International Rugby Board (IRB)

IRB's web site: IRB.com

The International Rugby Board (IRB) was founded in 1886. With its headquarters in Dublin, the IRB is the world governing and Law making body for the game of Rugby Union. The day to day business of the Board is conducted by a professional staff of over 40, the majority of whom are based in Dublin. There are 8 Regional Development Managers working in Europe, Asia, Africa,The Americas and Oceania.

Rugby is played by men and women, boys and girls, in more that 100 countries across 5 continents, and the IRB membership currently totals 96 Unions and 5 regional Associations.

The Executive Council, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Syd Millar, meets twice a year. It consists of the eight foundations Unions each with two seats - Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and France. Argentina, Canada, Italy and Japan each have one seat on the Council as does FIRA-AER.

The full membership meets at a General Meeting convened every two years. Regional meetings are held at regular intervals.

There are a number of tournaments under IRB control, including the Womens Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup Sevens, IRB Sevens, Under 21 World Cup, Under 19 World Championship and the Super Powers Cup. The principal IRB property is, however, Rugby World Cup.