View source for World Rugby

{{Short description|International governing body of rugby union and its variants}}{{Distinguish|International Rugby League}}{{Other uses|World Rugby (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = World Rugby
| image = 
| size = 150px
| caption = 
| motto = 
| formerly = International Rugby Football Board (1886-1998)<br>
International Rugby Board (1998-2014)
| type = {{nowrap|[[List of international sport federations|International sport federation]]}}
| formation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1886}} <br /> (as the International Rugby Football Board)
| logo = World Rugby logo.svg
| headquarters = [[Dublin]], Ireland
| coords = {{Coord|53|20|13|N|6|15|08|W|region:IE_type:landmark}}
| region_served = {{nowrap|[[Earth|Worldwide]]}}
| membership = 113 member unions<br/>17 associated unions
| languages = {{Plainlist|
*[[English language|English]] 
*[[French language|French]]
*[[Italian language|Italian]] 
*[[Spanish language|Spanish]]
}}
| leader_title = Chairman
| leader_name = [[Bill Beaumont]]
| leader_title2 = Vice-Chairman
| leader_name2 = [[Bernard Laporte]]
| leader_title3 = CEO
| leader_name3 = Alan Gilpin
| affiliations = [[International Olympic Committee]]
| website = {{official URL}}
}}
'''World Rugby''' is the governing body for the sport of [[rugby union]].<ref name=times-1998/> World Rugby organises the [[Rugby World Cup]] every four years, the sport's most recognised and most profitable competition.<ref name="RWC Hist rfh">{{cite web|work=Rugby Football History |title=Rugby World Cup History |url=http://rugbyfootballhistory.com/world_cup.htm |access-date=14 July 2006 }}</ref> It also organises a number of other international competitions, such as the [[World Rugby Sevens Series]], the [[Rugby World Cup Sevens]], the [[World Rugby Under 20 Championship|World Under 20 Championship]], and the [[Pacific Nations Cup]].

World Rugby's headquarters are in [[Dublin]], Ireland.<ref name=it-2014/><ref name=irb-org/> Its membership now comprises 133 national unions.<ref name="RW Handbook">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldrugby.org/member-unions|title=World Rugby Member Unions|work=World Rugby|access-date=17 April 2017}}</ref> Each member country must also be a member of one of the six regional unions into which the world is divided: Africa, North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and Oceania.{{sfn|World Rugby Handbook|2014|page=20}}

World Rugby was founded as the '''International Rugby Football Board''' ('''IRFB''') in 1886 by {{runion|Scotland}}, {{runion|Wales}} and {{runion|Ireland}}, with {{runion|England}} joining in 1890.{{sfn|IRB Handbook|2013|pages=15-20}} {{runion|Australia}}, {{runion|New Zealand}} and {{runion|South Africa}} became full members in 1949.{{sfn|IRB Handbook|2013|pages=15-20}} {{runion|France}} became a member in 1978 and a further 80 members joined from 1987 to 1999.{{sfn|IRB Handbook|2013|pages=15-20}} The body was renamed the '''International Rugby Board''' ('''IRB''') in 1998, and took up its current name of World Rugby in November 2014.<ref name=irb-name-wr/> In 2009, the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) voted to include rugby sevens in the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref name=rfh-olmpics/> World Rugby gained membership of the [[Association of Summer Olympic International Federations]] (ASOIF) in 2010.<ref name=asoif>{{cite web |url=http://asoif.com/IFDirectory/ |title=Members |publisher=ASOIF |access-date=29 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710081849/http://asoif.com/IFDirectory/ |archive-date=10 July 2015 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:IRB Letter 1887.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The minutes of the first formal meeting of the IRFB, from a meeting attended by Lyle and McAlistair of Ireland, Carrick and Gardner of Scotland, [[Richard Mullock|Mullock]] and [[Horace Lyne|Lyne]] of Wales]]
Until 1885 the laws of [[rugby football]] were made by England as the founder nation. However, following a disputed [[Try (rugby)|try]] in an international between [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]] and [[England national rugby union team|England]] in 1884, letters were exchanged in which England claimed that they made the laws, and the try should stand.<ref name=ru-museum/> Scotland refused to play England in the [[1885 Home Nations Championship]]. Following the dispute, the [[Home Nations|home unions]] of Scotland, Ireland and Wales decided to form an international union whose membership would agree on the standard rules of rugby football. The three nations met in Dublin in 1886, though no formal regulations were agreed upon. 

On 5 December 1887, committee members of the [[Irish Rugby Football Union]], [[Scottish Rugby Union]] (named the Scottish Football Union at the time) and [[Welsh Rugby Union]] met in Manchester and wrote up the first four principles of the International Rugby Football Board. England refused to take part in the founding of the IRFB, stating that they should have greater representation, as they had more clubs.<ref name="1880's RFC hist">{{cite web |work=Rugby Football History |title=1880s |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1880s.htm |access-date=15 July 2006 }}</ref> The England Union also refused to accept the IRFB as the recognised lawmaker of the game.<ref name="1880's RFC hist" /> This led to the IRFB taking the stance of member countries not playing England until they joined, and no games were played against England in 1888 and 1889.<ref name=history_laws>{{cite web |title=History of the laws of rugby football |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/laws.htm |work=Rugby Football History |access-date=22 October 2011 }}</ref> In 1890 England joined the IRFB, gaining six seats while the other unions had two each.<ref name=history_laws/> The same year, the IRFB wrote the first international laws of rugby union.<ref name="ARU Hist">{{cite web|work=rugby.com.au |title=History of the Game |url=http://www.rugby.com.au/community_rugby/what_is_rugby/history_of_the_game,24.html |access-date=15 July 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819105410/http://www.rugby.com.au/community_rugby/what_is_rugby/history_of_the_game%2C24.html |archive-date=19 August 2006 }}</ref>

In 1893, the IRFB was faced with the divide between [[amateurism]] and [[professionalism]], which was nicknamed the "Great Schism". Following the introduction of working-class men to the game in Northern England, clubs began paying "broken time" payments to players, due to the loss of earnings from playing on a Saturday.<ref name="1890s RFC hist">{{cite web |work=rugbyfootballhistory.com |title=1890s |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1890s.htm |access-date=15 July 2006 }}</ref> Cumberland County Union also complained of another club using monetary incentives to lure players, leading to the IRFB conducting an enquiry. The IRFB was warned by all the chief clubs in [[Lancashire]] and [[Yorkshire]] that any punishment would lead to the clubs seceding from the union.<ref name="1890s RFC hist" /> The debate over broken time payments ultimately caused the 22 leading clubs in Yorkshire and Lancashire to form the [[Rugby Football League|Northern Rugby Football Union]]. The competing unions' laws of the game diverged almost immediately; the northern body's code eventually became known as [[rugby league]] football.<ref name="1890s RFC hist" />

England's seats on the IRFB were reduced from six to four in 1911. The [[Rugby Australia|Australian Rugby Union]],<!--Renamed as Rugby Australia in October 2017.--> [[New Zealand Rugby|New Zealand Rugby Football Union]]<!--NZR didn't drop "Football" from its official name until 2006, and didn't adopt "New Zealand Rugby" as its brand name until 2013.--> and [[South African Rugby Board]]<!--This was the all-white governing body, which merged with the former black rugby governing body in 1992 to form what is now the South African Rugby Union.--> joined the board with one seat each in 1948, with England's seats being reduced to two, the same as the other home nations. The three Southern Hemisphere unions were given a second seat each in 1958.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.uv.es/EBRIT/macro/macro_5005_99_96.html |title=Major team and individual sports |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=22 October 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The [[French Rugby Federation]] was admitted in 1978, the [[Argentine Rugby Union]], [[Italian Rugby Federation]] and  [[USA Rugby|USA Rugby Football Union]] in 1987, and the [[Rugby Canada|Canadian Rugby Union]], and [[Japan Rugby Football Union]] were admitted in 1991.<ref name=history_laws/> In 2016, the [[Georgia Rugby Union]], [[Romanian Rugby Federation]], and [[USA Rugby|the USA]] were added to the voting Council with one vote each. Additionally, current Council members Argentina, Canada and Italy were granted a second representative and vote. The six regional associations represented on the council also received an additional vote.<ref name="Sero">{{cite web |url=http://www.usarugby.org/2015/11/usa-rugby-reaction-to-world-rugby-governance-reform/ |title=USA Welcomed to Expanded WorldRugby Council |last=Sero |first=Nick |date=11 May 2016 |website=USA Rugby |access-date=11 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915084348/http://www.usarugby.org:80/2015/11/usa-rugby-reaction-to-world-rugby-governance-reform |archive-date= Sep 15, 2016 }}</ref>

After the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], World Rugby suspended Russia from international and European continental rugby union competition. In addition, the [[Rugby Union of Russia]] was suspended from World Rugby.<ref name="Gallan">{{cite news |last=Gallan |first=Daniel |title=World Rugby joins other sports bodies by suspending Russia and Belarus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/01/world-rugby-union-joins-other-sports-bodies-by-suspending-russia-and-belarus |access-date=2 March 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=1 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="rugbyeurope.eu">{{cite web |title=Rugby Europe Statement – Russia and Belarus Suspension |url=https://www.rugbyeurope.eu/news/rugby-europe-statement-russia-and-belarus-suspension/ |website=[[Rugby Europe]] |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>

===Rugby World Cup===
{{Main|History of the Rugby World Cup}}
In the 1960s Australians [[Harold Tolhurst]] and Jock Kellaher suggested a World Rugby Championship be held in Australia but the IRFB refused.<ref name="worldrugbyblog">
{{cite web|website=worldrugbymuseum.blog |title=A brief history of the Rugby World Cup |url=https://worldrugbymuseum.blog/2015/09/15/a-brief-history-of-the-rugby-world-cup/ |access-date=12 December 2020 }}</ref> In 1983 and 1984 respectively, the Australian and New Zealand Rugby Football Unions each proposed hosting such a tournament.<ref name="wcweb">{{cite web|website=worldcupweb.com |title=The History of RWC |url=http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/history.asp |access-date=28 July 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060414193531/http://www.worldcupweb.com/WCrugby/history.asp |archive-date=14 April 2006 }}</ref> The following year the board committed to conduct a feasibility study. A year later another meeting took place in Paris, and the Union subsequently voted on the idea. The South African Rugby Board's vote that proved crucial in setting up a tied vote, as they voted in favour, even though they knew they would be excluded due to the [[Sporting boycott of South Africa during the Apartheid era|sporting boycott]] because of their [[apartheid]] policies. English and Welsh votes then changed, and the vote was won 10 to 6.<ref name="wcweb"/>

==Member unions==
{{See also|List of international rugby union teams}}
[[File:World Rugby member unions and associates.svg|thumb|right|350px|
'''Member and Associated Unions'''
{{legend|#008000|Member Union}}
{{legend|#00FF00|Associated Union}}
]]
As at June 2024, World Rugby has 113 member unions and 17 associate member unions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Member unions |url=https://www.world.rugby/member-unions?lang=en |website=World Rugby |access-date=21 May 2022}}</ref>

Membership of World Rugby is a four-step process:<ref name=irb-rev-2010/>

# A Union must apply to become an associate member of its Regional Union
# After all membership criteria are met, including one year as an associate member, the Union is admitted to the Regional Union as a full member
# After completion of stages 1 and 2, and two years as a full member of a Regional Union, the Union may then apply to become an Associate member of World Rugby. As an associate member, the union can participate in World Rugby funded tournaments but not the Rugby World Cup
# Following two years of associate membership of World Rugby, the union may then apply to become a Full Member

'''Regional Unions'''

Six regional associations, which represent each continent, are affiliated with World Rugby and help to develop the fifteen-a-side game as well as [[Rugby sevens]] across the world. Not all members of the regional associations are members of World Rugby. Below is a list of member and associate unions and their regional associations with the year that they joined World Rugby. Associate unions are in ''italics''.

----

===Africa===
{{Further|Rugby Africa}}

There are 21 World Rugby members and 6 World Rugby associates:

{{Columns-list|colwidth=17em|
* {{runionflag|DZA}} (2021)
* {{runionflag|BWA}} (1994)
* {{runionflag|BFA}} (2020)
* {{runionflag|BDI}} (2021)
* {{runionflag|CMR}} (1999)
* ''{{ru|DR Congo}} (2022*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* ''{{runionflag|EGY}} (2022*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|SWZ}} (1998)
* {{runionflag|GHA}} (2017) {{refn |group="Africa" |name=ghana-2017 |Ghana joined World Rugby as an associate member in 2004, and became a full member in 2017.<ref name="Ghana welcomed as full member union of World Rugby">{{cite press release |url=http://www.worldrugby.org/news/250047 |title=Ghana welcomed as full member union of World Rugby |publisher=World Rugby |date=21 May 2017 |access-date=22 May 2017 }}</ref>}} 
* {{runionflag|CIV}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|KEN}} (1990)
* ''{{ru|Lesotho}} (2022*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|MDG}} (1998)
* ''{{runionflag|MLI}} (2004*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|MUS}} (2009)
* {{runionflag|MAR}} (1998)
* {{runionflag|NAM}} (1990)
* {{runionflag|NGA}} (2001)
* {{runionflag|RWA}} (2015)
* {{runionflag|SEN}} (1999)
* {{runionflag|RSA}} (1949)
* ''{{runionflag|TZA}} (2004*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* ''{{runionflag|TGO}} (2004*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|TUN}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|UGA}} (1997)
* {{runionflag|ZMB}} (1995)
* {{runionflag|ZWE}} (1987)
}}

Suspended unions:
* {{runionflag|NGA}} <!--(2001)-->{{refn |group="Africa" |name=Nigeria-2021 <!-- N.B. use refn for subsequent notes w embedded ref in section --> |Nigeria was suspended in May 2021 due to the illegal dissolution of the elected board of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation and the replacement of a three man committee by the Nigerian Government.<ref name=ASM-2021/>}}

<span style="font-size:95%;">Notes:</span>
{{Reflist|group="Africa"|refs=}}
<div style="line-height:1em; font-size:95%;">
{{pad|1.77em}}<span style="font-size:115%;">*</span> {{resize|90%|Denotes associate membership date.}}
</div>

----

===Asia===
{{Further|Asia Rugby}}

There are 22 World Rugby members, and 6 World Rugby associates:<ref group="Asia" name=a-gulf-2010>The [[Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union]] was disbanded in 2010.</ref>

{{Columns-list|colwidth=17em|
* ''{{runionflag|AZE}} (2004*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained-->
* ''{{runionflag|BRN}} (2013*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|CHN}} (1997)
* {{runionflag|TPE}} (1998)
* {{runionflag|GUM}} (1998)
* {{runionflag|HKG}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|IND}} (1999)
* {{runionflag|IDN}} (2013)
* {{runionflag|IRN}} (2010)
* {{runionflag|JPN}} (1987)
* ''{{runionflag|JOR}} (2020*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|KAZ}} (1997)
* {{runionflag|KOR}} (1988)
* ''{{runionflag|KGZ}} (2004*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|LAO}} (2004) 
* ''{{runionflag|LBN}} (2018*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|MYS}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|MNG}} (2021)
* {{runionflag|NEP}} (2023)
* {{runionflag|PAK}} (2008)
* {{runionflag|PHL}} (2008)
* {{runionflag|QAT}} (2023)
* {{runionflag|SGP}} (1989)
* ''{{runionflag|SYR}} (2022*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained-->
* {{runionflag|LKA}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|THA}} (1989)
* {{nowrap|{{runionflag|UAE}} (2012)<ref group="Asia" name=uae-2012/>}}
* {{runionflag|UZB}} (2014)
}}

<span style="font-size:95%;">Notes:</span>
{{Reflist|group="Asia"|refs=
{{refn |group="Asia" |name=uae-2012 |UAE became the 100th full member of the IRB in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/international/2012/1127/355485-uae-become-100th-full-member-of-the-irb |title=UAE become 100th full member of the IRB |publisher=[[RTÉ]] |date=27 November 2012 |access-date=28 November 2012 }}</ref>
}}
}}<div style="line-height:1em; font-size:95%;">
{{pad|1.77em}}<span style="font-size:115%;">*</span> {{resize|90%|Denotes associate membership date.}}
</div>

----

===Europe===
{{Further|Rugby Europe}}

There are 37 World Rugby members, and 2 World Rugby associates:

{{Columns-list|colwidth=17em|
* {{runionflag|AND}} (1991)
* {{runionflag|AUT}} (1992)
* {{runionflag|BEL}} (1988)
* {{nowrap|{{runionflag|BIH}} (1996)}}
* {{runionflag|BUL}} (1992)
* {{runionflag|HRV}} (1992)
* ''{{runionflag|CYP}} (2014*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained-->
* {{nowrap|{{runionflag|CZE}} (1988)}}
* {{runionflag|DNK}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|ENG}} (1890)
* {{runionflag|FIN}} (2001)
* {{runionflag|FRA}} (1978)
* {{runionflag|GEO}} (1992)
* {{runionflag|DEU}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|HUN}} (1991)
* {{runionflag|IRE}} (1886)
* {{runionflag|ISR}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|ITA}} (1987)
* {{runionflag|LVA}} (1991)
* {{runionflag|LTU}} (1992)
* {{runionflag|LUX}} (1991)
* {{runionflag|MLT}} (2000)
* {{runionflag|MDA}} (1994)
* {{runionflag|MCO}} (1996)
* {{runionflag|NLD}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|NOR}} (1993)
* {{runionflag|POL}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|PRT}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|ROU}} (1987)
* {{runionflag|SCO}} (1886)
* {{runionflag|SRB}} (1988)
*''{{runionflag|SVK}} (2016*)''<ref group="Euro" name=svk-2016/><!--update year if full membership obtained-->
* {{runionflag|SVN}} (1996)
* {{runionflag|ESP}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|SWE}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|CHE}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|TUR}} (2023){{refn |group="Euro" |name=Turkey-2023 |Turkey joined World Rugby as an associate member in 2020, and became a full member in 2023.<ref name="Nepal, Qatar and Turkey become full members of World Rugby">{{cite press release |url=http://www.worldrugby.org/news/250047 |title=Nepal, Qatar and Turkey become full members of World Rugby |publisher=World Rugby |date=12 May 2023 |access-date=4 Oct 2023 }}</ref>}} 
* {{runionflag|UKR}} (1992)
* {{runionflag|WAL}} (1886)
}}

Suspended unions:
* {{runionflag|GRC}} <!--(2009)-->{{refn |group="Euro" |name=greece-2014 |The Greek federation has been inactive since 2014 after losing official government recognition.<ref name=sport24-2014>{{cite web |title="Λουκέτο" στο ράγκμπι |language=el |url=http://www.sport24.gr/Sports/OtherSports/loyketo-storagkmpi.3071331.html |website=Sport24 |access-date=31 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230202021/http://www.sport24.gr/Sports/OtherSports/loyketo-sto-ragkmpi.3071331.html |archive-date=30 December 2014}}</ref>}}
* {{runionflag|RUS}} <!--(1990)-->{{refn |group="Euro" |name=russia-2022 |Russia, previously a member since 1990, was suspended in 2022 due  to the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref name=russia>{{cite web |title=World Rugby confirms sporting sanctions for Russia and Belarus |language=el |url=https://www.world.rugby/news/693011/world-rugby-confirms-sporting-sanctions-for-russia |website=Sport24 |access-date=28 February 2022 }}</ref>
}}

<span style="font-size:95%;">Notes:</span>
{{Reflist|group="Euro"|refs=
{{refn |group="Euro" |name=svk-2016
 |Slovakia became an associate in 2016,{{sfn|World Rugby Handbook|2017|page=19}} although the Handbook incorrectly recorded the country's name as Slovenia (a member since 1996).{{sfn|World Rugby Handbook|2017|page=17}}
}}
}}<div style="line-height:1em; font-size:95%;">
{{pad|1.77em}}<span style="font-size:115%;">*</span> {{resize|90%|Denotes associate membership date.}}
</div>

----

===North America===
{{Further|Rugby Americas North}}

There are 12 World Rugby members, and 1 World Rugby associate:

{{Columns-list|colwidth=17em|
* {{runionflag|BHS}} (1994)
* {{runionflag|BRB}} (1995)
* {{runionflag|BMU}} (1992)
* {{nowrap|''{{runionflag|VGB}} (2001*)''}}<!--update year if full membership obtained--> 
* {{runionflag|CAN}} (1987)
* {{runionflag|CYM}} (1997)
* {{runionflag|GUY}} (1995)
* {{runionflag|JAM}} (1996)
* {{runionflag|MEX}} (2006)
* {{runionflag|LCA}} (2022)
* {{nowrap|{{runionflag|VCT}} (2001)}}
* {{nowrap|{{runionflag|TTO}} (1992)}}
* {{runionflag|USA}} (1987)
}}

<span style="font-size:95%;">Notes:</span><div style="line-height:1em; font-size:95%;">
{{pad|1.77em}}<span style="font-size:115%;">*</span> {{resize|90%|Denotes associate membership date.}}
</div>

----

===South America===
{{Further|Sudamérica Rugby}}

There are 9 World Rugby members, and 2 World Rugby associates:

{{Columns-list|colwidth=17em|
* {{runionflag|ARG}} (1987)
* {{runionflag|BRA}} (1995)
* {{runionflag|CHL}} (1991)
* {{runionflag|COL}} (1999)
* {{runionflag|Costa Rica}} (2017)
* ''{{runionflag|GTM}} (2016*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained-->
* ''{{runionflag|PAN}} (2020*)''<!--update year if full membership obtained-->
* {{runionflag|PRY}} (1989)
* {{runionflag|PER}} (1999)
* {{runionflag|URU}} (1989)
* {{runionflag|VEN}} (1998)
}}

<span style="font-size:95%;">Notes:</span><div style="line-height:1em; font-size:95%;">
{{pad|1.77em}}<span style="font-size:115%;">*</span> {{resize|90%|Denotes associate membership date.}}
</div>

----

===Oceania===
{{Further|Oceania Rugby}}

There are 11 World Rugby members:

{{Columns-list|colwidth=17em|
* {{runionflag|ASM}} (2012)
* {{runionflag|AUS}} (1949)
* {{runionflag|COK}} (1995)
* {{runionflag|FJI}} (1987)
* {{runionflag|NZL}} (1949)
* {{runionflag|NIU}} (1999)
* {{runionflag|PNG}} (1993)
* {{runionflag|SAM}} (1988)
* {{runionflag|SLB}} (1999)
* {{runionflag|TGA}} (1987)
* {{runionflag|VUT}} (1999)
}}

==Participation figures==
World Rugby's largest members, ranked by number of participants in 2019, are:{{sfn|World Rugby Review|2019|page=68}}
{{Columns-list|
# {{runionflag|ENG}} (2,112,603)
# {{runionflag|USA}} (1,478,190)
# {{runionflag|RSA}} (691.559)
# {{runionflag|FRA}} (533,131)
# {{runionflag|AUS}} (477,031)
# {{runionflag|JPN}} (295,939)
# {{runionflag|COL}} (265,718)
# {{runionflag|FIJ}} (225,180)
# {{runionflag|CAN}} (217,042)
# {{runionflag|CHN}} (215,056)
# {{runionflag|IRE}} (209,906)
# {{runionflag|SCO}} (182,131)
# {{runionflag|BRA}} (174,290)
# {{runionflag|ARG}} (161,265)
# {{runionflag|NZL}} (156,074)
# {{runionflag|KEN}} (122,840)
# {{runionflag|ESP}} (114,315)
# {{runionflag|RUS}} (108,566)
# {{runionflag|WAL}} (107,959)
# {{runionflag|SRI}} (96,248)
# {{runionflag|ITA}} (96,088)
}}

==Governance==
===Council===
The World Rugby Council meets twice a year and manages and controls the affairs of World Rugby.<ref>{{cite web |title=IRB bye-law 9 |url=http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/AboutIRB/IRBConstitution/02/03/02/20/2030220_PDF.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101105432/http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/AboutIRB/IRBConstitution/02/03/02/20/2030220_PDF.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Council formulates and oversees the implementation of World Rugby's strategic plan and application of policy decisions, and selects the host nation(s) for the [[Rugby World Cup hosts|Rugby World Cup]]. The Council considers recommendations of the General Assembly. The Council may admit or expel member nations. The council is also the supreme legislative authority of World Rugby. Most Council decisions require approval of simple majority, but to amend the World Rugby's by-laws, regulations, or the Laws of the Game requires approval of three quarters of the council.

Prior to 2016, the council had 28 voting members from 12 national unions. In November 2015, World Rugby announced that they would add more unions to the voting council and give the six regional associations two votes each on the council.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.worldrugby.org/news/122987 |title=Expanded game representation and independence at the heart of World Rugby governance reform |publisher=World Rugby |date=11 November 2015 |access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="Sero"/>

{{as of|2023|10}}, the council had 52 members including the non-voting chairman, so there were 51 voting members from 17 national unions and 6 regional associations, allocated as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=World Rugby Election update |url=https://www.world.rugby/news/568865?lang=en |website=World Rugby |date=2 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Council Members|url=https://www.world.rugby/organisation/structure/council?lang=en|website=World Rugby |date=12 October 2023}}</ref>

* (33) Eleven unions with three votes each: {{runion|Argentina}}, {{runion|Australia}}, {{runion|England}}, {{runion|France}}, {{runion|Japan}}, {{runion|Ireland}}, {{runion|Italy}}, {{runion|New Zealand}}, {{runion|Scotland}}, {{runion|South Africa}}, and {{runion|Wales}}.
* (6) Six<ref group=Note name=Note01/> unions with one vote each: {{runion|Canada|Canada}}, {{runion|Georgia}}, {{runion|Samoa}}, {{runion|Romania}}, {{runion|United States}} and {{runion|Uruguay}}.
* (12) The six regional associations representing [[Rugby Africa|Africa]], [[Asia Rugby|Asia]], [[Rugby Europe|Europe]], [[Rugby Americas North|North America]], [[Sudamérica Rugby|South America]] and [[Oceania Rugby|Oceania]] with two votes each.

In total, Europe has 22 votes; Oceania 9 votes; South America 6 votes; Africa 5 votes; Asia 5 votes and North America 4 votes.

A Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected from among the council members.<ref name="Eligibility reform">{{cite press release|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/379046 |title=World Rugby welcomes Fiji and Samoa onto expanded Council |publisher=World Rugby |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=15 November 2018}}</ref> These positions are held by [[Bill Beaumont]] of England and [[Bernard Laporte]] of France, respectively, elected {{as of|2020|4|lc=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldrugby.org/news/158701 |title=Bill Beaumont elected next World Rugby Chairman |date=11 May 2016 |website=worldrugby.org |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bill Beaumont re-elected World Rugby chairman for a second term |url=https://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/29126594/bill-beaumont-re-elected-world-rugby-chairman-second-term |website=ESPN |date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

===Executive committee===
The executive committee, in accordance with bye-laws 9.14–9.16, ensures the effective management and operation of the World Rugby.<ref>{{cite web |title=IRB bye-laws |url=http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/AboutIRB/IRBConstitution/02/03/02/20/2030220_PDF.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101105432/http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/AboutIRB/IRBConstitution/02/03/02/20/2030220_PDF.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Committee formulates and monitors the implementation of the World Rugby's strategic plan, business plan, operational plan and budget. 
In 2016, as part of the reforms to the World Rugby Council, the executive committee was increased to 12 members. The Chairman, Vice-chairman, nine elected officials, including two independent members, and the Chief Executive sit on the World Rugby Executive Committee.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldrugby.org/news/122987 |title=Expanded game representation and independence at the heart of World Rugby governance reform |date=10 November 2015 |website=worldrugby.org |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref>

===General Assembly===
A General Assembly of the full membership is convened every two years.<ref name=irb-org/> The General Assembly may make recommendations to the council, and may consider business that the council has referred to it,<ref>{{cite web |title=IRB bye-law 8 |url=http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/AboutIRB/IRBConstitution/02/03/02/20/2030220_PDF.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101105432/http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/AboutIRB/IRBConstitution/02/03/02/20/2030220_PDF.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> but the General Assembly has no legislative powers.<ref name="puttingrugbyfirst.com">{{cite web |publisher=Addleshaw Goddard |title=Putting Rugby First |date=July 2008 |url=http://www.puttingrugbyfirst.com/downloads/Putting_Rugby_First.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102193322/http://www.puttingrugbyfirst.com/downloads/Putting_Rugby_First.pdf |archive-date=2 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Leadership===
The current Chair of World Rugby is [[Brett Robinson (rugby union)|Brett Robinson]] who was elected following the Executive Council vote on
14 November 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robinson to be landmark World Rugby chair |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/czd5q502yz9o |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=14 November 2024}}</ref>

Previous chairmen include [[Bill Beaumont]] (2008 to 2024), [[Bernard Lapasset]] (2008 to 2016), [[Syd Millar]] (2002 to 2007) and [[Vernon Pugh]], QC (1994 to 2002).

In July 2012, [[Brett Gosper]] was appointed as the new Chief Executive of what was then the IRB.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2063233.html |title=Gosper appointed IRB Chief Executive |access-date=22 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724053453/http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2063233.html#gosper+appointed+irb+chief+executive |archive-date=24 July 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He will leave this role at the end of 2020 to become head of the [[National Football League]]'s operations in Europe.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/30436521/world-rugby-executive-gosper-leave-role-nfl |title=World Rugby Executive Gosper to leave role for NFL |agency=Reuters |website=ESPN.com |date=2 December 2020 |access-date=4 December 2020}}</ref>

==Funding==
In 2013 World Rugby released £18.6&nbsp;million of funding over three years for developing rugby in Canada, the United States, Japan, Romania, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. Argentina also received additional support to enable it to retain its tier one status. The money, built up from successful World Cups, was released following a report commissioned by World Rugby highlighting the growing disparity between tier one and tier two nations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.irb.com/InTouch/Press/050804+SL+investment.htm |title=IRB to pump extra £30 million into Rugby |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129204725/http://www.irb.com/InTouch/Press/050804+SL+investment.htm |archive-date=29 November 2005 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This is in addition to the £10–12&nbsp;million it normally gives out grants and tournament costs. The emphasis is on three areas infrastructure, high performance units and cross border competitions. In April 2006, tier-3 rugby nations Georgia, Portugal, Tunisia and Russia were identified as key investment nations over the next three years. The program was designed to increase the competitiveness of international rugby union.

==Tournaments==
[[Image:Japan v Tonga at Kitakyushu.JPG|thumb|right|Japan playing Tonga in the Pacific Five Nations, 2006.]]

===Rugby World Cups===
World Rugby organises the [[Rugby World Cup]], the sport's most recognised and most profitable competition, which has been held every four years since 1987.<ref name="RWC Hist rfh"/> Despite the profitability of the World Cup, the majority of its revenues and viewers come from a small number of countries. For the [[2007 Rugby World Cup final]], 97% of viewers came from the founding nations, including: England, France, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, with just 3% of viewers coming from all other countries.<ref name="puttingrugbyfirst.com"/>

The most recent Rugby World Cup was held in France in [[2023 Rugby World Cup|2023]]. South Africa defeated New Zealand 12–11 in the Rugby World Cup final, winning a record fourth title.

World Rugby also organises the [[Rugby World Cup (women's)|women's Rugby World Cup]], also held every four years. It was first held by the IRB in 1998, though tournaments in 1991 and 1994 were retrospectively recognised in 2009. The women's World Cup is contested by fewer teams than the men's Cup, with only the 1998 and 2002 editions featuring more than 12 teams (these competitions both had 16 teams, compared to the 20 teams in the men's Rugby World Cup).

On 21 August 2019, World Rugby announced that all future men's and women's World Cups would officially be known as "Rugby World Cup", with no sex or gender designations. The first tournament to be affected by this policy was the [[2021 Rugby World Cup|2021 Rugby World Cup, for women's team]] in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/444250 |title=World Rugby announces gender neutral naming for Rugby World Cup tournaments |publisher=World Rugby |date=21 August 2019 |access-date=22 August 2019}}</ref>

===Sevens===
World Rugby organised three international sevens tournaments - two annual Sevens Series (one for [[World Rugby Sevens Series|men]] and one for [[World Rugby Women's Sevens Series|women]]) which are now defunct. The quadrennial [[Rugby World Cup Sevens]] is still active.

The men's season-long annual Sevens Series took place over 10 legs, each held in a different country. The women's Sevens Series is held over five- or six-legs. Both tournaments followed the same principle—points are awarded based on a teams position in each round of the series, and the team with the most points at the end of the Series is crowned champions. Following the inclusion of rugby sevens into the Olympics, beginning with the 2014–15 series, the series prior to an Olympic event (i.e. the series which ends in the year before the Olympics takes place) forms the first phase of Olympic qualification. When Olympic Qualification was included, the top four teams from both the men's and women's series qualified for the Olympic Games, and remaining teams competed in regional competitions for one of the remaining places.

The quadrennial Rugby World Cup Sevens includes both the men's and women's world cup tournaments. It was originally due to be discontinued after the inclusion of rugby sevens into the Olympic Programme. However, it was later decided to retain the tournament, as it involved a significantly larger number of teams than the Olympics would, and to move the tournament so as to create a more even sevens calendar (with the ''major'' sevens events alternating every two years). As a result, the most recent tournament was the [[2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens]] in [[San Francisco]], US.<ref name="rwc7s 2018">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldrugby.org/news/70795|title=USA to host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018|work=World Rugby |date=13 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162746/http://www.worldrugby.org/news/70795 |archive-date= Jun 12, 2018 }}</ref> The men's and women's competitions at this event were both won by New Zealand.

====SVNS====

In 2023 World Rugby re-branded the Sevens series to a new [[SVNS|World Rugby SVNS Series]] known as the HSBC SVNS. The new format will showcase the twelve best men’s and women’s teams, which will conclude in a Grand Final weekend where the top eight teams will compete to be crowned Series champions. The teams ranked ninth to twelfth will compete against the top four teams from a new Challenger Series in a relegation play-off to see who secures their place in the 2024-2025 season. Both men and women’s teams will earn the same with equal participation fees. Both men and women will play in joint tournaments in eight cities around the world. Starting in December 2023 in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore and will conclude in Madrid in June 2024. The tournament is set to bring about a festival type atmosphere and serve as a build up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/825817/hsbc-svns-set-to-supercharge-rugbys-global-appeal-as-the-ultimate-festival-of-immersive-experiences|title=HSBC SVNS set to supercharge rugby's global appeal as the ultimate festival of immersive experiences |work=World Rugby |date=18 July 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240328210556/https://www.world.rugby/news/825817/hsbc-svns-set-to-supercharge-rugbys-global-appeal-as-the-ultimate-festival-of-immersive-experiences |archive-date= Mar 28, 2024 }}</ref><ref>name="SVNS 2023-2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.svns.com/en|title=HSBC SVNS IS GOING NEXT LEVEL|work=HSBC SVNS}}</ref>

===Developmental competitions===
World Rugby organizes annual international competitions involving Tier 2 nations.

* [[World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup|Pacific Nations Cup]], which has been played annually since 2006. The national teams of Fiji, Samoa, Japan, Tonga, Canada and the United States currently compete for the cup. At various times in the past, the national teams of Japan, Georgia, Canada, and the United States, plus second-tier representative sides from Australia and New Zealand, have also been involved.
* [[World Rugby Pacific Challenge|Pacific Challenge]], which is a competition involving the national "A" sides from Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga (and more recently Junior Japan, Canada A, and Argentina's [[Pampas XV]]).
* [[Americas Rugby Championship]], whose current incarnation involves Argentina's "A" side, currently branded as [[Argentina XV national rugby union team|Argentina XV]], and the full national teams of Brazil, Canada, Chile, Uruguay, and the USA.

===Junior competitions===
World Rugby organizes two competitions for under-20 national teams, the [[World Rugby Under 20 Championship]] and the [[World Rugby Under 20 Trophy]]. These competitions were created following the merger of under-19 and under-21 representative teams, into an under-20 age group

===Current title holders===
{| class=wikitable 
|- 
!Tournament
!World Champions
!Year
|-
|[[Rugby World Cup]]
|{{ru|RSA}}
|align=center|[[2023 Rugby World Cup|2023]]
|-
|[[Women's Rugby World Cup]]
|{{ruw|NZL}}
|align=center|[[2021 Rugby World Cup|2021]]
|-
|[[World Rugby SVNS Series|World Rugby SVNS Series Mens]] 
||{{ru7|ARG}}
|align=center|[[2023–24 World Rugby Sevens Series|2023–24]]
|-
|[[World Rugby SVNS Series|World Rugby SVNS Series Womens]] 
||{{ruw7|NZ}}
|align=center|[[2023–24 World Rugby Sevens Series|2023–24]]
|-
|[[World Rugby SVNS Series|SVNS Mens Grand Final]] 
||{{ru7|FRA}}
|align=center|[[2023–24 World Rugby Sevens Series|2023–24]]
|-
|[[World Rugby SVNS Series|SVNS Womens Grand Final]] 
||{{ruw7|AUS}}
|align=center|[[2023–24 World Rugby Sevens Series|2023–24]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Rugby World Cup Sevens]]
|{{ru7|FIJ}} ([[2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens – Men's tournament|men]])
|rowspan=2; align=center|[[2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens|2022]]
|-
|{{ruw7|AUS}} ([[2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens – Women's tournament|women]])
|-
|[[World Rugby Under 20 Championship]]
|{{ruu|20|ENG}}
|align=center|[[2023 World Rugby Under 20 Championship|2024]]
|-
|[[World Rugby Under 20 Trophy]]
|{{ruu|20|SCO}}
|align=center|[[2023 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy|2024]]
|}

==Olympics==
{{See also|Rugby union at the Summer Olympics}}
The sport of rugby union has been played at the Summer Olympics on four occasions, with the last being in 1924. The winners, and thus the reigning champions, were the [[United States national rugby union team|U.S.]] team. Rugby union made one more appearance as a demonstration event but was then removed from the Games. World Rugby has most recently been very keen to see it return to the Games and is adamant that the sport (specifically referring to [[rugby sevens]]) satisfies every respect of the criteria set out in the Olympic Charter.

The main problem for reintroducing the 15-man game to the Olympics is the 7-day turnaround required by World Rugby regulations for players to rest between games. Since the Olympics only officially run for 16 days, with only slight expansions allowed to accommodate sports such as football, this effectively makes it impossible to conduct a 15s tournament within the current Olympic schedule. This limitation does not apply to sevens, as games last only 14 minutes instead of the 80 minutes in the 15s game. All of the events in the current men's and women's Sevens Series, which feature a minimum of 16 national teams for men and 12 for women, are conducted within a single weekend.

But in furthering the World Rugby cause, the organisation became an [[International Olympic Committee]] [[List of international sport federations#Association of the IOC Recognised International Sports Federations|Recognised International Federation]] in 1995, marked by a ceremonial signing by President [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] prior to a match between [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] and [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]] in [[Cardiff]].<ref name="olympics">{{cite web|publisher=irb.com |title=Rugby & The Olympic Games |url=http://www.irb.com/EN/IRB+Organisation/Olympics/ |access-date=28 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060708173752/http://www.irb.com/EN/IRB%2BOrganisation/Olympics/ |archive-date=8 July 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

World Rugby cites rugby union's global participation, with men playing the game in well over 100 countries and women playing in over 50 as well; the organisation's compliance with the [[World Anti-Doping Agency|World Anti-Doping Code]]; and that a rugby sev3ns tournament could be (and generally is) accommodated in one stadium and is relatively inexpensive to play.<ref name="olympics"/> Not only is the sevens game successful in the context of the Sevens World Series and World Cup Sevens, it is also very successfully played in the [[Commonwealth Games]]; the [[Rugby Sevens at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|sevens tournament]] at [[2006 Commonwealth Games|the 2006 Games]] in Melbourne set all-time attendance records for a sevens tournament. 

As a result of this, World Rugby applied to the [[International Olympic Committee]] for a Sevens tournament to form part of the Olympics. Subsequently, Sevens was accepted into the Summer Olympic Games and was first played in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro which was won by Fiji in the men's competition (defeating Great Britain) and by Australia in the women's competition (defeating New Zealand). In the Tokyo Olympics 2020 edition, the Fiji 7s men's team and the New Zealand 7s women's team claimed the gold medals in their respective competitions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-sports-coronavirus-pandemic-rugby-health-18d2371c64bd22e755b5f07a67dc08b7|title=Fijians, Kiwis celebrate multiple medals in Olympic rugby 7s|website=[[Associated Press]]|date=August 2021}}</ref>

==Laws and regulations==
The [[Rugby union#Laws and gameplay|laws of rugby union]] are controlled by a standing Laws Committee, which is established by the World Rugby Council. The current chairman of the committee is [[Bill Beaumont]]. The Laws of the Game are formulated by World Rugby, and are then circulated by the national Unions. The official laws of the game are written in English, French, Russian and Spanish. There are variations for under-19 and Sevens rugby. There are 21 regulations in total, these regulations range from definitions, eligibility, advertising, disciplinary, anti-doping and a number of other areas. World Rugby also approves equipment, which are tested at an Approved Testing House.

===Experimental law variations===
{{Main|Experimental law variations}}
In 2006, the IRB initiated proposals for variations to the laws, which were formulated and trialled initially at [[Stellenbosch University]] in South Africa. Further trials were set down for 2007 and 2008. The law variations aimed to push the balance between defensive and attacking play more in favour of attacking play, and to reduce stoppages for penalties and infringements.

===Anti-doping===
World Rugby is compliant with the [[World Anti-Doping Agency|WADA]] code. The World Rugby anti doping programme includes testing at the under 19 and under 21 level, sevens and senior 15 a side. Testing is a mix of in-competition at World Rugby organised events, as well as out-of-competition testing, which can occur during a specified one-hour time slot designated by a player. In 2003, World Cup year, the World Rugby member unions undertook approximately 3,000 tests.<ref name="antidoping">{{cite web|publisher=irb.com |title=IRB adopts WADA code |url=http://www.irb.com/EN/Education+and+Training/Anti+doping/Anti+doping+news/mig_antidoping_21.htm |access-date=28 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060904114515/http://www.irb.com/EN/Education%2Band%2BTraining/Anti%2Bdoping/Anti%2Bdoping%2Bnews/mig_antidoping_21.htm |archive-date=4 September 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "Keep Rugby Clean" is a campaign message run by the World Rugby Anti-Doping Manager Tim Ricketts. The programme is supported by stars such as [[Brian O'Driscoll]].<ref name="clean">{{cite web|publisher=irb.com |title=Keep Rugby Clean |url=http://www.irb.com/EN/Education+and+Training/Anti+doping/Anti+doping+news/060411+kb+keep+rugby+clean+day.htm |access-date=28 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060714211322/http://www.irb.com/EN/Education%2Band%2BTraining/Anti%2Bdoping/Anti%2Bdoping%2Bnews/060411%2Bkb%2Bkeep%2Brugby%2Bclean%2Bday.htm |archive-date=14 July 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==World rankings==
{{Further|World Rugby Rankings}}

World Rugby publishes and maintains the [[World Rugby Rankings]] of the men's national rugby union teams (and more recently also for women's teams<ref name=WR-women01a>{{cite web|url=https://www.world.rugby/rankings/wru|title=Women's Rankings|website=World Rugby|access-date=7 September 2019 }}</ref>). The concept was launched in October 2003, at the start of [[2003 Rugby World Cup|that year's world cup]] in Australia. The rankings are calculated using a Points Exchange system, whereby nations take points off each other based on a match result. Several years of research went into developing the rankings system, using an extensive database of international matches that date back to 1871.

The system's reliability is assessed in a number of objective ways, which includes predictions of current strength and responds to changes in form. The system takes into account home advantage, in that the home nation is treated as though it has an extra three rating points, effectively handicapping them, as they will gain fewer ranking points for a win, and lose more should they lose. In the case of a freak result, there is a maximum number of movements on the ranking that any nation can gain from one match.

If a nation does not play for a number of years they are considered dormant, and excluded from the rankings, upon returning, picking up from where they were excluded. If a nation is to merge or split, the highest rating of any of the rankings is inherited.

Currently all capped international matches are equally weighted, whether or not they take place within a [[List of rugby union competitions#National tournaments|competition]] or are played as [[Test match (rugby union)|tests]]; the sole exception to this is the World Cup final tournament.

==Recognitions and awards==
The [[World Rugby Awards]] were introduced in 2001, to honour outstanding achievements in rugby union. Prior to 2009, all of the awards were announced at an annual ceremony; the most recent such ceremony was held in London on 23 November 2008.

However, as a response to the [[Great Recession]], the annual ceremony only saw the International Player, Team, and Coach of the Year Awards presented in 2009 and 2010; all other awards were presented at different times throughout the year. The IRB reinstated a single year-end ceremony in 2011 after the [[2011 Rugby World Cup]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2031536.html |title=New IRB Awards presentation format |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=28 May 2009 |access-date=19 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007215958/http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2031536.html |archive-date=7 October 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Since then, it has chosen to present some awards at times relevant to those specific prizes—such as Sevens awards after the [[London Sevens]], the final event of the Sevens World Series, and the Junior Player award after the final of the Junior World Championship. The bulk of awards will be presented at the year-end Awards ceremony.

The current awards are:
* [[World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Women's Sevens Player of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Junior Player of the Year]]
* [[Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service]]
* [[World Rugby Coach of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Referee Award]]
* [[World Rugby Women's 15s Dream Team of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Men's 15s Dream Team of the Year]]
* [[World Rugby Team of the Year]]

At the year-end ceremony, the International Rugby Players' Association also hands out the following awards:
* [[International Rugby Players Men's Try of the Year|IRP Men's Try of the Year]]
* [[International Rugby Players Women's Try of the Year|IRP Women's Try of the Year]]
* [[International Rugby Players Special Merit Award|IRP Special Merit Award]]

In the past, the following awards have also been awarded:
* [[IRB International U21 Player of the Year]]
* [[IRB International U19 Player of the Year|IRB Under 19 Player of the Year]]
* [[IRB Chairman's Award]]
* [[IRB Development Award]]
* [[IRB Spirit of Rugby Award]]

The awards that recognise achievements in the preceding 12 months tend to be won by that season's most successful nation(s): France in 2002, England in 2003, South Africa in 2004, New Zealand in 2005, South Africa again in 2007. For those award categories that have nominees, a shortlist is drawn up by an independent panel of judges, who are all former internationals. The panel then reconvenes to choose a winner. The current judges are [[Jonathan Davies (rugby, born 1962)|Jonathan Davies]], [[Will Greenwood]], [[Gavin Hastings]], [[Michael Jones (rugby union)|Michael Jones]], [[Dan Lyle]], [[Federico Méndez]], [[Francois Pienaar]] and past Player of the Year winners [[Fabien Galthié]] and [[Keith Wood]], with [[John Eales]] as convenor. The judges have a total of over 500 [[Cap (sport)|caps]] between them.

In 2006 a [[World Rugby Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] was established to chronicle the achievements and special contribution of the sport's players, coaches, administrators, match officials, institutions and other individuals. The Hall of Fame was inaugurated at the 2006 IRB Awards, when [[William Webb Ellis]] and [[Rugby School]] were named as the first two inductees. Hall of Fame inductees in 2007 were [[Pierre de Coubertin]], [[Danie Craven]], [[John Eales]], [[Gareth Edwards]] and [[Wilson Whineray]]. The 2008 inductees were the [[1888–89 New Zealand Native football team]] and its organiser [[Joe Warbrick]], [[Jack Kyle]], [[Melrose RFC]] and [[Ned Haig]] (for their roles in the invention of rugby sevens), [[Hugo Porta]], and [[Philippe Sella]]. Since then, induction ceremonies have been held annually, except in 2010.

The last year for a single induction ceremony was 2009. Starting in 2011, ceremonies have been held at multiple locations around the world. Also, some or all of the inductions have had an overriding theme since 2009:
* 2009 – [[British and Irish Lions|Lions]] tours to [[South Africa]]; all candidates for induction were either Lions or Springboks.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2034071.html |title=Nine inductees to join IRB Hall of Fame |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=23 October 2009 |access-date=24 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026175640/http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2034071.html |archive-date=26 October 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* 2011 – The year's final set of inductions, held at the IRB Awards in Auckland on the night after the [[2011 Rugby World Cup final]], was, according to the IRB, "under the theme of Rugby World Cup founders, visionaries and iconic figures".<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid=2057416.html |title=Stars set for glittering finale at IRB Awards |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=5 October 2011 |access-date=23 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106233154/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid%3D2057416.html |archive-date=6 November 2011 }}</ref>
* 2012 – The IRB's theme for this year's inductions was ''Rugby - a global Game'', "celebrat[ing] Rugby's expansion to become a global sport played by millions of men and women worldwide."<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2062277.html |title=Chilean Rugby greats added to IRB Hall of Fame |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=26 May 2012 |access-date=12 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529035906/http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2062277.html |archive-date=29 May 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==UK neurological injuries lawsuit==
In December 2023 a group of 295 former rugby players sued World Rugby, the [[Rugby Football Union]] and the [[Welsh Rugby Union]] 
for allegedly failing to put in place reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of players. This alleged failure was said to have caused disorders such as [[motor neurone disease]], early onset [[dementia]], [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]], [[epilepsy]] and [[Parkinson's disease]].<ref>https://www.reuters.com/sports/players-bid-group-lawsuit-concussion-claims-adjourned-2023-12-01/</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/article/rugby-chiefs-greatly-concerned-brain-injury-law-firm-conduct-93bsblfxh|title=Phil Greening joins brain-injury lawsuit as rugby chiefs hit back|first=Martyn Ziegler, Chief Sports|last=Reporter|date=28 November 2024|website=www.thetimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.progressiverugby.com/media/world-rugby-fires-back-over-concussion-lawsuit|title=World Rugby fires back over concussion lawsuit|website=Progressive Rugby - A Non-Profit Rugby Union Lobby Group}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geldards.com/insights/concussion-in-rugby-union-former-players-apply-for-group-litigation-order/|title=Concussion in rugby union: former players apply for group litigation order|website=Geldards}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/nov/28/four-lions-suing-authorities-brain-injuries-rugby-union|title=Four Lions revealed to be part of group suing authorities over brain injuries|first=Andy|last=Bull|date=November 28, 2024|via=The Guardian}}</ref>

==See also==
* '''''<small>{{portal-inline|Sports}}</small>'''''
* '''''<small>{{portal-inline|World}}</small>'''''

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note|refs=
<ref name=Note01>Fiji are entitled to one World Rugby council member, but as of October 2023 have been suspended from the council.</ref>
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=25em|refs=

<ref name=it-2014>{{cite news |date=29 October 2014 |first=Jack |last=Fagan |title=IRB to move to new Dublin 2 headquarters |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=19 February 2015 |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/irb-to-move-to-new-dublin-2-headquarters-1.1979467 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218202435/http://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/irb-to-move-to-new-dublin-2-headquarters-1.1979467 |archive-date=18 February 2015 }}</ref>

<ref name=irb-org>{{cite web |date=2006 |title=IRB Organisation |work=International Rugby Board |url=http://www.irb.com/EN/IRB+Organisation/ |access-date=14 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709074301/http://www.irb.com/EN/IRB%2BOrganisation/ |archive-date=9 July 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name=irb-name-wr>{{cite press release |url=http://www.worldrugby.org/news/34945 |title=IRB to change name to World Rugby |publisher=IRB |date=28 August 2014 |access-date=28 August 2014 }}</ref>

<ref name=ru-museum>{{cite web |work=Museum of Rugby |title=Short history of rugby |url=http://www.rfu.com/microsites/museum/index.cfm?fuseaction=faqs.history |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215165655/http://www.rfu.com/microsites/museum/index.cfm?fuseaction=faqs.history |archive-date=15 February 2008 |access-date=14 July 2006 }}</ref>

<ref name=times-1998>{{cite news |title=All in a name |first=Mark |last=Souster |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=25 February 1998}}</ref>

<ref name=rfh-olmpics>{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/Rugby4Olympics.html |title=Putting Rugby Back in the Olympics |work=Rugby Football History}}</ref>

<ref name=irb-rev-2010>{{cite web |website=irb.com |title=International Rugby Board – Year in Review 2010 |url=http://www.irb.com/mm/document/newsmedia/mediazone/02/04/21/65/2042165_pdf.pdf |access-date=23 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103163846/http://www.irb.com/mm/document/newsmedia/mediazone/02/04/21/65/2042165_pdf.pdf |archive-date=3 November 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

<ref name=ASM-2021>{{cite web |date=7 May 2021 |title=World Rugby wades into Nigerian crisis urging reinstatement of NRFF board |website=African Sports Monthly |access-date=10 March 2022 |url=http://www.africansportsmonthly.com/news/world-rugby-wades-into-nigerian-crisis-urging-reinstatement-of-nrff-board |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507105900/http://www.africansportsmonthly.com/news/world-rugby-wades-into-nigerian-crisis-urging-reinstatement-of-nrff-board |archive-date=7 May 2021 }}</ref>

}}

==Sources==
{{Refbegin}}

*{{cite web |year=2013 |title=Handbook 2013 |website=International Rugby Board |format=PDF |access-date=<!--2 December 2013 --> |url=http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/AboutIRB/IRBConstitution/02/06/85/38/130801IRBHandbook.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528075233/http://www.irb.com/mm/Document/AboutIRB/IRBConstitution/02/06/85/38/130801IRBHandbook.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2014 |ref={{harvid|IRB Handbook|2013}} }}
*{{cite web |year=2014 |title=Handbook 2014 |format=PDF |url=http://test3.pulselive.com/wr-resources/World_Rugby_Handbook/EN/pubData/source/150114%20GF%20IRB%20Handbook%20Master%20English%20Version.pdf |website=World Rugby |access-date=28 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208034633/http://test3.pulselive.com/wr-resources/World_Rugby_Handbook/EN/pubData/source/150114%20GF%20IRB%20Handbook%20Master%20English%20Version.pdf |archive-date=8 February 2015 |ref={{harvid|World Rugby Handbook|2014}} }}
*{{cite web|year=2016 |title=Handbook 2016 |format=PDF 8.9 MB |url=http://www.worldrugby.org/wr-resources/World_Rugby_Handbook/EN/pubData/source/150114%20GF%20IRB%20Handbook%20Master%20English%20Version.pdf |website=World Rugby |access-date=15 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514163507/http://www.worldrugby.org/wr-resources/World_Rugby_Handbook/EN/pubData/source/150114%20GF%20IRB%20Handbook%20Master%20English%20Version.pdf |archive-date=14 May 2016 |ref={{harvid|World Rugby Handbook|2016}} }}
*{{cite web |date=3 January 2017 |title=Handbook 2017 |format=PDF |url=http://www.worldrugby.org/wr-resources/WorldRugbyDIR/Handbook/English/pubData/source/170103%20GF%20Handbook%20English%20Version.pdf |website=World Rugby |access-date=17 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417212254/http://www.worldrugby.org/wr-resources/WorldRugbyDIR/Handbook/English/pubData/source/170103%20GF%20Handbook%20English%20Version.pdf |archive-date=17 April 2017 |ref={{harvid|World Rugby Handbook|2017}} }}
*{{cite web |date=2011 |title=Year in Review 2011 |website=International Rugby Board |access-date=12 December 2020 |format=PDF |url=http://resources.world.rugby/worldrugby/document/2014/11/16/34300051-68e7-43e6-88d4-fe3b9f59ad19/IRB-YearinReview2011-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005150414/http://www.irb.com/mm/document/newsmedia/mediazone/02/06/34/18/irb-yearinreview2011-english.pdf |archive-date=5 October 2012 |ref={{harvid|IRB Review|2011}} }}
*{{cite web |date=2019 |title=World Rugby Year in Review 2019 |website=World Rugby |access-date=<!--16 December 2020--> |url=http://publications.worldrugby.org/yearinreview2019/en/1-1 |ref={{harvid|World Rugby Review|2019}} }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* {{Official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110303160305/http://www.irblaws.com/downloads/EN/IRB_Laws_2011_EN.pdf IRB The Laws of rugby union]
* [http://www.world.rugby/rankings/ World Rugby Rankings]
* [http://www.world.rugby/rankings/mru World Rugby Rankings - Men]
* [http://www.world.rugby/rankings/wru World Rugby Rankings - Women]
<!-- Please do not add links here unless they are fully relevant to World Rugby -->

{{international rugby union}}
{{World Rugby}}
{{World Rugby Awards}}
{{International Sports Federations}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:World Rugby| ]]
[[Category:Sports organizations established in 1886]]
[[Category:Rugby union governing bodies|*]]
[[Category:International organisations based in Ireland]]
[[Category:Association of Summer Olympic International Federations|rugby]]