What was rugby union’s governing body called before it became World Rugby in 2014?

Before becoming World Rugby in 2014, rugby union’s governing body was called the International Rugby Board.

The organisation was founded in 1886 by Ireland, Scotland and Wales as the International Rugby Football Board. England joined in 1890, and the word “Football” was later removed from the name. For much of the professional era, it was commonly known as the International Rugby Board, or IRB.

In November 2014, the organisation adopted the name World Rugby. The change was intended to create a clearer global identity and align the governing body’s name with its international competitions, including the Rugby World Cup.

The organisation makes and administers the laws of rugby union and oversees major international tournaments. It should not be confused with national unions, which govern the sport within individual countries.