won this year's Super 15, with estimates valuing the item at over $3,000.

Raiders' committee member, Jason Roles, said the QRU has made a limited number of jerseys available to help smaller clubs remain viable.

"While we've had some brilliant sponsors this year, it's very hard to find cash sponsorship.

"At the end of the day clubs are like a business, you still need some sort of cash flow to pay your way.

"If we can get a couple of grand out of this it certainly assists both seniors and juniors."

The auction was launched on The Newsport today to coincide with the start of the Rugby World Cup and will close on the day of the final on Sunday 23 October.

So to become the envy of all your mates, and to support one of our region's great sporting clubs, jump on and bid now.