International Rugby Board (IRB)
Homepage: http://www.irb.com/
Rules and regulations: http://laws.worldrugby.org/index.php?&language=EN

History:

Founded in 1886, the International Rugby Board (IRB) is the world governing and law making body for rugby union. IRB currently has 96 member unions, and 5 regional associations. IRB carries out its governing functions from its headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with eight regional offices throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.

IRB’s most prided tournament is the Rugby World Cup, being a major financial engine. First held in 1987 in New Zealand and Australia, the Rugby World Cup has grown through the years to attract billions of viewers, with more than 3 billion worldwide television audience recorded four years ago. Thus, Rugby World Cup is considered as one of the most important sporting event in the world, next to the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.

Aside from the Rugby World Cup, IRB’s premier tournaments include Womens Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup Sevens, IRB Sevens, Under 21 World Cup, Under 19 World Championship, and the Super Powers Cup.