Rugby Union Governing Bodies

Here is a brief guide to those organisations in charge of regulating the game of rugby:

International Rugby Board (IRB)

The IRB is the world governing body for the sport of rugby union. It was founded by the unions of Wales, Scotland and Ireland, in 1886, following a dispute over the rules between Scotland and England in an international match, with the intention of standardising the rules by which international rugby matches take place. Initally England refused to join the IRB, but they also joined in 1890 when other nations refused to play them unless they did. 1890 also saw the IRB release the first official rules of international rugby.

The IRB are also responsible for the hosting of the Rugby World Cup, held every 4 years.

Rugby Football Union (RFU)

The RFU have responsibility for the governance of rugby union in England, and are based at Twickenham stadium. They are in charge of arranging international fixtures for the England national team. They also have responsibility for the training and education of players, coaches and officials.

The RFU was founed in 1870, and drew up the first rules of the game in 1871. These rules were used until 1890, when the aforementioned IRB released its own set of rules.

Other Examples of Governing Bodies:

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