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Engaging the family | | World in union | Inspiring participation | Building character | Financial report YEAR IN REVIEW 2014

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME A stellar year for rugby

Bernard Lapasset Chairman,

Chers amis,

here is no doubt that 2014 was In less than a year, the world’s top male players This investment stretches far wider than a stellar year for rugby. It was the will gather in for what promises to be on the field. We continue to invest in player year of women’s rugby, the year a very special and record-breaking celebration welfare, and concussion education and that our road to Rio 2016 truly of rugby and the host nation. Like Women’s management remains a priority as we seek began with men’s and women’s qualification Rugby World Cup 2014, England 2015 will be to make the game as safe to play as possible and the year that Rugby World Cup 2015 a defining moment for our . It will be the for players at all levels via our Medical proved to be ‘too big to miss’ for fans. best-attended, most-watched, most-engaged Commission. We also partnered with the and most-competitive Rugby World Cup to date. International Rugby Players’ Association to It was also a defining year for the game’s form the Rugby Athletes’ Commission to give governing body as we became World Rugby It will also be the most commercially players a voice and undertook a review of and refocused our mission to grow the successful with worldwide partnerships, game and training load. global rugby family by underscoring our sponsorships and broadcasters locked down commitment to attract, engage and inspire in record time with record value. Of course, Growth brings opportunities and challenges and new audiences and players around the world. Rugby World Cup is much more than a global as we expand we must ensure that we remain stage to showcase our sport and its finest true to our character-building values. We must While it is always hard to pick highlights, players. It is also the financial engine that ensure that the respect of match officials is there was one event that has inspiration in drives the global development of the sport in preserved and that integrity is promoted and abundance. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 emerging and established rugby nations. protected through robust anti-doping and anti- was a defining event for World Rugby. It was a corruption education and strategies. magnificent box-office demonstration of the The commercial success of enormous progress that has been achieved 2011, the record-breaking progress of England While we pause here to look back at 2014, in the women’s game with investment in high 2015 and the excitement in the marketplace we move forward at pace and look forward to performance and competition pathways and regarding 2019 has enabled World working with you all in 2015 and beyond as the enormous profile and participation boost Rugby to commit a record level of investment we bring World Rugby to life and look forward delivered by ’ in rugby between 2009 and 2016. to a record-breaking year and welcoming new inclusion. participants and audiences to the sport. World Rugby will be bankrolling an investment Yet, it was much more than that. of more than £330 million during this 2014 was a truly fantastic rugby event that period to increase the competitiveness and filled stadia, captivated broadcast audiences, attractiveness of international rugby and pave dominated social media and inspired the way for more men, women and children participation as England lifted the trophy for to try, play and stay in rugby and live our the first time in 20 years. character-building values.

Back row: A Pichot (), P Whelan (), C Barbieri (CONSUR), M Hawker (), S Tew (New Zealand), P Boyle (Ireland), P Aldous (), J Spencer (England), B Pulver (Australia) Middle row: P Camou (France), M Robinson (New Zealand), M Dodson (), H Schuster (FORU), J Roux (), O Morariu (Rugby ), A Buchanan (), G Davies (Wales), K Tokumasu (ARFU), B Gosper (Chief Executive Officer) Front row: T Yabe (Japan), A Bougja (CAR), J Jeffrey (Scotland), O Hoskins (South Africa, Vice Chairman), B Lapasset (Chairman), J Laurans (France), B Latham (NACRA), B Beaumont (England), G Dondi ()

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59 CONTENTS

03 Chairman’s welcome

06 Engaging with the rugby family 08 Rebranding World Rugby 10 World Rugby website and social media highlights 12 In the news 14 World Rugby Awards and Hall of Fame 16 World Rugby Conference and Exhibition

18 Rugby World Cup 2015 20 RWC 2015: Too big to miss 22 Stage set for global celebration of rugby 24 The road to RWC 2015 26 RWC Trophy Tour 28 Match schedule and venues 31 Financial driving force 32 Looking ahead to RWC 2019

34 World in union 36 Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 38 HSBC Sevens World Series review 39 Women’s Sevens World Series review 40 Sevens set to shine 42 World Rugby tournament review 46 Game analysis

48 Inspiring participation 50 Mapping the game’s global growth 52 Growing the Game Conference 53 Get Into Rugby 54 Around the regions in 2014 57 Investment highlights 58 IMPACT Beyond 59 Regions at the heart of rugby’s growth 60 Exciting times for women’s rugby 62 Training and education 63 Research corner

64 Rugby builds character 66 #recogniseandremove 67 Medical Commission Conference 68 Keep Rugby Clean 70 Keep Rugby Onside 71 Disciplinary developments 72 Match officials 73 Olympic Solidarity 74 Spirit of rugby

76 Financial report 78 Financing the global game 80 Financial report and accounts 95 Meet the team in 2015

05 06 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY

IN THIS SECTION

8 Rebranding World Rugby 10 World Rugby website and social media highlights 12 In the news 14 World Rugby Awards and Hall of Fame 16 World Rugby Conference and Exhibition

07 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886 World Rugby to inspire new audiences World Rugby launched in November, underscoring the governing body’s mission to inspire participation and build a stronger connection with fans, players and commercial partners worldwide

he new name, brand and logo and inspiring those who have no connection was approved by Council in with the sport across multiple cultures and May following a comprehensive languages around the world. review of the organisation’s brand positioning against its mission to grow the “Supported by a new name, a distinctive, game globally. optimistic and progressive new brand, and clear character-building values, World Rugby The unveiling at the World Rugby Conference collectively has the ingredients and tools to do and Exhibition in on 18 November just that. We want everyone to feel connected was supported by the new www.worldrugby. with the sport and rugby’s ongoing success org website and streamlined social media story.” platforms, which have begun to play a pivotal role in inspiring new audiences and players at World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset all levels of the game. added: “Global rugby participation has boomed by more than two million to 7.23 million At the heart of the brand is a distinctive players over the past four years, driven by the positioning, expressed visually through commercial success of Rugby World Cup, World a modernised and progressive logo that Rugby’s development strategies and record embodies World Rugby’s mission statement investment, strong and vibrant unions and to grow the game globally, retaining a link to rugby’s re-inclusion in the Olympic Games. the organisation’s heritage through its blue and green colour scheme. “The launch embodies our mission statement World Rugby’s new to grow the global rugby family beyond our social media platforms The rebrand comes at a time when rugby traditional base and reflects the federation’s is experiencing record growth. The name evolution from rugby regulator to rugby change is designed to resonate with existing inspirer. fans and attract new audiences across multiple cultures and languages. World Rugby “Our new brand certainly stands out and @worldrugby is modern and inclusive; whether you are a enables us to promote our consumer-facing @worldrugby7s player, coach, match official or fan, everyone properties in a way that they will be more @rugbyworldcup is a member of the World Rugby family and appealing and impactful to the sport’s everyone has a role to play in its prosperity growing global fan base.” and growth. The new logo made its public debut in Engaging and inspiring November and is being rolled out across Facebook Launching the brand, World Rugby Chief World Rugby’s extensive portfolio of worldrugby Executive Brett Gosper said: “In an incredibly tournaments, events, programmes and worldrugby7s competitive global entertainment and materials as the rugby family looks forward to rugbyworldcup sporting marketplace, rugby must continue to a very special, record-breaking year. appeal to those who know and love the sport and its heritage, while attracting, engaging The rebrand will have no impact on Rugby World Cup 2015 branding or positioning, which will remain as it is with its iconic logo throughout the current event cycle. The “Everyone is a member of the World Rugby family new brand will feature within a new Rugby World Cup 2019 logo, which will be launched and everyone has a role to play in its prosperity in 2015 ahead of the hosting baton being and growth” passed on to Japan.

08 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY

2014 in brief... TOP OF THE WORLD FUTURE STARS OF WORLD RUGBY KEEP RUGBY ONSIDE New Zealand celebrated five years atop the World By the end of 2014, more than 500 players had The governing body’s virtual anti-corruption and Rugby Rankings on 16 November, 2014. The All graduated from the Junior World Championship and betting education programme – now compulsory for Blacks have been one for more than 84 per Junior World Rugby Trophy to the test stage. Among all players, team and match officials at World Rugby cent of the time since the rankings were introduced them is New Zealand second row , tournaments – has been extended to 13 languages in October 2003. the World Rugby Player of the Year for 2014. with additional resources available in 25 languages.

“The new logo made its public debut in November”

Below: World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper and Chairman Bernard Lapasset launch the new World Rugby brand at the World Rugby Conference and Exhibition in November

09 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

“A new world record has been set for the world’s biggest Digital and social ! More to follow” #TooBigToMiss #RWC2015 Rugby World Cup platforms engaging Congratulations to @Francoishougi - winner new audiences of IRPA try of the year World Rugby content reaching more fans than ever before award 2014. Enjoy reliving orld Rugby’s digital activity At the heart of the fan engagement strategy the action @bokrugby reached new heights in 2014 is a new, streamlined social media approach World Rugby with live coverage of the focusing on three core social media channels: W Women’s Rugby World Cup Rugby World Cup, World Rugby Sevens and @blitzbokke celebrating their in France, streaming from the men’s and World Rugby working across YouTube, Twitter, @southafrica7s win staying top women’s sevens series around the world, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram platforms. in-depth coverage of the Junior World of the @hsbc_rugby World Series Championship and increased social activity Rugby World Cup has gained 400,000 new #sa7s #twittermirror across multiple platforms. followers on Facebook (2.3m total) with a 19 World Rugby Sevens per cent increase since January 2014. Twitter JWC 2014 was hosted over five match days remains a key focus and over the year the with all 30 fixtures streamed live. The traffic channel has gained 100,000 new followers Not surprisingly - the latest to the site intensified as the event reached (293,000 total), a 50 per cent increase across #GoogleTrends from the final with over 850,000 page views to the the year. @SouthAfrica7s involved tournament section and more than 50,000 @Seabelo_Senatla of @Blitzboks views of the live coverage. Pick of the platforms Instagram has been the pick of the platforms @bokrugby! WRWC 2014 was held in from 1-17 for World Rugby in 2014, with a 200 per cent World Rugby Sevens August. The site, delivered in both French increase in followers in the final four months and English, saw unprecedented levels of of 2014 alone (75,000 total). Google+ has We are excited to launch our support with over 1.6 million page views from grown steadily, reaching 20,000 followers, new film ahead of #RWC2015 more than 300,000 unique fans worldwide and Vine is delivering great engagement, tickets going on sale Sept 12. It’s following the live coverage. Twenty-four of most recently when the channel received 1.6 the 30 matches were streamed live on World million loops on a vine from the #TooBigToMiss http://youtu.be/ Rugby’s digital platforms, showing more Sevens. bl9ahNhH3Cc than 186,000 total video plays during the Rugby World Cup tournament. World Rugby Sevens has gained 100,000 new followers on Facebook (65 per cent increase A new era begins. The HSBC Sevens Series and Women’s Sevens for the year), as well as 30,000 new followers Series continue to grow in popularity as the on Twitter, more than doubling the total 18.11.2014. road to Rio continues. With a third of the following to 65,000. #RugbyBuildsCharacter men’s now over, video views already @WorldRugby exceed those across all nine rounds of the YouTube provides a platform for all World 2013-14 series and each round has seen Rugby video content and in 2014 received World Rugby a reach of more than 2.5 million fans and 11 million total views, with almost 30 million 500,000 people engaging with content. estimated minutes watched throughout the celebrating year. Stronger bond with fans 2015 - the year of In conjunction with the unveiling of the new Other new platforms include a geographically the Rugby World Cup! World Rugby brand in November, new digital agile Rugby World Cup mobile app aimed at platforms were launched with the aim of increasing the reach of World Rugby’s flagship #RWC2015 creating a stronger bond with existing fans event and new sites for the World Rugby and players and to reach out and inspire new Sevens Series for both men and women. Rugby World Cup audiences. Across all platforms the current total fan base The new responsive site – www.worldrugby. is in excess of three million, with a weekly org – integrates World Rugby’s social media reach of more than 10 million, and video and video platforms to provide a more agile views are exceeding six million each month. and interactive approach to promoting rugby and bringing fans closer to its leading events.

10 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY Digital and social 2014 in brief... REACHING NEW HEIGHTS NEW FRONTIERS ROAD TO RIO RWC 2019 hosts Japan entered the World Rugby Costa Rica are the first Central American country The race to qualify for sevens’ debut at the Rio Rankings top 10 for the first time in 2014 during to become a member of World Rugby after being 2016 Olympic Games began on Australia’s Gold platforms engaging an 11-test unbeaten run. approved as an associate member in May, opening Coast for men in October and in Dubai for women new audiences a new region in which to grow the game. in December.

Keep in with World Rugby on the following digital platforms:

World Rugby Rugby World Cup World Rugby Sevens www.worldrugby.org www.rugbyworldcup.com www.worldrugby.org/sevens-series twitter.com/worldrugby facebook.com/rugbyworldcup www.worldrugby.org/womens-sevens- facebook.com/worldrugby twitter.com/rugbyworldcup series youtube.com/worldrugby twitter.com/worldrugby7s vine.co/worldrugby facebook.com/worldrugby7s instagram.com/worldrugby google.com/+worldrugby

11 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886 Record investment in the game

n 2014, World Rugby continued to Women’s Rugby World Cup in France was also received increased high invest heavily in programmes and a highlight of the year, while investment performance funding to underpin their Rio tournaments around the globe, enabled Argentina’s Pampas side to join the 2016 participation, while performance case I including increased investment in Pacific Rugby Cup in Australia in March and funding applications were introduced for high player welfare, anti-doping and integrity win the title. The World Rugby Women’s performance tier two nations. Funding was programmes and the expansion of the Get Sevens Series will also expand from five to six also provided for the 10 RWC 2015 qualified Into Rugby mass participation programme. events in 2014-15. high performance tier two nations for their November 2014 tours. Independent study supports rugby’s concussion approach

In November, the World Rugby »» Prior to the introduction of the Pitchside Council unanimously approved Suspected Concussion Assessment the extension of the global head (PSCA), players were treated on the field injury assessment (HIA) trial until and on the run, resulting in 56 per cent of December 2015, meaning it players returning to the field of play later will be operational at Rugby determined to have concussion. World Cup 2015 »» Since the PSCA’s introduction, the number of players returning to the field of play who orld Rugby’s commitment to were later determined to have sustained a driving forward concussion concussion has reduced to 12 per cent with education and prevention the PSCA intervention playing a major role W strategies has been endorsed in cultural change. by the publication of a major independent »» With an 84.6 per cent accuracy, the PSCA study. tool is proving successful in identifying players with concussion and therefore The British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) informing the removal from the pitch. published study, The International Rugby Board Pitch-Side Concussion Assessment The positive conclusions are significant as Trial: A pilot test accuracy study, determined previous concussion assessment tools used that rugby’s approach to the management of on the field and on the run failed to match head injuries in the elite game is successfully the accuracy established with the PSCA (now enhancing player protection. Head Injury Assessment; HIA).

The study, which covered more than 700 The findings of the report have informed and matches and 165 head injury events between guided World Rugby’s concussion working October 2012 and June 2013, was published group in introducing enhancements to the in July 2014 and determined the following: HIA tool in terms of balance and cognitive components and an extension of temporary substitution to 10 minutes.

“The findings of the report have informed and guided World Rugby’s concussion working group”

12 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY

2014 in brief... OLYMPIC HISTORY SOCIAL AND DIGITAL MEDIA Australia’s women and France’s men won the first World Rugby’s Facebook fan base is now in excess of rugby sevens’ Olympic gold medals at the Youth three million with the Twitter following at 400,000, Olympic Games in Nanjing, , in August. while videos are averaging around five million views per month on all platforms. World Rugby Athletes’ Commission established layers have been given a new voice and Andrew Trimble (Ireland), at the elite end of the game with two from men’s sevens, Kyle the formation of the first World Brown (South Africa) and P Rugby Athletes’ Commission. The Lee Williams (Wales), and commission is made up of male two from women’s rugby, and female players from both hemispheres, Rachael Burford (England) who have been nominated by their respective and Lynne Cantwell national players’ associations and will discuss (Ireland). important issues on the playing side of the game – in both 15s and sevens – such as The commission will player welfare and law. be supported by World Rugby and Underscoring the governing body’s IRPA executive commitment to ensuring the world’s best staff, along with players are included within its decision- relevant council making process, the Athletes’ Commission and committee is an important and positive initiative in members helping to shape the game going forward and as required. comes with the full support of all member unions and the International Rugby Players’ Association (IRPA).

Its terms of reference were approved by World Rugby’s Executive Committee in in October and the first meeting took place a month later in London.

Chaired by World Rugby Rugby Committee Chairman John Jeffrey, the inaugural meeting was attended by the three men’s 15s representatives, Victor Vito (New Zealand), Benjamin Kayser (France)

Top: Rachael Burford Right: Victor Vito; Kyle Brown ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Brodie Retallick World Rugby Player of the Year Hat-trick for the All Blacks Now in their 13th year, the World Rugby Awards continue to personify rugby’s character-building values

he awards recognise and celebrate second. A week earlier Samisoni Viriviri had the achievements of those become the first Fijian to be named IRB involved at the highest level of the Sevens Player of the Year after crossing for 52 game, as well as the dedication tries during the HSBC Sevens World Series. and commitment given by those who work on a voluntary basis, and without whom the At the IRB Junior World Championship in game would not survive. New Zealand, South Africa captain Handré Pollard was named IRB Junior Player of the New Zealand second row Brodie Retallick Year after his side lost 21-20 to England in the reached new heights with his outstanding final, while compatriot ’s level of performance in 2014 to be named spectacular effort in the 27-25 win over New World Rugby Player of the Year. He edged Zealand in was out (South Africa), determined as the IRPA Try of the Year. worldrugby.org/world-rugby-awards (New Zealand), (Ireland) and (South Africa) to New Zealand’s Bob Francis received the IRB follow in the footsteps of teammates and Referee Award for Distinguished Service, while previous recipients , coaching pioneer Ray Williams was awarded and Richie McCaw. the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service, shortly before he lost his battle with The accolade completed a hat-trick of cancer. awards for New Zealand, as the All Blacks were named World Rugby Team of the Year The IRB Development Award went to Bidzina for the eighth time – after a season in which Ivanishvili for his commitment to the growth they equalled the record for consecutive and development of rugby in , while test victories by a major nation – and Steve the Vivendo O Rugby social inclusion project Hansen the World Rugby Coach of the Year won the Spirit of Rugby accolade. for a third successive time. www.worldrugby.org/halloffame Historic inductions After inspiring Canada to a first Women’s This year also saw the acquisition of the Rugby World Cup final, Magali Harvey was International Rugby Hall of Fame property named IRB Women’s Player of the Year. with inductees to be integrated into the World Her length-of-the-field try in the semi-final Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014 and 2015. This against France will live long in the memory for means that 37 greats of the game not already Greats of the those privileged enough to be at the Stade in the Hall of Fame will be inducted with 18 game inducted Jean Bouin in Paris. having already received this honour. into the Hall of Fame this year Sevens stars In a record-breaking year for women’s rugby, 26 The IRB Women’s Sevens Player of the Year 2014 also saw the first inductees of female Number of years accolade went to Emilee Cherry after an legends into the Hall of Fame at the World the World Rugby incredible season which saw her finish as top Rugby Conference and Exhibition in November, Awards have points and try scorer on the IRB Women’s including World Cup winners Gill Burns, Patty 13 been running Sevens World Series as Australia finished Jervey, Anna Richards and Farah Palmer. 14 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY

IRB REFEREE AWARD FOR Michael Jones (New Zealand), Ian AWARD WINNERS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Kirkpatrick (New Zealand), John Bob Francis (New Zealand) Kirwan (New Zealand), Fred Allen WORLD RUGBY PLAYER (New Zealand), (New OF THE YEAR: VERNON PUGH AWARD FOR Zealand), Terry McLean (New Brodie Retallick (New Zealand) DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Zealand), Graham Mourie (New Ray Williams (Wales) Zealand), Nathalie Amiel (France), WORLD RUGBY TEAM Gill Burns (England), Patty Jervey OF THE YEAR: IRB DEVELOPMENT AWARD: (USA), Carol Isherwood (England), New Zealand Bidzina Ivanishvili (Georgia) Anna Richards (New Zealand), Farah Palmer (New Zealand), Keith WORLD RUGBY COACH SPIRIT OF RUGBY AWARD: Rowlands (Wales), Jim Greenwood OF THE YEAR: Vivendo O Rugby (Brazil) (Scotland), JPR Williams (Wales), (New Zealand) (Australia), IRPA TRY OF THE YEAR: Jo Maso (France), IRB WOMEN’S PLAYER Francois Hougaard (Ireland), (Wales), OF THE YEAR: (South Africa v New Zealand) (England), Bill Magali Harvey (Canada) Beaumont (England) 2014 HALL OF FAME IRB SEVENS PLAYER OF INDUCTEES: THE YEAR IN ASSOCIATION (New Zealand), WITH HSBC: George Nepia (New Zealand), Samisoni Viriviri () Don Clarke (New Zealand), IRB WOMEN’S SEVENS (New Zealand), PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Emilee Cherry (Australia)

IRB JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Handré Pollard (South Africa)

Left: Magali Harvey (Canada) Above: IRPA Try of the Year winner Francois Hougaard Below: Samisoni Viriviri (Fiji)

Left: Emilee Cherry (Australia) Above: Handré Pollard (South Africa) Below: Gill Burns with Bernard Lapasset

15 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

A truly global affair The second World Rugby Conference and Exhibition took place in London on 17-18 November

uilt around the Growing the Game Maximise the benefits and Farah Palmer. The IRB Development Conference, World Rugby Medical The afternoon opened with Olympic Rugby Award and Spirit of Rugby Award were also Commission Conference and Sevens – Faster, Higher, Stronger, which presented at the event. the inaugural Rugby Athletes’ focused on how rugby can maximise the Commission meeting, some 730 delegates benefits to be had from being part of Rio 2016 Day two began with a keynote address and exhibitors representing 55 countries were and the challenges faced in ensuring the from Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 in attendance for two days of insightful plenary sport remains part of the Olympic programme winner Maggie Alphonsi, who spoke about sessions, keynote speeches and workshops. beyond the Games in 2020. her 11-year journey to the top of the international game and the highs and lows First up was The State of the Union debate Player welfare is always at the forefront of she encountered along the way. involving three legends of the game in Sean World Rugby’s thinking and an esteemed Fitzpatrick, Thomas Castaignède and Agustín panel of medical experts then took to the In the Mind Games – the making of Pichot. They discussed a wide range of issues, stage for the Concussion – driving cultural champions session, England’s RWC from Olympic inclusion to the need for a change session to consider the ways rugby 2003-winning coach Sir was global season to growing the game worldwide. can change attitudes with regards to among those sharing his thoughts on the concussion, its impact on players and how it importance of ‘the top two inches’ in sport The Future of Major Event Sponsorship affects the overall game. and what it takes to separate the best from plenary session then discussed the continued the rest from a mental perspective. growth of rugby into new markets and its The opening day concluded with an awards increasing attractiveness to commercial and Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Fifteen Crown jewel of rugby partners while, in the Exhibition Hall, former legends of the game were inducted into the Key decision-makers and administrators Great Britain Paralympic Games 2012 , including the first throughout the game then spoke about Rugby captain Steve Brown told his six females in Nathalie Amiel, Patty Jervey, World Cup’s qualities as the crown jewel of inspirational story. Gill Burns, Carol Isherwood, Anna Richards rugby ahead of England 2015 and RWC 2019 in Japan. Humongous 2 x days of Rugby associated Great news to hear that women’s Rugby content and meetings! @IRNConfEx 2015 and legends Gill Burns and Carol Isherwood have It was revealed during the Rugby World Cup beyond is going to be truly incredible been inducted into the #IRB Hall of Fame at – past and future session that next year’s @mrpeterwhite the @IRBConfEx tournament is set to deliver nearly £1 billion of Peter White @MaggieAlphonsi additive value into the UK economy. Maggie Alphonsi MBE A new era begins. 18.11.2014. The future of rugby broadcasting and #RugbyBuildsCharacter Open, informative and highly engaging fan engagement was up for discussion @WorldRugby #IRBConfEx session on concussion today in the third plenary session of the day World Rugby #RecogniseAndRemove before Integrity – protecting integrity and @dominicrumbles promoting inclusion brought the informative Dominic Rumbles sessions to a close, leaving the final act to World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper, Who just got inducted in @IRBConfEx @ who unveiled the governing body’s new IRBMedia Hall of Fame? #Legend brand in his closing speech. @RupertMoon Rupert Moon (After Ieuan Evans was Left: The 2014 World Rugby Conference and Exhibition inducted into the Hall of Fame) attracted more social media activity than ever before

16 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 ENGAGING WITH THE RUGBY FAMILY

2014 in brief... GROWING THE GAME THE FINAL QUALIFIER World Rugby’s Get Into Rugby mass participation became the final qualifier for Rugby World 2014 to determine the eight nations who would join programme is now operational in 137 territories Cup 2015 by beating . The qualification the 12 direct qualifiers from New Zealand 2011. and has introduced more than 500,000 youngsters process involved a record 83 nations and 203 to the game around the world. matches between 24 March, 2012 and 11 October,

CONCUSSION – DRIVING Shimazu (Japan Rugby 2019 Chief Executive), PANEL MEMBERS CULTURAL CHANGE Bob Beaumont (RFU Chairman). Dr Martin Raftery (World Rugby Chief Medical THE STATE OF THE UNION Officer), Dr Willie Stewart (Consultant THE FUTURE OF Sean Fitzpatrick (former New Zealand captain), Neuropathologist, NHS Greater and RUGBY BROADCASTING Thomas Castaignède (former France player), Clyde), Dr Jon Patricios (Sports physician and AND FAN ENGAGEMENT Agustín Pichot (former Argentina captain). concussion consultant to SARU and World Dan Mannix (President and CEO, LeadDog Rugby), Dr Robert Cantu (Clinical Professor of Marketing Group), Niall Sloane (Director of THE FUTURE OF MAJOR Neurology and Neurosurgery and co-founder Sport, ITV), Patrick Walker (Chief Commercial EVENT SPONSORSHIP CTE Center Boston, University School of Officer, Rightster), Murray Barnett (World Tim Ellerton (Global Sponsorship Manager, Medicine), Rob Nichol (International Rugby Rugby Head of Commercial, Broadcasting and Heineken International), Mark Cameron Players’ Association Executive Director). Marketing). (Global Brand Experience Director, Jaguar Land Rover), Sophie Goldschmidt (RFU Chief MIND GAMES – THE INTEGRITY – Commercial and Marketing Officer). MAKING OF CHAMPIONS PROTECTING INTEGRITY Clive Woodward (Rugby World Cup 2003 AND PROMOTING INCLUSION OLYMPIC RUGBY SEVENS winning coach), Tim Harkness (Club Susan Ahern (World Rugby Head of Legal and – FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER psychologist, Chelsea Club), Anna Legislative Affairs), Craig Reedie (World Anti- Andrew Ryan (Association of Summer Olympic Richards (four-time Women’s Rugby World Doping Agency President), Ronnie Flanagan International Federations (ASOIF)), Octavian Cup winner with New Zealand and now Hong (Chairman of the International Council’s Morariu ( President, IOC Member Kong women’s sevens coach), Jeremy Snape Anti-Corruption and Security Unit), Fiona and World Rugby Council Member), Mark (founder of Sporting Edge). Coghlan (former Ireland captain). Egan (World Rugby Head of Competitions and Performance), Agustín Pichot (World Rugby RUGBY WORLD CUP Council Member for Argentina, Chairman – PAST AND FUTURE of World Rugby Sevens Strategy Group and Alan Gilpin (World Rugby Head of Rugby former Argentina captain), Rachael Burford World Cup), Debbie Jevans (England Rugby Above left: Keynote speaker Maggie Alphonsi (England Sevens and Women’s Rugby World 2015 Chief Executive), Steve Tew (New Above: The World Rugby zone in the Exhibition Hall; Sean Fitzpatrick and Thomas Castaignède discuss The State Cup 2014 winner). Zealand Rugby Chief Executive), Akira of the Union

17 18 RUGBY WORLD CUP

IN THIS SECTION

20 RWC 2015: Too big to miss 22 Stage set for global celebration of rugby 24 The road to RWC 2015 26 RWC Trophy Tour 28 Match schedule and venues 31 Financial driving force 32 Looking ahead to RWC 2019

19 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886 RWC Too big to miss Rugby World Cup 2015 will be a box office hit, 2015 bringing together record in stadia, broadcast BY and social audiences for a six-week festival of rugby NUMBERS s 2015 dawned, Rugby World An event of the scale of Rugby World Cup is Cup was firmly established as not possible without people and teamwork. the must-see event of the year, Six thousand volunteers, called ‘The Pack’, will with more than five million ticket ensure that whether you are a fan or a player, 23 applications received during the September every need will be catered for. general ticketing period – the highest Number of matches in which demand for demand for any Rugby World Cup. For the host union, the event will deliver every price category multiple benefits and the RFU is well- of ticket was More than 1.8 million tickets have been sold, positioned to reap the rewards with the exceeded including 170,000 supporter tour package biggest-ever legacy and impact programme. sales in more than 50 nations and record The foundations are firmly in place to attract hospitality sales, illustrating just why England and retain new players, coaches, referees and 2015 will be too big to miss. volunteers, while the festival of rugby will bring schools, clubs and communities together in England 2015 has also reached out to more celebration of the sport before and during its 48 people in more places than ever before. showcase event.. Huge demand for The made its way across 10 tickets meant that countries, including Japan, Australia, Fiji, So, as the Rugby World Cup year kicks off, every single match Argentina, South Africa, USA, China and the the ambition is that England will feel like went to ballot in UAE, as part of the Rugby World Cup 2015 a rugby nation throughout 2015 and that at least one price Trophy Tour, delivered in partnership with Rugby World Cup Limited, in partnership with category Land Rover and DHL, engaging with players, England Rugby 2015 and the RFU, will deliver fans, schools and rugby clubs as the world a tournament that both excites and inspires gets ready for a celebration of rugby in 2015. the nation while keeping rugby at its heart.

Domestic Trophy Tour 650,000 Below: Twenty nations are counting down to the start of In 2015 a nationwide domestic Trophy Tour Rugby World Cup 2015 in England Ticket applications will bring people across England, Scotland Above right: Charles Dance delivers a stirring team talk for the Pool A match in the RWC 2015 ticketing campaign film and Wales even closer to the event, rugby and Below right: Host city Newcastle began its countdown to between England RWC 2015 by lighting up the iconic Tyne Bridge and Australia at its character-building values.

5M+ 1.85M Ticket Tickets for applications RWC 2015 for RWC 2015 sold by the received in the end of 2014 17-day general sale window in September

20 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 RWC 2015 BY NUMBERS 460,000 Overseas visitors expected to come to the during RWC 2015 500,000+ The growth of users of the Rugby World Cup social media platforms in 2014 10,000 Interviews conducted around the host cities to determine the 6,000 volunteers required for ‘The Pack’

41 13 Number of Number of team bases venues to be that will used at RWC cater for the 2015 across 20 teams the 11 host during the cities tournament

21 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Stage set for global celebration of rugby England 2015 is set to be a very special and record-breaking global celebration of rugby as a stellar year ended with preparations well and truly on track to deliver the biggest and best Rugby World Cup to date

n every front, England 2015 will People make great events, and fans and exceed previous records. It will be players will be at the heart of England 2015. the best attended, most viewed, In an era of social networking, the event will RWC most socially engaged, biggest engage new audiences and strengthen the legacy-delivering and hopefully the most bond with existing fans through innovative competitive Rugby World Cup ever. initiatives. In 2014 alone, the Rugby World 2015 Cup social media platforms grew by more By the end of 2014, 75 per cent of tickets than 500,000 users. BY had been sold, official supporter tour sales NUMBERS had exceeded 2007 levels and the hospitality Competitive and compelling programme is on track to be the biggest for On the field, World Rugby’s investment any event hosted in the UK. strategy has been geared towards ensuring a 20,000+ competitive and compelling Rugby World Cup Rugby World Cup also continues to attract and 2015. An equitable match schedule, superb Record hours of live inspire new audiences. The global broadcast facilities and great venues will mean that the coverage to be broadcast in platform should see more than 20,000 20 teams have all they need to perform to their over 205 territories hours of coverage reach viewers in over 205 potential on rugby’s biggest stage. territories with an expanded footprint in Asia, underscoring the growth of the sport Legacy has been at the forefront of planning. 2,835 worldwide. IMPACT Beyond 2015, a collaboration between World Rugby, Rugby Europe and Most points ever scored in England 2015 is also on track to be the most the Union, is the most a single Rugby World Cup, in commercially successful tournament to comprehensive to date and is set to deliver 2003 in Australia date. The top level Worldwide Partners were sustainable benefits for the sport in England locked down in record time with record value, and throughout Europe with an ambition of underscoring the enormous appeal of the more than 500,000 new players attracted brand in the global sporting marketplace. and retained.

With the commercial programme accounting for 90 per cent of World Rugby’s revenues, this is great news for future investment in Above right: Manchester City Stadium will host Rugby rugby worldwide with the governing body World Cup 2015 matches Below right: Australian fans will be among the 460,000 investing more than £330 million between overseas visitors expected to come to the UK during 2009 and 2016. Rugby World Cup 2015

22 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

RWC 2015 BY NUMBERS 300 The match number in RWC history for the Pool D encounter between Ireland and at on 27 September 40 12 The age of The number of Uruguay years to have captain Diego passed since Ormaechea Uruguay last when he played played on the at RWC 1999, Rugby World making him the Cup stage oldest player to grace the tournament

23 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

The road to Rugby World Cup 2015 Uruguay claimed the 20th and final place at Rugby World Cup 2015 by beating Russia over two legs in the repechage final in October

he qualification process had ASIA (ARFU) begun 932 days earlier, when RWC 2019 hosts Japan lived up to their billing Mexico hosted Jamaica in March as favourites to qualify for England 2015 with 2012, and involved a record a seventh successive Asian 5 Nations title in 83 nations and 203 matches. Canada had May, beating , the , Korea become the first nation to emerge from and to take the Asia 1 place in the process in August 2013, with Georgia, Pool B. Hong Kong took it to the final match in Romania, USA, Japan, Fiji, Namibia and Tokyo, but try-bursts either side of half-time Uruguay following in their footsteps to book saw Japan to a 49-8 win. Hong Kong entered their places at England 2015. the repechage but saw their dreams ended with a 28-3 defeat by Uruguay. AFRICA (CAR) Namibia qualified for a fifth successive Rugby OCEANIA (FORU) World Cup by winning the Division Fiji will face hosts England in the opening match 1A in early July, although they did it the hard Rugby World Cup’s at Twickenham after beating the to way after losing their first match to Kenya in social media platforms claim the Oceania 1 berth in Pool A. The visitors Madagascar. That defeat put Namibia in the to Churchill Park did lead 6-5 as the half-hour last chance saloon, but they beat Official site mark approached, but a four-try burst made 24-20 and then overwhelmed Madagascar www.rugbyworldcup.com it 29-6 to the Fijians at half-time. Twelve more 89-10. That margin of victory proved decisive tries followed after the break with Nemani as Namibia qualified on points difference Nadolo completing his hat-trick as Fiji – the 83rd after they, Zimbabwe and Kenya all finished and final team to enter the qualification process on 10 points. Namibia joined Pool C, while Facebook – beat the Oceania Cup 2013 winners 108-6. Zimbabwe’s dream of a first RWC since 1991 www.facebook.com/rugbyworldcup was ended by Russia in the repechage. EUROPE (RUGBY EUROPE) Georgia and Romania continued their unbeaten AMERICAS (NACRA/CONSUR) run in the European Nations Cup 2014 to USA and Uruguay faced off in the Americas Twitter qualify with two rounds to spare, but it came 2 play-off in March to determine who would @rugbyworldcup down to their meeting in Tbilisi on 15 March join South Africa, , Scotland and to determine who would be Europe 1 and 2. the Asian qualifier in Pool B. The first leg in Georgia triumphed 22-9 before a 30,000 Montevideo ended in stalemate after Agustín crowd to secure a dream match against Ormaechea’s late try secured Uruguay a world champions New Zealand in Pool C, with 27-27 draw. A week later, in Atlanta, Uruguay Romania joining Pool D. Russia finished third to looked on course for an upset after leading stay in the qualification hunt and after a scare 13-3 at half-time, but the Eagles regrouped against they took Europe’s place in the and scored 29 unanswered points to emerge repechage, where they overcame Zimbabwe victorious, 59-40 on aggregate. 23-15 before Uruguay ended their hopes.

24 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 RWC 2015 QUALIFYING BY NUMBERS 9,876 Number of points scored in the RWC 2015 qualification process 83 Nations to have taken part in the biggest qualification process for a single Rugby World Cup 7 203 Number of Number of nations to matches in qualify for the RWC 2015 RWC 2015 in qualification 2014 (Georgia, process Romania, USA, Japan, Fiji, Namibia and Uruguay) 108 The points Fiji scored in their victory over the Cook 932 Islands The number of to qualify for days RWC 2015 as between the Oceania 1 first qualifier in Mexico City and the final one in Montevideo Top left: Uruguay will return to the RWC stage for the first time since 2003 From top: Nemani Nadolo scored a hat-trick for Fiji against the Cook Islands. Georgia beat Romania to secure a dream tie against New Zealand. USA celebrate after overcoming Uruguay to qualify as Americas 2 Left: Japan remain the only Asian side to grace the Rugby World Cup stage Above: Namibia battled back to qualify for a fifth succes- sive tournament

25 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour

In May, the Webb Ellis Cup embarked on a 12-month journey to showcase the game’s most iconic trophy to audiences around the world in the build-up to Rugby World Cup 2015

Above: Australia’s RWC 1999 winner Below: The Webb Ellis Cup at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai Right: took on boomerang expert LaddieTimberry in in the DHL Rugby vs the World Challenge Below right: , Martin Landajo and Tomás Cubelli

26 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

The miles that the Webb Ellis Cup flew around the world on 126,634 the Trophy Tour in 2014

elivered in partnership with Land Highlights from the Webb Ellis Cup’s travels In 2015 the Webb Ellis Cup will travel to Italy, Rover and DHL, the Rugby World in 2014 include mixing with more than 200 Romania, Canada, Germany and France Cup Trophy Tour is the first of its schoolchildren at the Minato Rugby School in before returning to England on 10 June to kind and has already touched Tokyo, boarding HMS Iron Duke in , start the domestic Trophy Tour and mark down in Japan, Australia, Fiji, Madagascar, paying a visit to Madagascan champions TFM exactly 100 days to go until the start of the South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, USA, UAE Ankasina’s training ground in Antananarivo, showpiece event. and China. visiting the New York Police Department Rugby Club in Central Park and being For more information on the Trophy Tour, From club and school visits to RWC 2015 serenaded by a Welsh choir at the British visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/trophy-tour qualifiers, the Trophy Tour has engaged with Consulate in Hong Kong. people from a wide range of different cultures and backgrounds, capturing the imagination of The Trophy Tour has also connected with thousands and inspiring people from all walks online audiences around the world, and of life to play and support the game of rugby. fans everywhere have been joining in this international celebration of the game by Each leg of the tour includes a visit to a uploading their favourite rugby photos to rugby club and school, a reception, a unique Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Vine using the activation delivered by the presenting hashtag #CelebratingRugby. partners and a visit to an iconic landmark.

Left: in New York Above: The Land Rover ‘Least Driven Path’ passes Mount Fuji Above: meets a sumo wrestler Below: Youngsters in Antananarivo, Madagascar, were excited by the visit of Below: Webb Ellis Cup in Montevideo the Trophy Tour

27 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

MATCH SCHEDULE

POOL A POOL B POOL C POOL D AUSTRALIA SOUTH AFRICA NEW ZEALAND FRANCE ENGLAND SAMOA ARGENTINA IRELAND WALES SCOTLAND I TA LY FIJI JAPAN GEORGIA CANADA U RUGUAY USA NAMIBIA ROMANIA

Fri Sep 18, 20:00 - Sat Sep 19, 16:45 - Community Stadium Sat Sep 19, 12:00 - Kingsholm Stadium Sat Sep 19, 14:30 - England v Fiji South Africa v Japan Tonga v Georgia Ireland v Canada

Sun Sep 20, 14:30 - Millennium Stadium Sun Sep 20, 12:00 - Brighton Community Stadium Sun Sep 20, 16:45 - Wembley Stadium Sat Sep 19, 20:00 - Twickenham Stadium Wales v Uruguay Samoa v USA New Zealand v Argentina France v Italy

Wed Sep 23, 16:45 - Millennium Stadium Wed Sep 23, 14:30 - Kingsholm Stadium Thu Sep 24, 20:00 - Olympic Stadium Wed Sep 23, 20:00 - Olympic v Fiji Scotland v Japan New Zealand v Namibia France v Romania

Sat Sep 26, 20:00 - Twickenham Stadium Sat Sep 26, 16:45 - Fri Sep 25, 16:45 - Kingsholm Stadium Sat Sep 26, 14:30 - Elland Road England v Wales South Africa v Samoa Argentina v Georgia Italy v Canada

Sun Sep 27, 12:00 - Villa Park Sun Sep 27, 14:30 - Elland Road Tue Sep 29, 16:45 - Sandy Park Sun Sep 27, 16:45 - Wembley Stadium Australia v Uruguay Scotland v USA Tonga v Namibia Ireland v Romania

Thu Oct 1, 16:45 - Millennium Stadium Sat Oct 3, 14:30 - Stadium MK Fri Oct 2, 20:00 - Millennium Stadium Thu Oct 1, 20:00 - Stadium MK Wales v Fiji Samoa v Japan New Zealand v Georgia France v Canada

Sat Oct 3, 20:00 - Twickenham Stadium Sat Oct 3, 16:45 - St James’ Park Sun Oct 4, 14:30 - Leicester City Stadium Sun Oct 4, 16:45 - Olympic Stadium England v Australia South Africa v Scotland Argentina v Tonga Ireland v Italy

Tue Oct 6, 20:00 - Stadium MK Wed Oct 7, 16:45 - Olympic Stadium Wed Oct 7, 20:00 - Sandy Park Tue Oct 6, 16:45 - Leicester City Stadium Fiji v Uruguay South Africa v USA Namibia v Georgia Canada v Romania

Sat Oct 10, 16:45 - Twickenham Stadium Sat Oct 10, 14:30 - St James’ Park Fri Oct 9, 20:00 - St James’ Park Sun Oct 11, 14:30 - Sandy Park Australia v Wales Samoa v Scotland New Zealand v Tonga Italy v Romania

Sat Oct 10, 20:00 - Manchester City Stadium Sun Oct 11, 20:00 - Kingsholm Stadium Sun Oct 11, 12:00 - Leicester City Stadium Sun Oct 11, 16:45 - Millennium Stadium England v Uruguay USA v Japan Argentina v Namibia France v Ireland

QF1 QF2 QF3 QF4 SAT OCT 17, 16:00 SAT OCT 17, 20:00 SUN OCT 18, 13:00 SUN OCT 18, 16:00 TWICKENHAM STADIUM MILLENNIUM STADIUM MILLENNIUM STADIUM TWICKENHAM STADIUM WINNER POOL B WINNER POOL C WINNER POOL D WINNER POOL A RUNNER-UP POOL A RUNNER-UP POOL D RUNNER-UP POOL C RUNNER-UP POOL B

SF1 BRONZE FINAL SF2 SAT OCT 24, 16:00 FRI OCT 30, 20:00 SUN OCT 25, 16:00 TWICKENHAM STADIUM O LYM P I C S TA D I U M TWICKENHAM STADIUM WINNER QF1 RUNNER-UP SF1 WINNER QF3 WINNER QF2 RUNNER-UP SF2 WINNER QF4

TOO BIG TO MISS FINAL FOR TICKETS GO TO SAT OCT 31, 16:00 TICKETS.RUGBYWORLDCUP.COM TWICKENHAM STADIUM # RWC2015 WINNER SF1 WINNER SF2

All matches are BST, except for those played on or after Oct 25 which are GMT (UTC). Subject to change. TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008.

28 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

VENUES

NEWCASTLE

LEEDS

MANCHESTER

LEICESTER

BIRMINGHAM

MILTON KEYNES GLOUCESTER WEMBLEY CARDIFF TWICKENHAM

STRATFORD

BRIGHTON

EXETER

N

W E

S

29 DON’T BE LET DOWN ONLY BUY TICKETS FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES: • REMAINING TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE NOW • OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY PACKAGES STILL AVAILABLE • TICKET-INCLUSIVE SUPPORTER TOUR PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT RUGBYWORLDCUP.COM/BUYOFFICIAL

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 1986. WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

The financial driving force behind rugby’s growth Rugby World Cup’s brand strength is delivering record investment into the game

ugby World Cup is one of the most So, what does this all mean for community and Below: Rugby World Cup is a thriving brand with a global popular and iconic tournaments elite rugby? The growing strength of Rugby footprint and strong values, as seen here in Madagascar on the major event calendar, World Cup means that World Rugby is able to bringing together the global rugby drive record investment into the game at all family for a six-week celebration of the sport levels, committing £330 million in the sport’s and its character-building values. development from 2009-16 to ensure that rugby can reach out, attract, inspire and retain Yet it is also the driving force behind the new players, fans and commercial partners. global development of rugby, generating nearly 90 per cent of the revenues distributed by World Rugby for the growth and sustainability of the sport across its 120 member unions.

Brands are attracted to Rugby World Cup because it is a modern, thriving brand with a truly global footprint and strong values. DON’T BE LET DOWN Indeed the Worldwide Partner programme for Rugby World Cup 2015 was locked down in record time and with record value, underscoring the prestige of the brand in the ONLY BUY TICKETS FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES: global sporting marketplace.

• REMAINING TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE NOW Long-term sponsorships and broadcast deals have also been complemented with new brands joining the portfolio of commercial partners, • OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY PACKAGES STILL AVAILABLE with Coca-Cola extending its partnership that stretches back to 1995 and Canon joining the • TICKET-INCLUSIVE SUPPORTER TOUR PACKAGES AVAILABLE sponsor family for the first time. Rugby World Cup’s ability to innovate and engage with fans through digital and social media and television production techniques FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT also makes the event a strong proposition for broadcasters. With broadcast contracts comprising roughly 60 per cent of World RUGBYWORLDCUP.COM/BUYOFFICIAL Rugby’s revenues, it is an important area for Rugby World Cup and the sport.

31

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 1986. RUGBY WORLD CUP BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Excitement as Japan prepares to host RWC 2019

Despite the fact that Rugby World Cup 2015 has not taken place yet, the countdown has already started for what will be another spectacular tournament four years later

he decision to take the game’s From Sapporo City in the north of the country pinnacle event to Japan created right down to Nagasaki and Kumamoto in the “Japan has a strong enormous excitement around the south, there is a genuine geographical spread history of delivering world and it will be the first time of proposed venues, meaning that fans will Asia has hosted a Rugby World Cup. be at the very heart of the event. There is also world-class sports a healthy mix of stadium capacities ranging events with an excellent The opportunity for rugby in Japan and from 80,000 in Tokyo to 15,000 at Kamaishi throughout the continent is enormous and City in the Iwate Prefecture. infrastructure, state- it is also being seen as a chance for cities all over the country to get involved. The full list of applicants: of-the-art venues and »» Sapporo City people who love to The venue selection process for RWC 2019 »» Iwate Prefecture and Kamaishi City is already a long way down the line. No »» Sendai City engage and be part of fewer than 15 cities the length and breadth »» Saitama Prefecture and Kumagaya City the celebration” of Japan have applied to host matches »» Tokyo and this demonstration of confidence and »» Shizuoka Prefecture Bernard Lapasset commitment has come as a huge boost to »» Aichi Prefecture and Toyota City the local organising committee. »» Osaka Prefecture and Higashi Osaka City »» Kyoto City With the submission phase of the bidding »» Kobe City process for the hosting of matches now »» Fukuoka City closed, each application will be closely »» Oita Prefecture assessed with the 10-12 successful cities »» Kumamoto Prefecture and Kumamoto City or prefectures being announced in the first »» Nagasaki Prefecture quarter of next year. »» Yokahama and Kanagawa Prefecture

Number of Japanese cities that have applied to host matches 15 during RWC 2019

32 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY WORLD CUP

“I am confident that despite any challenges each applicant may face, they will be up to the task. I am truly grateful for their interest in hosting Rugby World Cup 2019”

Akira Shimazu

For Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman their interest in hosting Rugby World Cup 2019. Bernard Lapasset, the enthusiasm being The host cities will be our full partners, and we shown by the Japanese cities came as a will select them in a fair and comprehensive welcome indication of how Japan is preparing process to ensure a Rugby World Cup that is to host World Rugby’s flagship tournament. successful nationwide and worldwide.” 80,000 Largest capacity stadium that “It is very encouraging for us to note the huge Japan Rugby 2019 was established as the has applied to host matches level of interest in Japan to host matches for tournament organiser for Rugby World Cup Rugby World Cup 2019,” he said. “The fact 2019. The board of JR 2019 is made up of that the tournament has the full backing of leading figures from the sports, business and local and national government is particularly government sectors of Japan and it is steering pleasing and it is essential for its success. Japan the delivery of the tournament, ensuring that has a strong history of delivering world-class all operational and legacy goals are delivered in sports events with an excellent infrastructure, line with the event strategic and master plan. 15,000 state-of-the-art venues and people who love to Smallest capacity stadium that engage and be part of the celebration.” Rugby World Cup is the financial engine has applied to host matches behind unprecedented investment and Planning for success growth in rugby worldwide. The net Rugby Chief Executive of Japan Rugby 2019 Akira World Cup surplus from the commercial Shimazu said: “The standards required to host success of France 2007 and New Zealand matches at Rugby World Cup are very high but, 2011 has enabled World Rugby to invest nevertheless, many local governments have more than £150 million in the game between submitted applications. I am confident that 2009 and 2012 and commit an anticipated despite any challenges each applicant may face, injection of more than £180 million between they will be up to the task. I am truly grateful for 2013 and 2016.

Far left: An artist’s impression of the National Stadium in Tokyo which will make its debut at Rugby World Cup 2019, a year before it is the centrepiece of the Olympic and Paralympic Games

33 34 WORLD IN UNION

IN THIS SECTION

36 Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 38 HSBC Sevens World Series review 39 Women’s Sevens World Series review 40 Sevens set to shine 42 World Rugby tournaments review 46 Game analysis

35 ww

WORLD IN UNION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Women’s rugby shines in the spotlight

If the last Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2010 was a huge success, then the 2014 edition in France propelled the women’s game to even greater heights, creating role models for young girls and putting the sport on the front page of newspapers

he standard of rugby on display champions New Zealand 17-14 in the pool the 2010 event in England – coming into the in the French capital from the 12 stages, handing the Black Ferns their first knockout stages with only England having participating teams had increased defeat on the World Cup stage since the 1991 lifted the trophy before. T significantly from four years semi-finals and stopping their unbeaten run ago. A number of enthralling matches had at 20 matches. The fact that France, the Women’s Six Nations fans simply describing them as great rugby winners earlier in the year, were matches, not feeling the need to quantify as Green army of fans still in the title hunt added to the excitement women’s rugby. Ireland’s victory was just reward for the hard and ensured that fans flocked to the Stade work put in by the team over the last couple Jean Bouin. However, the home fans went England may have ended a 20-year wait to be of years and earned them a first semi-final home disappointed after Canada came out crowned world champions again, banishing appearance, to the delight of their green army on top in a thrilling match. the heartbreak of three final defeats in a row, of fans, which had at times included national but first-time finalists Canada, host nation coach Joe Schmidt and fly-half Jonathan The final was no less of a nail-biter but France and Ireland also generated their own Sexton. England had over Canada. With so fair share of headlines. many of their players having experienced Their World Cup dream had been ended by World Cup heartbreak this century, they would Few will forget Magali Harvey’s length of England in the semi-finals but their victory return home as champions and very much in the field try in an end-to-end semi-final over the Black Ferns at Marcoussis will live demand over the months that followed. against France at the Stade Jean Bouin – one long in the memory of those lucky enough to which proved the difference come the final be there or watching around the world on live England may have been celebrating but all 12 whistle and earned her a nomination for the streaming or television. teams had played their part in the spectacle International Rugby Players’ Association Try of that was Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014. the Year 2014. There was an extra buzz around the The challenge now is to raise the bar again tournament – which was broadcast to a as the countdown is underway to the next Or the shockwaves that Ireland sent through record 167 countries and had 669 total hours tournament in 2017. the game by beating four-time defending of broadcast coverage, more than double

“England ended a 20-year wait to be crowned world champions again, banishing the heartbreak of three final defeats in a row”

36 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 WORLD IN UNION WRWC 2014 by numbers 1 Canada reached their first Women’s Rugby World Cup final, but lost 21-9 to England 20 20 Years between The run of England’s first New Zealand and second victories on Women’s the Women’s Rugby World Rugby World Cup titles Cup stage before they lost 17-14 to Ireland in France 40 Tries scored by 167 New Zealand The record at WRWC 2014, number of 16 more than countries champions reached via England match coverage broadcasting 669 Hours total broadcast coverage for tournament – a new record and more than double that for the 2010 event

37 WORLD IN UNION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Final push secures title for New Zealand

New Zealand claimed their 12th title in 15 years but the challenge they faced in the 2013-14 HSBC Sevens World Series was immense, particularly from South Africa

he All Blacks Sevens started well produced the same level of defence to win on Australia’s Gold Coast, beating at home in and reclaim top spot, their hosts in the final. Solid albeit only for a few weeks. In March, Fiji foundations set, but those were triumphed in Tokyo and, while New Zealand demolished by Fiji in the Dubai semi-finals finished fourth, South Africa’s runners-up spot weeks later, 44-0 their biggest ever loss in was enough to reclaim a two-point lead. sevens. Fiji went on to comfortably beat South Africa in the final. The challenge was extended – and how New Zealand responded in the final three rounds. If the Blitzboks fell short in Dubai, a week While the best South Africa could do in Hong later they inspired a nation mourning Nelson Kong was claim the second-tier Plate, the Mandela’s passing. The stars aligned in Port Kiwis stormed to victory against England and Elizabeth and in the stadium bearing Madiba’s snatched back a healthy lead in the standings name a stocky, blond-haired captain wearing – one they would never lose. In the European the number six held the trophy aloft finale to the series, the Boks again fell short in following a tight win against New Zealand – Glasgow and could only watch as New Zealand eerie echoes of 1995. overpowered first time Cup finalists Canada.

Las Vegas staged the first act of 2014 and They arrived in London as champions elect again it was the Blitzboks who beat New and rubber-stamped another superb season Zealand, this time to lead the series. They of consistency with a stunning 52-33 win over Official site conceded only 14 points in winning there Australia. Eighty-five points in 20 minutes: a www.worldrugby.org/sevens-series and a fortnight later the All Blacks Sevens fitting end to a supreme season.

Sevens World Series social media platforms

Twitter @worldrugby7s

Facebook www.facebook.com/worldrugby7s

38 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 WORLD IN UNION

New Zealand edge titanic battle

New Zealand may have successfully defended their Women’s Sevens World Series crown, but in 2013-14 they were pushed right to the final match of the final round by Australia

ustralia had set the tone for the the first time. While teams had encountered season at the opening round snow in Atlanta, they then headed to the in Dubai in November 2013, heat of São Paulo where it was Australia who stunning everyone watching by triumphed, beating their neighbours 24-12 turning around a 27-7 deficit early in the in the final. second half to beat New Zealand 35-27 to claim their first ever series Cup title. Next stop, in April, was China – and while New Zealand again overcame Australia in the title The Australians had finished fifth in the decider, it was another side making waves as inaugural series, but when the country’s Fiji stunned England and Russia to reach a first sevens programme was centralised at the Cup semi-final. This meant just two points Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen in separated the top two going into the final January 2014 the benefits were clear for all round in May, but New Zealand’s 29-12 win to see. Emilee Cherry was ultimately named over Australia in the final ensured it was them IRB Women’s Sevens Player of the Year after celebrating once more. a remarkable season which saw her finish as top try and points scorer. Four months later, the first Series qualifier was held with 12 teams in Hong Kong battling New Zealand bounced back from their Dubai for four core team places available for the heartbreak in Atlanta in February, sweeping following season. Fiji claimed the title, but aside Canada 36-0 in the final as the teams France, China and South Africa will join them prepared to play back-to-back events for at all six rounds of the 2014-15 series. Official site www.worldrugby.org/womens-sevens-series

Women’s Sevens World Series social media platforms

Twitter @worldrugby7s

Facebook www.facebook.com/worldrugby7s

39 WORLD IN UNION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Sevens stars set to collide in 2014-15

Men’s and women’s series both double as Olympic Games direct qualifiers

n the modern world of high events from which six more qualifiers in both performance, sports psychologists men’s and women’s will book their tickets often choose to eschew the to Rio. And for those still not on the plane, I measurables like speed and distance there’s a last chance saloon – one final global in favour of intangibles like momentum and repechage event in the first half of 2016 – confidence. to qualify as the 12th and final men’s and women’s teams. The Olympic sport of rugby sevens demonstrates speed and certainly travels Road to Rio distances in abundance, but undoubtedly All roads lead to Rio, and to Tokyo in 2020, most of all is benefiting from an irresistible and yet in truth rugby sevens has already force of momentum, an upward curve made its Olympic debut. With the dust propelling it onwards into its Olympic future. barely settled on the giant success of the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens The men’s Sevens World Series, embarking tournament in Glasgow, Nanjing hosted the on its 16th season, and the World Rugby latest Youth Olympic Games in August, where Women’s Sevens Series, now in its third Australia’s women and France’s men won instalment, together provide the constant gold, in doing so carving out their own special heartbeat of elite competition. Never before niche in rugby folklore. have they been more significant, or carried greater global appeal, than they do in 2015 This link with youth is an important one to “Rugby sevens will bring and 2016. make too because rugby sevens will bring a a youthful, playful vibe youthful, playful vibe to the Olympics. On the In the 2014-15 season both series double as field these are young athletes, undaunted by to the Olympics. On the direct qualifiers for the 2016 Olympic Games. the extreme physical demands of the game’s field these are young The top four ranked countries in each will shorter, lung-busting format. Off the field, book their places in Rio alongside the hosts fuelled by the intoxicating mix of sporting athletes, undaunted by Brazil, guaranteeing their places in history. drama and party vibe, the crowds around the For the men that journey will take in nine world help make rugby sevens the spectacle the extreme physical rounds across five continents, while for the and success that it is. demands of the game’s women an expanded season now visits six global stops. It is no wonder, in fact, that National Olympic shorter, lung-busting Committees and governments are now format” For those who miss out on top-four status, recognising new opportunities presented by the second half of 2015 brings regional hosting rugby sevens events, and backing

40 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 WORLD IN UNION

their national teams. While the heartlands without proving they are worthy of a place The 2014-15 season is the biggest yet by of international rugby will forever hold the and fit enough to stand up to the game’s far, but beyond that is where all of rugby’s sport’s character and principles dear, in truth aerobic requirements. Many a good 15s stars collide and sevens plays out to billions access for the sport to establish itself and player has tried and failed and it all points to on free-to-air television. And that is when real grow in other, younger markets was limited a very interesting couple of years. change will happen. before this Olympic boon.

Olympic ambition Even the most die-hard fan stateside wouldn’t have dared dream that full-time USA sevens players – men and women – would live, train and dine alongside other more vaunted athletes at the country’s Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. Never had the notion been entertained that rugby, in any form, could enter into schools’ curricula in either China or Russia. And yet all of these things are now becoming a reality.

Yes, throughout 2015 we are guaranteed fireworks as the best rugby sevens players try desperately to win a World Series, and book their countries’ places in Rio. And after 2015, after a giant Rugby World Cup, things will get “National Olympic Committees and governments even more interesting. Because only then will are now recognising new opportunities presented some of rugby’s household names – Habana, Fofana, Folau, Halfpenny and Sonny Bill – by hosting rugby sevens events, and backing their possibly look to ‘cross codes’ and tick off what national teams” must be another burning career ambition: to be an Olympian. Men’s and Teams will qualify for Rio women’s teams 2016 from the men’s and Will the sevens coaches take their requests will compete at women’s World Series in seriously? Yes. Will they be guaranteed places Rio 2016 2014-15 in their countries’ sevens teams? No. Not 12 4

41 WORLD IN UNION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886 World Rugby tournaments review

CONFERENCE WINNERS: Samoa and Japan

International Rugby Series Pacific Nations Cup 2014 Full results at www.worldrugby.org Full results at www.worldrugby.org/tournament/1273/results

WHEN: 1-23 November WHEN: 6-21 June

WHERE: North Wales, Vannes in France and throughout Europe WHERE: Fiji, Samoa, USA and Canada

WHAT: FINAL STANDINGS: A part of World Rugby’s aim of developing the game and improving Pacific Islands Conference: 1. Samoa 2. Fiji 3. Tonga the standard of competition for tier two nations, the International North American Conference: 1. Japan 2. USA 3. Canada Rugby Series was intended to increase competitiveness ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. LEADING POINTS SCORER: , Japan (36 points) THOSE INVOLVED: Canada, Fiji, Georgia, Japan, Namibia, , Romania, Samoa, WINNING RETURN: Tonga and USA were all in action throughout November. An 18-18 draw against Tonga and a first win over Fiji in Suva for 16 years proved enough for Samoa to take the Pacific Conference title on TONGA ON TOP: their return to the expanded competition after a one-year absence. Tonga were the only tier two side to record back-to-back victories in November. Having overcome Georgia 23-9 in Tbilisi the ‘Ikale Tahi ON CLOUD NINE: went to Kingsholm in Gloucester – home to their RWC 2015 tie against Japan extended their then-record run of test wins to nine with back- Georgia – and produced a second-half master-class to beat USA to-back victories against North American Conference rivals and 40-12. Elsewhere, Georgia finished the year with a 35-24 victory over tournament newcomers Canada and USA. the higher-ranked Japan in Tbilisi, and USA became the first recipients of the Pershing Cup with victory over Romania. DEBUT DELIGHT: Brett Thompson scored the match-winning try on his test debut for RECORD CROWD: USA, as neighbours Canada were beaten by the Eagles for the first A 61,500 crowd – three times the previous record attendance record time in eight attempts in the final match of the Pacific Nations Cup for a home USA international – turned out to see world champions 2014 in Sacramento. New Zealand beat the Eagles 74-6 at in . THEY SAID: THEY SAID: “The Pacific Nations Cup is an excellent opportunity for all “We’ve got to keep improving. To make the quarter-finals of the Rugby participating teams to play some tough, competitive test matches with World Cup, there’s a lot of hard work involved.” just over a year to go until Rugby World Cup 2015.” Eddie Jones, Japan head coach Mark Egan, World Rugby Head of Competitions and Performance

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WINNER: WINNERS: Argentina Jaguars RUNNER-UP: Romania RUNNER-UP: Georgia

Nations Cup 2014 Tbilisi Cup 2014 Full results at www.worldrugby.org Full results at www.worldrugby.org/tournament/1313

WHEN: 13-22 June WHEN: 14-22 June

WHERE: , Romania WHERE: Tbilisi, Georgia

FINAL STANDINGS: FINAL STANDINGS: 1. Emerging Ireland 2. Romania 3. Uruguay 4. Russia 1. Argentina Jaguars 2. Georgia 3. Emerging Italy 4.

OAKS FELLED: LEADING POINTS SCORER: Tournament debutants Emerging Ireland broke Romania’s hold on Juan Pablo Socino, Argentina Jaguars (39 points) the Nations Cup with a 31-10 victory over the host nation in the final round of matches. All-action Irish Robin Copeland was named NEW LOOK: player of the tournament for his consistently outstanding displays. Building on the success of the inaugural tournament in 2013, three new nations in the form of Argentina Jaguars, Emerging Italy and Spain LIGHTNING STRIKE: joined hosts Georgia in giving fringe test players and up and coming Trailing 66-0, Russia were spared further misery against Emerging youngsters the chance to test themselves in a highly competitive Ireland when a violent thunderstorm early in the second half forced environment. referee Ian Davies to abandon the match. CLEAN SWEEP: DRESS REHEARSAL: Wins over Emerging Italy (45-20) and Georgia (26-16) – after they With a RWC 2015 repechage meeting between the nations on the trailed initially – had put Argentina Jaguars in the driving seat before horizon, Uruguay’s match with Russia took on extra significance than the Tbilisi Cup title was sealed with a routine 41-7 win over Spain on just to avoid the . Winger Franco Lamanna scored the the final day. only try in a scrappy 13-6 win for Los Teros. TRYING TIMES: RECORD BREAKER: Forwards Adam Newton and Alejandro Blanco accounted for Spain’s Romania’s prolific goal-kicker became the highest points two tries in Tbilisi with their first scores in international rugby. scorer in Nations Cup history after surpassing Luciano Orquera’s previous best of 119 points. THEY SAID: “We’re really happy to win the trophy, it has been a good tournament THEY SAID: for us and a great experience for our players, especially the younger “Going on the performances we put in across the tournament, ones. My players now need to grow from this and use it as a platform hopefully there will be a few guys on the radar of Joe Schmidt and to push for senior honours.” ultimately on the plane to England 2015.” Bernardo Urdaneta, Jaguars head coach Johne Murphy, Emerging Ireland

43 WORLD IN UNION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

WINNER: England WINNER: Japan RUNNER-UP: South Africa RUNNER-UP: Tonga

Junior World Junior World

Championship 2014 Rugby Trophy 2014 Full results at www.worldrugby.org/ tournament/1227/results Full results at www.worldrugby.org/ tournament/1272/results

WHEN: 2-20 June WHEN: 7-19 April

WHERE: , New Zealand WHERE: Hong Kong

FINAL STANDINGS: FINAL STANDINGS: 1. England 2. South Africa 3. New Zealand 4. Ireland 5. Australia 1. Japan 2. Tonga 3. USA 4. Uruguay 5. Georgia 6. Namibia 6. France 7. Wales 8. Samoa 9. Argentina 10. Scotland 11. Italy 12. Fiji 7. Canada 8. Hong Kong

LEADING POINT SCORER: LEADING POINTS SCORER: Patricio Fernández, Argentina (73 points) Revaz Jinchvelashvili, Georgia (63 points)

CLOSE AFFAIR: FOURTH TIME LUCKY: The first final featuring two past winners saw England successfully After losing three finals in four years, Japan finally got their hands on defend their crown with a hard-fought 21-20 victory over 2012 the trophy following a 35-10 victory over first-time finalists Tonga. The champions South Africa at . win, by a side nicknamed Generation 2019 as it is expected to provide the nucleus of the Brave Blossoms team when the country hosts RWC HISTORY MAKERS: 2019, means that Japan will return to the elite tier of Under 20 rugby Ireland reached a first Junior World Championship semi-final after next year for the first time since 2009. topping Pool B but found England and New Zealand too hot to handle in the knockout stages. NARROW MISSES: Uruguay were unbeaten in the pool stages after beating Japan and RECORD-BREAKER: Namibia and drawing with 2013 runners-up Canada, but they still Australia wing Andrew Kellaway scored 10 tries, breaking the record missed out on the final. Japan finished top of Pool B by virtue of the two for the most tries in a single tournament (eight) held by All Blacks Zac bonus points they picked up in the opening 33-28 loss to Los Teritos. Guildford (2009) and Julian Savea (2010). STARS OF THE FUTURE STARS OF THE FUTURE: Half-backs Genki Okoshi and captain Rikiya Matsuda were at the heart of South Africa captain Handré Pollard made his test debut eight days Japan’s success and have a bright future ahead of them, while Georgia’s after the JWC 2014 final and then started five matches in The Rugby Murazi Giorgadze made his test debut just two months after the Trophy. Championship. Australia captain Sean McMahon was another who led by example in New Zealand and followed Pollard onto the test stage THEY SAID: in November. “This is a very important victory for our country. This is the next generation of players, the future of Japan rugby and I’m very proud THEY SAID: of the boys.” “I think the way we got here (to the final) was amazing and something Keisuke Sawaki, Japan coach the guys are going to remember for the rest of their lives, beating New Zealand in New Zealand twice is not something that happens every day.” Handré Pollard, South Africa captain

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WINNER: Argentina Pampas XV WINNER: Argentina Jaguars RUNNER-UP: Reds A RUNNER-UP: USA Select

Pacific Rugby Cup 2014 Americas Rugby Full results at www.worldrugby.org/ tournament/1308/results Championship 2014 WHEN: 21 February-23 March Full results at www.worldrugby.org/ tournament/1376/results WHERE: , Sydney, , and the Gold Coast, WHEN: 11-19 October Australia WHERE: Westhills Stadium in Langford, British Columbia, Canada TOP FOUR: 1. Argentina Pampas XV 2. A 3. 4. Tonga A FINAL STANDINGS: 1. Argentina Jaguars 2. USA Select 3. Canada A 4. Uruguay ALSO INVOLVED: The development teams from Australia’s remaining LEADING POINTS SCORER: franchises, A, ACT A and Gen Blue (NSW Waratahs), Patricio Fernández, Argentina Jaguars (25 points) along with Samoa A and . FIVE IN A ROW: EXCLUSIVELY AUSTRALIA: Eleven of the victorious side from 2013 were named in an Argentina Funded through the governing body’s strategic initiative programme, Jaguars squad that also boasted five players with recent Rugby the Pacific Rugby Cup 2014 was the ninth staging of the competition Championship experience. Bonus-point wins over USA Select and and the first to be held solely in Australia with 16 matches taking place Uruguay ensured the Jaguars had a fifth consecutive ARC title wrapped across 10 venues in five cities. up with a round to spare.

PAMPAS PRIDE: FLYING START: Argentina Pampas XV swept all before them to win the Pacific Rugby Jaguars speedster Franco Sábato must be a contender for the fastest Cup at the first time of asking. Four straight wins in the pool stages were try yet in the history of the Americas Rugby Championship after followed by a 36-21 win against Queensland Reds A – whose line-up scoring against Uruguay with just 25 seconds on the clock. included Nigel Genia, the younger brother of Wallabies scrum-half Will – in a captivating final at Eastwood Rugby Club in Sydney. STAR OF THE FUTURE: Previously uncapped USA Select winger Tim Stanfill, brother of captain END OF THE RUN: Louis, enjoyed a standout tournament with a of tries in wins The Pampas XV’s success in Australia ended the Fiji Warriors’ grip on the over Canada A and Uruguay. As a reward for his performances, Stanfill silverware, the team having won the last five Pacific Rugby Cup titles. was selected for all four of the Eagles’ November tests.

THEY SAID: STEPPING STONE: “It’s perhaps a bit less physical than the rugby at home or in the An important element in player development, the ARC provides locally Cup in South Africa where we have been playing, but here the based players in Canada, USA, Argentina and Uruguay with a step up rugby is much quicker. We’ve now got experience in all of these styles from domestic competition. and that’s good for our development.” Martín Landajo, Pampas XV scrum-half THEY SAID: “For us, the ARC is an important step before the World Cup but is also an opportunity to see young players that will be the core of our national team from 2016 onwards.” Emiliano Caffera, Uruguay assistant coach

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3 Average points margin between England and Canada in 2014 Game analysis Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 in France was a seminal moment for the global game

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Strategic Investment Programme highlights Other encouraging factors that emerged during the year came out of the World Rugby Strategic Investment Programme, which provides an enhanced level of competitive fixtures for the participating unions with the aim of producing improved performance by tier two teams as RWC 2015 approaches.

In 2014, there were a number of positive outcomes:

»» Several tier two teams continued the process of being more competitive against tier one opposition »» Samoa defeated Italy during the June window, thereby continuing their run of success in beating them in five of their last six encounters »» Fiji also defeated Italy in June »» Canada lost by two points to Scotland in June »» USA lost to Scotland by six points in June »» Japan continued their successful run in 2014 by beating Italy in June. They also beat four of their five tier two opponents »» Georgia won six of their seven matches against tier two opposition »» Romania showed a major improvement, winning six of their eight matches against tier two opponents »» The Pacific Nations Cup proved to be hugely competitive with five of the six matches having a victory margin of 10 points or less

n the past, the tournament has been Canada, the margin was just six points until It was also encouraging to see Australia and dominated by two teams – New the Red Roses scored a second try. USA producing competitive performances Zealand and England. These teams against the leading five teams with the I have contested the last three finals In 2014, the average points margin when Women’s Eagles narrowly losing to Ireland and and while England emerged as champions in these top teams played each other was Australia coming close to beating France. 2014, three other teams – Ireland, Canada three points, in sharp contrast to that of 21 and France – showed that they could also points in 2010. One consequence of the emergence of more compete at the top level. competitive teams at the top level, however, Challenge for the future has been greater winning margins in matches Ireland ended New Zealand’s 20-match While four-time defending champions New played between teams at opposite ends of unbeaten run with a 17-14 win in the pool Zealand lost just one game at France 2014, the standings. The challenge for women’s stages, while Canada drew with England and they were eliminated from the semi-finals rugby therefore is not only to maintain and reached the final and France lost to Canada as a result of the draw between England and develop the increasing competitiveness of but then beat Ireland to finish third. Canada, which meant that Canada finished the leading teams, but to encourage and as the best runner-up. The Black Ferns promote the enthusiasm exhibited by all With seven minutes to go in a highly therefore only played one match against the teams that participated in the tournament so competitive final between England and top four teams. that the competitive net is widened.

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IN THIS SECTION

50 Mapping the game’s global growth 52 Growing the Game conference 53 Get Into Rugby 54 Around the regions in 2014 57 Investment highlights 58 IMPACT Beyond 59 Regions at the heart of rugby’s growth 60 Exciting times for women’s rugby 62 Training and education 63 Research corner

49 INSPIRING PARTICIPATION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886 120 COUNTRIES 7.23m PLAYERS Rugby is now played in more countries around the world than ever before, boosted by record

funding through the World Rugby Development Union (entry year) Registered players Total players (1991) 297 3,144 Programme (£8.23m), Regional Tournament (1992) 1,064 1,389 (2004) Associate member Funding (£3.82m) and High Performance (1988) 10,842 18,868 Bosnia & Herzegovina (1996) 814 1,006 Programme (£10.68m) (1992) 1,872 2,005 (1992) 1,391 2,591 (1988) 3,926 12,031 (2014) Associate member (1988) 2,284 4,546 England (1890) 340,347 2,057,797 (2001) 577 3,631 France (1978) 291,202 383,757 Georgia (1992) 7,113 7,394 Germany (1988) 10,777 24,649 (2009) 1,409 1,569 (1991) 2,783 6,678 Ireland (1886) 96,880 172,491 (1988) 1,009 5,459 Italy (1987) 82,143 82,143 (1991) 960 1,562 (1992) 1,827 5,129 (1991) 918 2,244 (2000) 2,400 20,500 (1994) 3,432 3,690 (1998) 368 1,397 (1988) 11,062 32,462 (1993) 655 7,374 (1988) 7,318 20,028 Portugal (1988) 6,683 42,333 Romania (1987) 7,605 14,525 Russia (1990) 23,800 31,398 Scotland (1886) 49,305 164,231 (1988) 2,141 3,256 (1996) 317 331 Spain (1988) 30,531 53,687 (1988) 3,579 4,404 Switzerland (1988) 3,969 4,939 (1992) 1,610 3,905 Wales (1886) 73,444 73,444 Union (entry year) Registered players Total players Total players 1,088,654 3,281,987 Bahamas (1994) 365 385 Barbados (1995) 490 519 Bermuda (1992) 690 942 British Virgin Islands (2001) Associate member Canada (1987) 26,883 132,429 Cayman (1997) 365 2,456 (1995) 375 525 Jamaica (1996) 1,526 3,345 Mexico (2006) 3,647 12,519 St Lucia (1996) Associate member St V & the Grenadines (2001) 1,344 1,566 Trinidad & Tobago (1992) 1,308 1,308 USA (1987) 110,385 1,449,389 Total players 147,378 1,605,383

Union (entry year) Registered players Total players Argentina (1987) 56,998 133,062 Brazil (1995) 5,403 54,542 (1991) 2,300 18,686 (1999) 2,149 15,810 Costa Rica (2014) Associate member 2.6m (1989) 2,402 3,402 (1999) 1,660 9,263 Registered players Uruguay (1989) 6,069 9,269 (1998) 1,129 3,392 4.63m 1.76 m Total players 78,110 247,426 Non registered players Female players

50 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 INSPIRING PARTICIPATION

COUNTRIES Mapping the global popularity of rugby 102Member Unions

Union (entry year) Registered players Total players Andorra (1991) 297 3,144 Austria (1992) 1,064 1,389 Azerbaijan (2004) Associate member 18 Belgium (1988) 10,842 18,868 Associate Unions Bosnia & Herzegovina (1996) 814 1,006 Bulgaria (1992) 1,872 2,005 Croatia (1992) 1,391 2,591 Czech Republic (1988) 3,926 12,031 Cyprus (2014) Associate member Denmark (1988) 2,284 4,546 England (1890) 340,347 2,057,797 Finland (2001) 577 3,631 France (1978) 291,202 383,757 Georgia (1992) 7,113 7,394 Germany (1988) 10,777 24,649 Greece (2009) 1,409 1,569 Hungary (1991) 2,783 6,678 Ireland (1886) 96,880 172,491 Israel (1988) 1,009 5,459 Union (entry year) Registered players Total players Italy (1987) 82,143 82,143 (2013) Associate member Latvia (1991) 960 1,562 (2004) Associate member Lithuania (1992) 1,827 5,129 China (1997) 6,000 58,000 Luxembourg (1991) 918 2,244 Chinese Taipei (1988) 5,550 6,740 Malta (2000) 2,400 20,500 (1998) 1,133 1,157 Moldova (1994) 3,432 3,690 Hong Kong (1988) 13,107 21,307 Monaco (1998) 368 1,397 (1999) 9,945 37,835 Netherlands (1988) 11,062 32,462 (2008) 0 685 Norway (1993) 655 7,374 (2010) Associate member Poland (1988) 7,318 20,028 Japan (1987) 107,673 115,223 Portugal (1988) 6,683 42,333 (1997) 3,093 4,070 Romania (1987) 7,605 14,525 Korea (1988) 2,383 5,281 Russia (1990) 23,800 31,398 Kyrgystan (2004) Associate member Scotland (1886) 49,305 164,231 (2004) Associate member Serbia (1988) 2,141 3,256 (1988) 50,103 55,103 Slovenia (1996) 317 331 (2004) Associate member Spain (1988) 30,531 53,687 (2004) 4,450 9,263 Sweden (1988) 3,579 4,404 Philippines (2004) 1,601 4,746 Switzerland (1988) 3,969 4,939 Singapore (1989) 9,190 27,530 Ukraine (1992) 1,610 3,905 Sri Lanka (1989) 47,071 74,099 Wales (1886) 73,444 73,444 (1989) 11,500 12,450 Total players 1,088,654 3,281,987 United Arab (2012) 3,180 7,680 Uzbekistan (2004) 734 934 Total players 276,713 442,103

Union (entry year) Registered players Total players Botswana (1994) 9,635 9,805 Burundi (2004) Associate member Cameroon (1999) 4,900 6,150 Ghana (2004) Associate member Ivory Coast (1998) 1,813 2,858 Kenya (1990) 13,340 29,707 Madagascar (1998) 20,601 27,822 Mali (2004) Associate member Mauritania (2003) Associate member Mauritius (2004) 614 728 Union (entry year) Registered players Total players Morocco (1988) 4,899 4,899 American Samoa (2005) 394 394 Namibia (1990) 11,610 11,850 Australia (1949) 230,663 615,809 Nigeria (2001) 700 800 Cook Islands (1995) 1,741 1,968 Rwanda (2004) Associate member Fiji (1987) 65,980 156,140 Senegal (1999) 6,704 10,604 New Zealand (1949) 148,483 148,483 South Africa (1949) 342,316 418,509 Niue Islands (1999) 130 410 Swaziland (1998) 10,245 18,097 (1993) 17,516 20,473 Tanzania (2004) Associate member Samoa (1988) 20,845 20,845 Togo (2004) Associate member (1999) 8,553 10,718 Tunisia (1988) 18,090 23,398 Tahiti (1994) 1,496 1,535 Uganda (1997) 19,964 20,811 Tonga (1987) 13,968 48,366 Zambia (1995) 11,950 12,560 (1999) 1,215 1,715 Zimbabwe (1987) 22,865 33,935 Total players 510,590 1,026,462 Total players 500,246 632,533 51 INSPIRING PARTICIPATION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Innovative conference designed to grow the game The inaugural Growing the Game development conference took place in London in November

he event brought together de Rugby and Chairman of World Rugby’s representatives of more than Regional Advisory Committee Abdelaziz “Rugby will continue to 50 member unions from all six Bougja (pictured) said: “Get Into Rugby has grow and strengthen regional associations with the been an enormous success with so many aim of sharing ideas and best practice in this people having been introduced to the game around the world. important area of the global game. It was an for the first time. Working together we opportunity for the rugby family from many of the most ambitious and innovative unions “World Rugby is building partnerships, can safeguard the to come together to learn, to teach, to avail establishing strong links and forging future of rugby and of networking opportunities and to build relationships to make sure that those relationships all designed to make rugby even hundreds of thousands of new, young players its unique values for stronger around the world. that have just started to get to know rugby, stay in the game. generations to come” With World Rugby leading the way, and with Abdelaziz Bougja the full support of the regional associations, “World Rugby is determined to continue the game is growing like never before in its growing the game in partnership with the long and proud history. Through Get Into regional associations, the unions and, in many Rugby (GIR) and other mass-participation cases, government agencies. Our mission is to programmes, there are more than seven make sure rugby is at the forefront of all that is million people playing the sport around the good about international sport. If we do that, world. That is compared with less than five rugby will continue to grow and strengthen million just five years ago. around the world. Working together we can safeguard the future of rugby and its unique Successful strategies values for generations to come.” The conference included a range of presentations, discussions, workshops and There were some key recommendations question-and-answer sessions designed to emerging from the conference around the reveal more about development strategies need for continued support and leadership that have been successful in different parts to increase implementation of the Get Into of the world and what lessons can be learned Rugby programme, how unions and regions and applied elsewhere. can look to generate sponsorship and their own support for GIR, and how unions can Among the presenters were representatives progress to implementation of the ‘stay’ from such diverse rugby nations as USA, phase of the programme and obtain the tools Senegal, Mexico, Laos, Romania, Tonga, Brazil to do so. and many more. There were also discussions on how to grow women’s rugby, how to make In his closing address, World Rugby Vice the most of the boost provided by Olympic President Oregan Hoskins said that the inclusion and how to promote the game governing body was very encouraged by the Member through the media. great work by its member unions and would unions from all six regional produce a report and action plan following the associations Speaking at the start of the conference, conference on the recommendations so they 50 attended President of the Confédération Africaine can be progressed.

52 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 INSPIRING PARTICIPATION

The world continues to Get Into Rugby Get Into Rugby, World Rugby’s mass-participation programme, has gone from strength to strength during 2014 and is growing day by day

n partnership with its member Since its launch in early 2013, Get Into unions and six regional Rugby has been a huge success and so far associations, World Rugby is there have been 485,000 participants in bringing the game to hundreds of the programme with more than one-third thousands more people and, with it, rugby’s of them being female. GIR is being delivered character-building values of integrity, in around 1,300 locations across more than passion, discipline, respect and solidarity. 100 active unions. In addition, there are now more than 11,500 coaches, teachers This free-to-access programme is designed and referees trained to deliver to assist both member and non-member the programme. unions to grow their player base, and the Get Into Rugby (GIR) website provides Many of the unions have already moved coaches and teachers with the resources from the ‘try’ and ‘play’ phases of the and information to introduce children to programme and into the ‘stay’ section. the game and encourage them to try, play As such, they are leaving the lasting and stay in rugby. There is now a GIR app legacy of an increased player base for download which further assists in the that will forge real and sustainable delivery of the programme. growth throughout the world.

Official site getintorugby.worldrugby.org WORLD IN UNION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Around the regions in 2014

AFRICA ASIA Many highs for African rugby in 2014 Rugby’s golden year in Asia

The Africa Cup Division 1A tournament in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Asia hosted a number of key global events in 2014, including drew in crowds of 25,000 on each of the three match days. They sevens’ debut at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, where hosts were treated to a fiercely contested four-way battle between eventual China won a bronze in the women’s event, and the IRB Junior World winners Namibia, runners-up Zimbabwe, Kenya and the host nation. Rugby Trophy in Hong Kong in April. Japan beat Tonga 35-10 in the final of the latter to return to the elite tier in 2015. IMPACT Beyond Namibia were rewarded with the Africa 1 place at RWC 2015 as a programmes were run at both tournaments, including Get Into result of their better points difference after three sides finished level Rugby clinics and school visits. on points, while Zimbabwe’s hopes of joining them in England were dashed when they were beaten 23-15 by Russia in the repechage play- There were three stops on the ARFU Sevens Series for men and two for off in Siberia. Tafadzwa Chitokwindo’s superb 90-metre try a minute women in 2014 with Hong Kong and China claiming the overall titles. from time ensured they at least bowed out in spectacular fashion. China’s women also secured core team status for the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in 2014-15, six months after Japan’s men had Off the field, World Rugby’s Get Into Rugby initiative introduced 80,000 won the HSBC Sevens World Series qualifier. African youngsters to the sport. Meanwhile, in April, representatives from nine different countries discussed a wide range of topics It was also a record-breaking year for Japan in 15s with a seventh surrounding the development of the women’s game at a conference successive Asian 5 Nations title and qualification for RWC 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya. secured amid an 11-test unbeaten run that took the Brave Blossoms to their highest ever position of ninth in the World Rugby In 2015, the regional association will change its name from the Rankings in November. Confédération Africaine de Rugby to Rugby Afrique.

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Photography: René Tobón

CONSUR FORU Sevens fever builds in region Oceania welcomes a number of firsts

World Rugby welcomed its first member union from Central America in Get Into Rugby launched in Oceania this year after being piloted in May when Costa Rica joined as an associate member. Central America Tonga in late 2013. Some 24,000 boys and girls participated in the also had its first women’s sevens championship in 2014 with hosts programme across 13 unions in 2014 – 41 per cent of them girls. In Costa Rica beating El Salvador in the final of the four-team tournament. tandem with the Pacific in Union Partnership with the Australian and Australian Government, nearly 60,000 boys and girls took With sevens to make its debut at Rio 2016, the sport in the region has part in an organised junior programme this year. received a boost with it now – along with beach rugby – included in every multi-sport games. Argentina’s men and Brazil’s women retained The region’s first Sports Science and Sports Medicine workshop was their CONSUR Sevens crowns with victory at the ODESUR Games, while held in Fiji in January, assembling the medical and sports science Colombia completed the double at the CACSO Games. practitioners from unions to discuss and share ideas around player welfare. Another first was the hosting of a regional sevens academy Off the field, a Pan-American high performance sevens workshop in Canberra to help Cook Islands and American Samoa prepare for the was held in April, which involved 25 unions and was supported by Sevens World Series qualifying tournament in March. their respective National Olympic Committees. Women’s rugby is also growing in the region and in December 45 delegates attended a On the pitch, Fiji qualified for RWC 2015 with a 108-6 win over Cook workshop aimed at strengthening their structures to facilitate growth. Islands, while Samoa played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 in France. The Fijiana secured core team status on the World Rugby World Rugby’s Get Into Rugby programme also attracted record Women’s Sevens Series by winning the qualifier in September, numbers when it launched in Brazil, and CONSUR’s commitment to while the Oceania Sevens Championship was the biggest and most keeping the game clean was evident in an anti-doping education successful ever with 19 teams – 12 men’s and seven women’s. Fiji won drive spearheaded by legend and World Rugby anti-doping the men’s crown and New Zealand the women’s in Noosa, Australia. ambassador Felipe Contepomi.

55 WORLD IN UNION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

RUGBY EUROPE NACRA A new name for rugby in Europe A year of firsts in North America

The highlight of 2014 was the rebrand of the regional association to One standout in North American rugby in 2014 was Canada’s passage Rugby Europe. to a first Women’s Rugby World Cup final in France. They lost 21-9 to England, but full-back Magali Harvey was named the IRB Women’s On the field, there was plenty to celebrate, including Georgia’s Player of the Year after an outstanding tournament. She was later European Nations Cup success to qualify with Romania for RWC nominated for the IRPA Try of the Year for her length of the field effort 2015, while the Netherlands won the Women’s European Trophy and against France in the semi-finals. Russia’s women and France’s men the sevens’ crowns. England’s next generation won the men’s and women’s Under 18 titles, before the In November, a record crowd of 61,500 packed into Soldier Field in Under 20s successfully defended their Junior World Championship Chicago to see the USA Eagles face world champions New Zealand. crown in New Zealand. Although the All Blacks were convincing winners, the attention generated by the match can only help rugby to grow in the USA. Away from it, Get Into Rugby was a focal point with 54,000 girls and 89,000 boys taking part in activities across 36 countries in 2014. NACRA welcomed a new member in the Dominican Republic, while Rugby Europe have now employed a manager to coordinate these the new union programme has seen them, along with Cuba and Haiti, projects. Training and education prioritised player welfare in 2014, make progress with their National Olympic Committees. Another while sevens was a focal point as Rio 2016 approaches with courses first saw the Central American and Caribbean CACSO Games include held around the region. women’s sevens with Colombia claiming the gold medal.

With RWC 2015 taking place in England next year, Europe will be the focus and 2014 saw the Unity Project continue to develop. The outreach programme, involving 17 European unions, saw scoping and visits take place between the unions and the RFU.

56 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 WORLD IN UNION

Building for New the future union World Rugby High World Rugby focus Performance Programmes Development Programmes Our High Performance 15s initiatives were a Rugby has grown from 2.6m players in 2007 Uzbekistan significant factor in RWC 2011 being the most to more than 7m in 2014. As rugby expands, The Uzbekistan Rugby Federation became competitive tournament to date. The focus its core values must be respected and its a full member union of World Rugby in of the investment programme in 2014, the quality raised. World Rugby is working in May, having been an associate member second year of the current funding cycle, was partnership with regional associations and since November 2004. Rugby is growing in to help the high performance tier two unions unions to develop and implement campaigns Uzbekistan with around 350 active adult implement agreed strategies, plans and to promote the values of the game and players (pictured below) and 250 youth budgets to optimise RWC 2015 performance, adherence to the playing charter. Together, players in the country. The national team which we hope will enable the tournament to World Rugby and its members are working to reached the Asian 5 Nations Division III West surpass its predecessor for competitiveness. establish quality programmes and pathways, final in 2014, losing 20-19 to . while also seeking to maximise the benefits of Our union programmes focused on 10 key rugby’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. Costa Rica pillars of high performance investment, The Federación de Rugby de Costa Rica was including the daily training environment, In 2014, to help achieve these objectives, granted associate member status in May, athlete welfare and sports science, which World Rugby continued to improve the suite becoming the first World Rugby member aid the nurturing and development of of development services and programmes union from Central America. Rugby is growing high quality international squads and on offer. This was led by the flagship mass in Costa Rica: they won the first Central management teams. participation programme Get Into Rugby American Sevens women’s event in 2014 and with its try, play and stay modules, now their men’s 15s team beat Guatemala in the In our 2014 high performance competitions, operational in 137 territories and with more CONSUR Division C Championship final. the Pacific Nations Cup was trialled in two than 500,000 participants. World Rugby’s conferences, which saw Japan win the North development programmes also include Cyprus American Conference and Samoa win the IMPACT Beyond for event maximisation, The Cyprus Rugby Federation was granted Pacific Islands Conference, while Emerging Leading Rugby for union best practice, plus associate member status in November, just Ireland won the Nations Cup. Argentina’s women’s rugby (including women’s and days after the Cyprus national team, known representative teams participated in and won girls’ initiatives specifically linked to Get Into as the Moufflons, had seen their 24-match the Pacific Rugby Cup, the Tbilisi Cup and Rugby and IMPACT Beyond), new union unbeaten run – dating back to November defended the Americas Rugby Championship. development and Olympic related initiatives. 2008 – come to an end with a 39-20 loss All of the RWC 2015 qualified high to Latvia in the European Nations Cup performance tier two nations were supported These services and programmes complement 2016 Division 2B. There are currently 250 with funding for a comprehensive November the ongoing member union and regional registered and 880 unregistered players in tour programme. association grants programme, which bands Cyprus. unions into seven levels based on current We are also developing initiatives for men’s and potential growth and performance. World Rugby now has 120 member unions, and women’s sevens and women’s 15s. Our The programme targets investment and 102 full members and 18 associate main investment priority in 2014 was to technical support on seven key pillars of rugby members. expand the Women’s Sevens Series to six organisational development: from governance tournaments, which was confirmed with the and administration, to participation, training inclusion of an additional leg in London for and education, competitions, performance the 2014-15 series. and women’s rugby.

In 2015, we will continue to work with our David Carrigy, World Rugby Head of unions to ensure that they have world-class Development and International Relations High Performance planning and monitoring tools in place, to deliver the best possible outcomes from this important area of investment. “As rugby expands, its core values must be respected Mark Egan, World Rugby Head of Competitions and Performance and its quality raised”

57 WORLD IN UNION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

IMPACT Beyond This World Rugby programme aims to maximise major rugby events to develop the game and enable more people around the world to participate and enjoy the sport

MPACT Beyond programmes will be run alongside all major World Rugby events and will focus on I development, participation, coaching, volunteering and business programmes to further support global growth.

IMPACT Beyond focuses on key sports and business pillars in order that unions are able to attract and support participation growth while growing sustainable business models for the sport. International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and World Rugby President Bernard Lapasset meet The key aims for both strands are: players at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games

Sport In 2014, the IMPACT Beyond programme was »» Increase participation successfully implemented around the IRB »» Develop stronger unions Junior World Rugby Trophy in Hong Kong in »» Promote age-grade festivals and April and the IRB Junior World Championship competition programme in New Zealand in June, where Get Into Rugby, »» Develop the volunteer infrastructure Rugby Ready and development workshops »» Ensure the tournament develops the game were delivered to unions in the Asia Pacific in the host union region.

Business Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 in France »» Develop union communication tools in August focused on each of the 12 »» Develop union commercial capacity participating unions developing their own »» Develop regional broadcast strategies IMPACT Beyond programme to develop women’s rugby. There are now 1.7 million Rugby World Cup 2015 presents a major women playing the game and these 12 opportunity to develop the game with the unions are leading the way in developing aim of growing the game worldwide, but women’s rugby. specifically in England and Europe. World Rugby is working in close partnership with the Extensive work continues with the and UK Sport to prepare development of the Impact programme in for the Unity Project. The aim of the Unity Asia to boost the game in the build up to Project is to ensure that the legacy of RWC RWC 2019, the first Rugby World Cup to take 2015 leads to the development of the game place in the region. The aim is to grow the across Europe, in partnership with 28 areas in game and increase the profile of rugby in this England and 17 unions in Europe. region.

“The aim of the Unity Project is to ensure that the legacy of RWC 2015 leads to the development of the game across Europe”

58 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 WORLD IN UNION Regions at the heart of rugby’s growth Member unions and regional associations are contributing to increased participation

ugby has never been more President of CAR and Chairman of the popular than it is today. More Regional Advisory Committee Abdelaziz people are playing the game in Bougja said: “With World Rugby leading the “We can now say that R more countries than ever before way, and with the support of the regional there are 7.23 million and those numbers are rising. World Rugby’s associations, the game is growing like never mission statement is to grow the game before in our long and proud history. In all, people playing the globally and its member unions and regional we can now say that there are 7.23 million sport around the world, associations are central to the strategy. people playing the sport around the world, compared with less than five million just five compared with less than At the core of this growth is World Rugby’s years ago. It is a huge leap forward and a five million just five years mass-participation programme Get Into great boost for rugby.” Rugby (GIR), which has enjoyed spectacular ago. It is a huge leap success since its introduction. This free-to- In addition, the impact of Rugby World Cup access programme is designed to assist and the decision in 2009 to include sevens forward and a great unions to grow their player base and the GIR in the programme for the Olympic Games boost for rugby” website provides coaches and teachers with 2016 in Rio and 2020 in Tokyo are also major the resources and information to introduce contributors to this growth. Abdelaziz Bougja children to the game and encourage them to try, play and stay in rugby. With 2015 being a Rugby World Cup year, the focus for the next 12 months and beyond will More women than ever be on maximising the positive effect of that Since its launch in early 2013, there have tournament, both in the host nation England been 485,000 participants in the programme and in the 200 territories across the globe with more than one third of them female. GIR where the matches will be broadcast. is being delivered in around 1,200 locations in more than 100 unions. In addition, With World Rugby determined to keep there are now more than 11,500 coaches, growing the game in partnership with all six teachers and referees trained to deliver the regional associations, the unions and, in many programme. cases, government agencies, the game looks set to remain at the forefront of all that is good about international sport.

People playing rugby around 7.23M the world 11,500 Coaches , teachers and referees trained to deliver the Get Into Rugby programme

59 INSPIRING PARTICIPATION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Women’s rugby review A wonderful year for women’s rugby was capped in November when Nathalie Amiel, Gill Burns, Patty Jervey, Carol Isherwood, Farah Palmer and Anna Richards became the first women to be 2014 inducted into World Rugby’s Hall of Fame

ll six former internationals, who The Leading Women’s Rugby Development boast well over 250 caps and programme has also been introduced in nine World Cup winners’ medals Africa and South America in 2014 with 1.7 A between them, have contributed workshops held to help delegates grow the greatly to the development of the women’s game in their respective countries. million game and continue to do so in a landscape  that has changed dramatically since the Another key driver for growing participation Female rugby pioneering days of the early 1980s. outside of the traditional rugby-playing players nations is the Get Into Rugby programme, With rugby set to return to the Olympic Games which has achieved notable successes in worldwide and the record-breaking Women’s Rugby introducing girls to the sport in countries World Cup 2014 still fresh in the memory there like Tonga, Colombia and Laos. It is now is a sense of real optimism in women’s rugby. estimated that more than 1.7 million females This feel-good factor is being underpinned by a play rugby worldwide. number of World Rugby initiatives. 30-year celebration Delegates from each of the participating In terms of tournament success, England unions got together in Paris on the eve of the were not the only team celebrating in the final between eventual champions England 15s format in 2014. France won their first and Canada to discuss best practice in key Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam since 2005 areas such as participation and promotion and Kazakhstan successfully defended their as part of the Impact Beyond WRWC 2014 Asian Women’s Championship crown in Hong programme. Kong. Special mention goes to Sweden, who celebrated 30 years as a test-playing nation Examples of projects in those WRWC 2014 in October with an anniversary match against participating unions include: the Netherlands, their first opponents in 1984. »» In New Zealand the flexibility afforded by a tournament-based approach – as In sevens, the number of tournaments played opposed to a season-long league system – globally continues to increase year by year has helped bring new players, particularly following the sport’s inclusion in the Olympic resident Pacific Islanders, to the women’s Games. Australia’s women claimed the first game. gold medal in an official International Olympic »» In Ireland, the ‘Give it a Try’ programme has Committee event when they won the Youth seen significant gains made in the Under Olympic Games in Nanjing. China edged out 12 age group. Japan to become Asian Games champions,

60 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 INSPIRING PARTICIPATION

Far left: Helen O’Reilly became an elite panel referee Left: Kazakhstan successfully defended their Asian Women’s Championship title and also took part in the Asian Games in 2014

Colombia won the first Central American and an elite panel referee. Meanwhile, Caribbean Sports Association Games (CASCO) Sweden’s Madeleine Lahti became 6 women’s gold medal and Mexico took the the first female appointed to the Women North America Caribbean Rugby Association Executive Committee of Rugby inducted into (NACRA) title. Europe, while Colleen de Jong and Wang Shao Ing joined the CAR World Rugby’s Just as the final whistle was about to be blown and ARFU Executive Committees Hall of Fame on a truly remarkable year Ireland’s Helen respectively. O’Reilly became the second female referee, after England’s Claire Hodnett, to become

61 INSPIRING PARTICIPATION BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886 Training and Education 2014 has seen continued growth in activity across all four strands of the World Rugby portfolio ur blended learning approach to training and education World Rugby Passport provides formal and informal learning opportunities for 2014 saw an update to Rugby Ready, a re-launch of our Strength candidates. The growth in face-to-face accreditations and Conditioning modules as well as the provision of new concussion O and maintenance of the delivery workforce is proof of the learning modules. continued support provided to our member unions to enable them to develop their workforce of coaches, match officials, strength and Details of the sub-sites within Passport, their learning modules and conditioners, and medical staff. total completions to date appear below:

Sub-site On-line learning modules available Completions Rugby Ready • Best practice in rugby safety for players, coaches and administrators 133,765 Coaching • Introduction to coaching 3,612 • Key factor analysis 4,286 • Functional role analysis 3,400 Officiating • Match observation programme 764 • Technical zone programme 875 Strength and Conditioning • Pre-Level 1 Strength and Conditioning 10,690 • Pre-Level 2 Strength and Conditioning 564 Laws • Laws of the game module 70,903 • Crouch, bind, set training Player welfare • First Aid in Rugby (FAIR) 5,304 • Immediate Pitch-Side Care 489 • Concussion Management for General Public 6,405 • Concussion Management for Doctors and Healthcare Professionals 3,322 • Medical Protocols for Match Day Medical Staff 1,177 • Concussion Management for Elite Level Match Day Medical Staff 560 Keep Rugby Clean • Anti-doping 4,452 Keep Rugby Onside • Anti-corruption 3,718

Face-to-face learning Face-to-face learning opportunities are where the best learning and Details of the courses and certifications to date are highlighted below: development takes place. World Rugby delivers 18 different courses across the four strands in all regions.

Strand Product No of certifications Rugby Ready Rugby Ready 22,987 Player welfare First Aid in Rugby (L1 FAIR) 764 L2 Immediate Care in Rugby (L2ICIR) 68 L3 Advanced Immediate Care in Rugby (L3ICIR) 46 Coaching Level 1 15s 39,904 Level 2 15s 3,071 Level 3 15s 100 Level 1 sevens 3,613 Level 2 sevens 105 Officiating Level 1 15s 17,709 Level 2 15s 952 Level 3 15s 78 Level 1 sevens 749 Level 2 sevens 80 Level 1 Coaching of Match Officials 788 Level 2 Coaching of Match Officials 71 Strength and Conditioning Level 1 S&C 2,494 Level 2 S&C 116

62 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 INSPIRING PARTICIPATION

To ensure the content of our courses and resources remains up to Talent Optimisation speed with latest developments in the game, they are reviewed and The annual Talent Optimisation Programme, delivered at updated on a cyclical basis. in South Africa, continues to successfully develop potential international coaches, match officials and strength and conditioners. Delivery workforce This year candidates benefited from the support and expertise of In order to deliver our face-to-face courses World Rugby deploys South Africa coach and his management team, as well a global workforce led in the regions by our Regional Training as Mark Lawrence, Liam Hennessey, Des Ryan, Richie Dixon, Coordinators. A total of 164 trainers and 1,479 educators are kept and Bernd Gabbei. current and up to date through our quality assurance and compliance processes. Turf talk Research corner he One Turf concept encourages the World Rugby is committed to ensuring relevant areas of use of multi-sport facilities through the game are being addressed through research projects creating requirements to capture T and safety criteria Regulation 12 College , Sheffield Hallam University and of numerous sports. The topic was discussed A full review of the testing requirements two test institutes, Sports Labs and Labosport. at length at the latest One Turf Conference within regulation 12 is being undertaken to in London in November where sports establish if there are new test methods and Goggles bodies present were World Rugby, FIFA, FIH, materials which could, by their inclusion, The World Rugby goggles global trial is well AFL, Cricket Australia, RFL and NCAA. After strengthen the current standards. This review underway and the feedback from the trial has extensive technical discussions, the One Turf is still in the early stages and is due to be been overwhelmingly positive. The creation of Management Group was created to review completed in the next two years. a specification for goggles is now centring on the performance specification, promote the the optical requirements with the assistance concept and implement strategic plans. The Studs of the University of Ulster. group will comprise a representative from A review of the testing protocols for studs each sport, two independent experts, two test is currently underway with Sheffield Hallam World Rugby Research Unit institutes and a chairperson as chosen by the University assisting in developing a specific The creation of the research unit will formalise federations. skin simulant for use in all aspects of testing the process for all World Rugby funded as well as determining the exact properties of research projects. Applications can be made Preferred Turf Producers the comparator stud to be used. directly to World Rugby and will be carefully (PTPs) considered for funding by the members of Over the last four years of the scheme, GPS Units the group. More information on application the Preferred Turf Producers (PTPs) have A performance specification for GPS units is guidelines will be released through the installed a combined total of 205 regulation being developed with input from University World Rugby website in early 2015. 22 compliant pitches. The current PTPs are ACT Global, Edel Grass, FieldTurf, Greenfields, Limonta, Polytan and SIS. These companies ‘The World Rugby goggles global trial is well provide a turn-key solution and have proven track records in high quality rugby turf underway and the feedback from the trial has installations. All information relating to rugby been overwhelmingly positive’ turf and the PTP application process can be found at playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/ oneturf.

Regulation 22 compliant pitches installed 205 in four years

63 64 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER

IN THIS SECTION

66 #recogniseandremove 67 Medical Commission Conference 68 Keep Rugby Clean 70 Keep Rugby Onside 71 Disciplinary developments 72 Match officials 73 Olympic Solidarity 74 Spirit of rugby

65 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

#recogniseandremove – tackling concussion World Rugby underscored its commitment to player welfare in 2014 by implementing a number of initiatives aimed at educating and informing everyone involved in rugby of concussion dangers, symptoms and procedures

t the heart of the strategy sits Education sits at the top of World Rugby’s the elite game, while at community level the #recogniseandremove and its unions’ commitment to changing promotion of correct playing techniques campaign. This is aimed at culture when it comes to taking concussion and longer rest periods for youths is also educating and informing the seriously at all levels of the game. The supporting players. All of this is underpinned public on the dangers of ignoring concussion, #recogniseandremove video will feature by research and guidance by a panel of field- but more than that it is also a call to action alongside player, coach and medic education leading independent experts. to unite the rugby family in changing culture at World Rugby tournaments and supplements when it comes to concussion. education programmes delivered by individual An enhanced concussion education website unions on an ongoing basis. featuring public guidance and key information It isn’t acceptable to ignore the symptoms on the Recognise and Remove programme or take risks and World Rugby continues Research-based advances in on-field in English, Spanish and Russian has also been to collaborate with its unions and other assessment of head injuries and graduated launched. international bodies to ensure that the latest return to play protocols are benefiting research and opinion is considered and strategies implemented to further protect players at all levels.

Launched in 2014 »» Appointment of an independent expert working group »» Enhanced Head Injury Assessment process for elite rugby »» Long-term health research commissioned »» Public guidance document and poster in 12 languages – available at playerwelfare.worldrugby.org »» #recogniseandremove social media campaign »» #recogniseandremove educational video featuring top stars »» Mandatory education for players, coaches and match officials at World Rugby tournaments, including Rugby World Cup

Concussion affects all contact sport and is a major focus area for World Rugby. The governing body takes a bottom-up approach to education, prevention and management, collaborating with its unions and a body of expert independent advisors to deliver policies and programmes to support the game.

66 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER

Recognise and Remove Player welfare One of the most important outcomes from Rugby concussion education programme: the conference was the establishment of the top priority minimum standards of medical care at »» Concussion education module for The sixth annual Medical Commission Rugby World Cup 2015. It was decided that union match day medical staff Conference took place in London in minimum qualifications of medical staff, »» Mandatory concussion education for November, with medical experts from 32 cardiac screening, completion of concussion IRB match officials unions coming together to discuss advances in education modules and other measures will »» Mandatory concussion education player welfare, a top priority for World Rugby. be implemented to strengthen player welfare components within the Rugby Ready at the tournament in England. programme (137,000 completions) Among the topics was the issue of game »» Mandatory education at IRB Junior and training load for elite players, and With concussion still a hot topic of debate World Championship and IRB Junior how they can best manage the number of in rugby circles, the Head Injury Assessment World Rugby Trophy training sessions and matches they play process was discussed and the official research »» 12,000 completions of the each season. Opinions and debate at the results of phase two were reviewed with the concussion specific modules available conference will form the basis of a report process now moving onto phase three. at playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/ which will be published next year. The game concussion load management report, which is ultimately All 32 unions represented at the conference »» 664 completions of the IRB Match Day aimed at preventing player burnout, will look were supportive of the advances made in Medical Staff course with a specific at how to best monitor load across the game, the area of concussion prevention, research Pitch-side Suspected Concussion as well as injury causation and the relationship and management and education, specifically Assessment (PSCA) module between training and playing load. around the #recogniseandremove campaign. »» Education campaign visible to more than two million Facebook and Twitter followers

playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/concussion

Left/right: Every aspect of player welfare is a top priority for World Rugby, from injury assessment and manage- ment to education programmes designed to increase awareness of welfare-related issues

67 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Keep Rugby Clean In 2014, the focus for World Rugby was on increasing education and awareness of anti-doping, reflected in huge increases in those participating in face-to-face and online education

Global number of rugby tests and anti-doping rule violations 7,930 WADA figures available in June 2015 6,126 5,725 5,618 5,553 5,023

he World Rugby anti-doping Dairibord Schools Rugby Festival with the

106 e-learning programme launched assistance of World Rugby. in June 2013 saw well over 3,800 people complete the Another education tool which proved hugely 61 54 54 53 programme for the calendar year. World Rugby successful in 2014 was an awareness video 29 look forward to this continuing into 2015. recorded with Sam Chalmers, who tested

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 positive for a prohibited substance and Face-to-face education sessions are an important received a two-year ban. In the video, the aspect not only at World Rugby tournaments but 20-year-old told his story and explained the also regional and age grade events. The numbers impact the sanction has had on his life. World Global tests Violations taking part in these sessions increased five-fold Rugby were pleased to be able to bring Sam with more than 3,300 attendees at various to the Junior World Championship in New tournaments in 2014. Zealand where he shared his experience with each of the 12 attending teams. The In South America, former Pumas legend session was at times highly emotive but had and Keep Rugby Clean Ambassador Felipe a huge impact on all the players and team Contepomi delivered anti-doping seminars management. You can watch the video at at the CONSUR Under 19 Championship youtu.be/0zhuFF_M1iI and the Argentina Under 19 league, delivering to more than 600 players. Positive feedback Continuing the theme of expanding World Rugby Anti-Doping Manager for Testing education at youth level, Zimbabwe fully and Education Ilaria Baudo said: “The feedback embraced anti-doping awareness, putting from the sessions with Sam at the tournament on seminars and workshops, a World were extremely positive. Many of the players Anti-Doping Outreach booth, and Keep and team management have described how Rugby Clean t-shirt giveaways at its annual touching his story has been, and how it’s made them aware of the dangers and the consequences in taking prohibited substances. World Rugby anti-doping cases in 2014 “Sam is an incredibly brave young man and we are grateful for the time he has given to Member Substance / Sanction share his story with players of his generation. Union Violation It has taken a huge amount of courage to Moldova 19-norandrosterone 2 years put his hand up and try to turn his negative Increase in traffic to the Sri Lanka Prednisolone 6 months trilingual Keep Rugby Clean experience into a positive one.” website (58,700 hits in 2014) 2 other cases pending

68 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER

Total World Rugby RWC 2015 conducted tests Out of In competition Out of In competition (RWC 2015 qualifiers) competition competition Blood 98 (hGH) Total 1,325 Total 696 Blood 104 (hGH) Blood 11 (hGH)

Urine 116 Urine 449

Urine 1,221 Urine 685 (62 EPO) (15 EPO) Overall total 663* *Additionally 42 blood passport collected but not included in overall numbers

Overall test total 2,021* (66% OOC to 34% in competition) *Additionally 60 blood passport collected but not included in overall numbers Sevens Out of In competition competition

Women’s RWC Blood 4 (hGH)

Out of In competition competition Urine 407 (includes 61 women and Blood 3 (hGH) Urine 218 48 EPO) (4 EPO)

Urine 74 Overall total 629* Urine 43 *Additionally 12 blood passport collected but not included in overall numbers

Overall total 120 Under 20

Out of In competition competition

IRB strategic Regional Blood 6 (hGH) Blood 4 (hGH) tournaments tournaments

In In Urine 291 Urine 82 competition competition (5 EPO) (includes 8 EPO) Urine 56 Urine 170

Overall total 383* *Additionally 6 blood passport collected but not included in overall numbers

69 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Keep Rugby Onside 2014 saw a significant expansion of World Rugby’s comprehensive anti-corruption and betting programme, building upon the foundations of the integrity review which began in 2010

n May, World Rugby became the more than 350 gambling operators’ systems first international federation to feeding into the global monitoring system. join the International Olympic + Committee’s Integrity Betting The virtual anti-corruption and betting 28,000 Intelligence System (IBIS) which links the IOC, education programme – now compulsory for visits to the Keep Rugby Onside international federations, regulators, policing all players, team and match officials at World website from bodies and gambling operators through a Rugby tournaments – has been extended sophisticated intelligence database. to 13 languages with additional resources available in 25 languages. World Rugby has also strengthened 21,000 its relationship with the UK Gambling Learn from experience unique users in Commission to ensure a coordinated In cooperation with other sports, the approach when implementing a integrity.worldrugby.org website features comprehensive anti-corruption programme interviews and case studies of players who for Rugby World Cup 2015. The IBIS system were found to have committed match-fixing 167 and the Gambling Commission’s intelligence offences. They share their often tragic stories so countries capabilities have already been tested during that others can learn from their experiences. tournaments in 2013 and 2014 with no irregularities reported. The programme highlights the consequences of breaching the World Rugby Anti-Corruption World Rugby also added another strand to its Regulations (Regulation 6), union regulations monitoring capability in 2014 by expanding and/or national laws and includes guidance its betting monitoring to include all of its on preventative steps for players, officials and developmental tournaments and the men’s others. This resource has now received more and women’s sevens matches played under than 28,000 visits and 21,000 unique users its auspices. This increased capacity has from 167 countries across the rugby family. and will continue to provide early warnings of suspicious betting where they arise, with To supplement the programme, World Rugby, many unions and regional associations have delivered education sessions to more than 2,000 players and officials in 2014. This “The programme highlights the included briefings for every team and match official prior to the first round of the Olympic consequences of breaching the qualification campaign.

World Rugby Anti-Corruption World Rugby’s efforts to protect the game Regulations” and Keep Rugby Onside will continue to evolve in 2015.

70 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER

Discipline: a case study from Women’s Rugby World Cup First World Rugby tournament to use the new citing commissioner warning process

omen’s Rugby World Cup commits an act of foul play which falls just 2014, which was held in short of warranting a red card. France from 1-17 August, was notable from a disciplinary The citing commissioner warnings are perspective because it was the first World included for ‘totting-up’ purposes. A player Rugby tournament at which the new citing who receives two citing commissioner commissioner warning was implemented. warnings in a match is treated as if he or she has been ordered off and must attend a A citing commissioner warning is broadly disciplinary hearing. equivalent to an off-field yellow card. World Rugby Regulation 17 was amended A player who accumulates three citing (effective from 1 July, 2014) so that citing commissioner warnings and/or yellow commissioners are now entitled to issue a cards in three or more matches during citing commissioner warning to a player who a tournament is required to appear at a disciplinary hearing.

Discipline at WRWC 2014 A total of four citing commissioner warnings and 27 yellow cards were issued throughout the World Cup. A total of five disciplinary hearings took place; three hearings arose out of players being cited for foul play, one was an appeal against a judicial officer’s decision and one arose from a player receiving a red card.

The World Rugby designated disciplinary officer at WRWC 2014 carried out disciplinary functions, including managing the disciplinary processes and attending hearings, but also educating players and team managers.

Each team received education about on and off-field discipline together with the in-person Keep Rugby Onside education programme delivered across the tournament.

71 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

Match officials work hard towards Rugby World Cup Just like players and fans, the world’s best referees, assistant referees and television match officials have Rugby World Cup 2015 firmly in their sights

huge amount of hard work officials the chance to impress selectors in review and coaching in place. World Rugby has been going on since Craig a top-class match ahead of RWC 2015. As works closely with referee managers from the Joubert blew the final whistle always, referees are accountable and must major member unions as well as the two big of RWC 2011 and the match consistently demonstrate a high level of cross-border domestic competitions, Super officials are doing everything in their power to performance in order to be selected for the Rugby and European Professional Club Rugby, ensure they are ready for the start of the next biggest fixtures and tournaments. to ensure a joined-up approach is taken in the edition in England. And just as the players area of referee development. will be working hard to secure selection, the Close scrutiny top whistle-blowers will be desperate to force Match officials are accountable for every The committee, chaired by former Scotland their way onto the RWC panel. decision they make. All performances are and Lions flanker John Jeffrey, comprises scrutinised in minute detail by assessors, former elite referees Lyndon Bray (SANZAR), Time is running out for them to push for coaches and, crucially, by the referees Andrew Cole (SANZAR), selection but with the RBS 6 Nations, themselves so that they continue to improve (European Professional Club Rugby) and Rugby Championship and assorted other all the time. World Rugby has a plan in place Clayton Thomas (6 Nations) as well as World international and domestic fixtures to take to make sure the very best match officials Rugby High Performance Match Officials charge of in the meantime, there will be are out there making the big decisions as the Manager Joël Jutge. opportunities for match officials to impress. action unfolds at RWC 2015.

For the 6 Nations, the decision was taken The World Rugby match officials’ selection to select no fewer than 13 referees in committee meets four times a year with a Below: Referee blows for full-time as the All order to give a maximum number of comprehensive programme of performance Blacks celebrate their Rugby World Cup 2011 final victory

72 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER

“Approximately half of Olympic Solidarity World Rugby’s membership have already begun to Optimising Olympic participation is a key strategic goal benefit from their NOC for World Rugby as we look to deliver on our promise of making an application on delivering a tournament the rugby and Olympic family will their behalf” be proud of in 2016

Unions World Rugby is working in collaboration with What opportunities benefiting its regional associations and members to are available? from Olympic Solidarity provide information and advice on how to World Rugby regions and member unions are 60+ support collaborate with their respective Continental already benefiting from financial, technical Associations (CAs) and National Olympic and administrative support across a range of Committees to leverage support from world programmes including: Technical Olympic Solidarity. coaching »» Technical courses for coaches courses approved What is Olympic Solidarity? »» Team support grants 25+ Olympic Solidarity’s aim is to organise »» Development of national sports assistance for all NOCs, particularly those structures with the greatest needs, so that they can »» Olympic scholarships for coaches Team support develop their own administrative and sporting »» Continental/regional association grants awarded structures to favour the expansion of sport in project funding 20 their country. UNIONS What resources are available to help Made up from the share of the broadcast maximise Olympic participation? “Since the launch of the rights from the Olympic Games, which World Rugby has developed a range of 2013-16 quadrennial, belongs to the NOCs, the overall budget resources to educate and assist regions for Olympic Solidarity for the 2013-16 and unions in their dealings with their more than US$1.5m of quadrennial is US$438m, of which US$165m Olympic counterparts, including toolkits and Olympic Solidarity funding has been allocated to world programmes information on rugby’s Olympic participation, which cover and reinforce all areas of sports the Olympic family, detail on Olympic has been allocated to development. Solidarity programmes, presentations and rugby projects worldwide, press release templates, etc. benefiting approximately Is rugby eligible for Olympic Solidarity support? World Rugby regional staff are also available 60 unions to date” Yes. Olympic Solidarity is already supporting to assist in developing proposals for project World Rugby and regional association support that link in with the region/union’s member unions. development plans.

Can a union apply for What does my funding direct to the IOC? region/union need to do? No. However, an NOC may apply to Olympic Rugby is well-regarded by the Olympic family Solidarity for support on behalf of a union. and its values of integrity, respect, solidarity, passion and discipline are closely aligned with Olympic values. Many NOCs have embraced the return of rugby to the Olympics and where collaborative partnerships are formed between NOCs and national federations, greater cooperation and support is more For further information and contact evident. details, visit www.worldrugby.org/ olympics/solidarity

73 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

ith long-held values of World Rugby is working with its partners discipline, respect, integrity, and stakeholders to utilise the power of the The spirit passion and solidarity, rugby game to benefit society both on and off is attracting a growing interest the pitch, and in locations where access to from organisations active in using sport to sport and even food seems to be more of a of rugby improve wider society. privilege than a right. Increasingly viewed as the perfect vehicle to Among the many rugby-based initiatives Applying rugby’s values drive forward programmes to benefit youth happening worldwide, we’ve picked out two on and off the pitch engagement, community development, health, to illustrate just how the spirit of rugby and education, equality, humanitarian and peace its values are being upheld and promoted. initiatives, rugby has an important role to play.

Enough for a child Tackle Hunger’s to receive school meals Million Meal Challenge for a whole year Following the extension of the Tackle Hunger A series of planned activations including £30 partnership in 2013, World Rugby has been opt-in donation opportunities, social busy working with its humanitarian partner media activity and in-stadia messaging will Number of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) on encourage the rugby family to take up the countries an exciting campaign coinciding with the challenge to help build a brighter future for that WFP countdown to rugby’s showcase event in 2015. malnourished children. A visit by the Webb operates in Ellis Cup to Madagascar enthralled local worldwide 60+ The Rugby World Cup Million Meal Challenge school children, beneficiaries of WFP school launched in 2014 with the goal of engaging meals, who put on an exhibition match. the global rugby family to actively support the important work of the WFP in its mission For just £30/US$50 a child will receive to achieve zero hunger worldwide. As well school meals for an entire year. More than as its emergency food aid and disaster relief 85,000 meals have already been raised for programmes, WFP has a long established the challenge thanks to the generosity of school feeding programme in more than 60 those who made an opt-in donation when countries worldwide. purchasing RWC 2015 tickets as part of the rugby community ticket programme in May For Rugby World Cup 2015, the Million Meal 2014. In September 2014 at the launch How to help Challenge aims to generate one million meals of public ticket sales, fans again had the To find out more about WFP’s work, for the WFP school feeding programme to opportunity to donate, illustrating the values please visit www.wfp.org help nourish the bodies and minds of the that characterise the sport and its followers. world’s hungry children.

To make a donation, please visit www.wfp.org/tacklehunger

To promote the challenge to your social media network, please use #RWCMMC

74 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 RUGBY BUILDS CHARACTER

Haiti - building rugby from the ground up

Four years on from the devastating earthquake which killed more than 200,000 people and left 1.5m of the population homeless, the Sport For Hope Centre (SFHC) opened in Port-au-Prince in June 2014 following a commitment from the Olympic Movement in the aftermath of the earthquake. A significant moment in the rebuilding process, this brought a sense of normality back into people’s everyday lives through access to sports facilities for recreation or competition.

In September, the SFHC and its One Turf international standard artificial grass field Some participants had attended the 2013 rugby at the centre and World Rugby’s Get hosted 20 coaches taking part in several workshop, though most were new to the Into Rugby programme will be used to engage days of theory and practice sessions led by sport. Hesitation about tackling was quickly more than 400 children in the future. NACRA’s regional development team. The overcome and the more they played, the aim? Prepare them to play and coach rugby, more they loved it, wanting to share it with Incredible results given what Haiti went supported by local and non-Haitian rugby their compatriots. By day three, coaches through – and all made possible through the enthusiasts, desperate to get the sport had formed a committee to organise rugby, collaboration of stakeholders, demonstrating established in the country. designed their first tournament and initiated the spirit of rugby and acting in solidarity plans to form a federation. at grassroots, national, regional and The week built upon rugby foundations international levels. laid following a 2013 visit and workshop With support from World Rugby and NACRA, coordinated by the IOC, World Rugby and the SFHC organised the rugby coaching Far left: Children in Madagascar, who are beneficiaries of NACRA. Additionally, World Rugby initiatives clinics, offering meals and transportation WFP school meals, put on an exhibition match with its partners SOS Kit Aid and Peace and to bring potential rugby coaches from Above: Coaches have taken part in a session at the Sport For Hope Centre to enable them to play and coach rugby Sport resulted in the delivery and distribution communities across Haiti. Similar support will Below: The Sport For Hope Centre opened in Port-au- of quality rugby clothing and equipment. be offered to young players coming to learn Prince, Haiti, in June 2014

75 76 FINANCIAL REPORT

IN THIS SECTION

78 Financing the global game 80 Financial report and accounts 95 Meet the team in 2015

77 FINANCIAL REPORT BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886 Financing the global game

Rugby World Cup drives World Rugby investment priorities global investment As the governing body for the game, World Rugby’s remit covers from regulation to inspiration. World Rugby’s top priorities for investment RWC income are clearly aligned to its strategic goals: Sitting at the top of the playing, coaching and officiating pathway, the quadrennial Rugby World Cup tournament is the commercial and STRATEGIC GOAL INVESTMENT AREA financial vehicle that drives World Rugby’s investment in the global Drive player welfare best practice Player welfare game, supplying more than 90 per cent of World Rugby’s revenues (training and education) from broadcast, sponsorship and other commercial income (note that Increase global participation Development host unions collect ticket income). The phenomenal success of recent Increase sustainability and High performance and competitions editions of the tournament, now firmly established as a prestigious competitiveness of international rugby (15s) global brand, has enabled investment at all levels, from grassroots Optimise Olympic participation High performance and competitions participation to elite high performance. (sevens) Maximise the value of all RWC/World Revenue generation Rugby properties Other sources Provide strong and effective leadership Regulation (support operations) On top of Rugby World Cup income, World Rugby negotiates broadcast Protect and promote rugby, its values, Inspiration (support operations) and sponsorship agreements for other products including its men’s spirit and ethos and women’s sevens series and, in addition, uses its reserves from time to time to smooth investment levels and help fund core game investment programmes. Prudent cost reduction in recent years has also generated greater cost efficiency. It should be noted that World Providing for the Rugby only retains necessary reserves, in the unlikely event of Rugby future of the game World Cup not taking place due to unforeseen circumstances. Funding cycles Each edition of Rugby World Cup provides the impetus for World 140 Rugby World Cup Financial Results Rugby’s next four-year developmental funding cycle, which begins one 140.0 122.4 year after the tournament’s conclusion. Total investment in the game (excluding RWC 2015 related expenditure) for the current 2013-16 120.0 91.6 cycle is forecast at £199m, eclipsing the previous cycle’s £150m by 33 100.0 64.3 per cent. Within this, the 2014 budget was £51m. 80.0 47.0 Investment focus 60.0 World Rugby’s annual investment is focused on two main areas 40.0 17.6 GBP SURPLUS (£M) GBP SURPLUS – game investments and support operations. Game investment 20.0 programmes are further detailed on the opposite page. Support 4.1 0.0 1.0 operations includes costs which support the development of the global game (such as promotion via broadcasting, internet, social media 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011 2015 New England South Wales Australia France New England and publications; or appointments and training of match officials and Zealand Africa Zealand (estimate) judicial officers for international matches) and overheads associated TOURNAMENT YEAR AND VENUE with the day-to-day running of World Rugby (such as governance and administration of World Rugby and its subsidiary companies; or staffing costs in Dublin and abroad, including a team of regional 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011 managers). New England South Wales Australia France New Zealand Africa Zealand WORLD RUGBY ANNUAL INVESTMENT 2014 (£M) Participating 16 31 52 69 82 94 92 (EXCLUDING RWC COMPETITIONS COSTS) Unions Game investments Total ticket 600,000 1 1.1 1.7 1.9 2.2 1.35 sales million million million million million million Training and education including player welfare 2.2 Pool match 270,000 649,000 617,000 1 1.45 1.65 983,000 Development 8.2 ticket sales million million million High performance 7.3 TV reach 17 103 124 209 193 200 207 Competitions 16.8 [territories] Sub-total, game investments budget 34.5 TV reach 230 1.4 2.3 3.1 3.4 4.2 3.94 Support operations 16.0 [audience] million billion billion billion billion billion billion Total budget 50.5

78 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT 2014 (£M) Investment decisions High performance unions (20) investment 2.6 World Rugby’s annual investment is driven by management through Performance unions (11) investment 1.1 annual operations plans and budgets, which are guided by the Development unions (69) investment 2.4 World Rugby Strategic Plan 2010-20 and sub-plans. Management Regional associations (6) investment 1.5 recommends investment to the World Rugby Budget Advisory Centralised programmes 0.6 Committee, which reviews the budget and makes recommendations Total budget 8.2 to the World Rugby Executive Committee. Both committees comprise World Rugby Council members. High performance The main objectives of World Rugby’s elite rugby investment are to In making game investment programme decisions, World Rugby’s maintain and improve standards of men’s 15s at both tier one (the 10 management works in close partnership with the six regional Six Nations/Rugby Championship unions) and tier two (the other 10 associations and the World Rugby Regional Advisory Committee RWC qualified unions) levels, with the goal of making Rugby (comprising the World Rugby Council representative of each regional World Cup as competitive as possible. association) which itself reports to the World Rugby Council. As elite rugby evolves, we are also developing initiatives for men’s sevens, women’s sevens and women’s 15s. The member union investment programme, which is allocated through a detailed World Rugby game investment application process, focuses on 10 pillars of rugby high performance: programmes programme management and governance, infrastructure, daily training environment, athlete welfare, sports science and sports Training and education including player welfare medicine, HP coaches, HP referees, international competition plus Currently World Rugby’s number one strategic goal and investment research and innovation. Note that high performance investment is priority is driving player welfare best practice, which it actions through also made through World Rugby competitions programmes. investment in player-focused research, laws, education, medical initiatives, equipment and anti-doping (Keep Rugby Clean) and ANNUAL HIGH PERFORMANCE INVESTMENT 2014 (£M) integrity (Keep Rugby Onside) programmes. High performance tier one unions (10) investment 1.5 High performance tier two unions (10) investment 4.6 Aligned with this are overarching major global training and education Performance and development unions (4) investment 0.6 programmes for players, coaches, match officials and trainers, Centralised programmes 0.6 including specific modules on strength & conditioning and laws of Total budget 7.3 the game. Note that training and education investment is also made through World Rugby development programmes. Competitions

ANNUAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION INVESTMENT 2014 (£M) With the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro a catalyst for development, Laws, research and equipment initiatives 0.4 rugby sevens tournaments are a key investment focus for World Medical initiatives 0.4 Rugby. In its new funding cycle, World Rugby continues to invest Game analysis 0.1 annually in a suite of regional and international tournaments in 15s Anti-doping and anti-corruption programmes 0.7 and sevens, for men and women, at senior and age-grade levels (see Training and education programmes 0.6 pages 36-45). Note that quadrennial Rugby World Cup tournaments Total budget 2.2 are funded directly from RWC income.

Development ANNUAL COMPETITIONS INVESTMENT (EXCLUDING RWC 2014 (£M) In order to increase the playing population of 7.23m players and COSTS) grow the global rugby family, World Rugby development services, Fifteens high performance tournaments 5.1 in partnership with regional associations and member unions, now Fifteens age-grade tournaments 2.1 include specific modules: Get Into Rugby (mass participation), Leading Fifteens regional tournaments 2.8 Rugby (Union best practice), IMPACT Beyond (event maximisation Sevens high performance tournaments 5.7 through sport and business), new union development, commercial Sevens regional tournaments 1.1 and sponsorship initiatives, women’s rugby and the Olympics. Total budget 16.8

These complement the member union and regional association investment programme, which is allocated through a detailed application process and focuses on seven pillars of rugby organisational development: governance, administration, participation, training and education, competitions, performance and women’s rugby.

79 FINANCIAL REPORT BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

General Information

COUNCIL MEMBERS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

B Lapasset J Spencer (England) J Roux (South Africa) B Gosper Independent Chairman W Beaumont (England) P Camou (France) Chief Executive Officer O Hoskins M Dodson (Scotland) J Laurans (France) (South Africa) J Jeffrey (Scotland) A Pichot (Argentina) Principal Bankers Vice Chairman P Boyle (Ireland) C Le Fevre (Canada) Bank of Ireland P Whelan (Ireland) G Dondi (Italy) St Stephen’s Green D Pickering (Wales) T Yabe (Japan) Dublin 2 G Davies (Wales) O Morariu (FIRA-AER) M Hawker (Australia) K Tokumasu (ARFU) Auditors B Pulver (Australia) A Bougja (CAR) PricewaterhouseCoopers M Eagle (New Zealand) H Schuster (FORU) Chartered Accountants and S Tew (New Zealand) C Barbieri (CONSUR) Registered Auditors B Latham (NACRA) One Spencer Dock North Wall Quay Dublin

Statement of Council’s responsibilities

STATEMENT OF COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The International Rugby Board (IRB) is the »» select suitable accounting policies and financial statements have been properly world governing and lawmaking body of then apply them consistently; prepared. The Council is also responsible for Rugby Union. It is made up of 101 Member »» make judgements and estimates that are safeguarding the assets of the association Unions and 18 Associate Member Unions. reasonable and prudent; and its subsidiaries and hence for taking The IRB Council has a current representation »» comply with applicable accounting reasonable steps for the prevention and of 25 voting members, a Vice Chairman and standards, subject to any material detection of fraud and other irregularities. an Independent Chairman. It is comprised of departures disclosed and explained in the representatives of Unions and Associations financial statements; and B Lapasset, Chairman appointed as set out in the IRB -Laws and »» prepare the financial statements on B Gosper, CEO acts in accordance with the powers conferred the going concern basis, unless it is upon it by the IRB Bye-Laws. inappropriate to presume the association will continue its objectives. The Council is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give The Council is responsible for maintaining a true and fair view of the state of affairs of records which disclose with reasonable the IRB and of its profit or loss and cash flow accuracy the financial position of the for that period. In preparing those financial association and its subsidiaries and to statements, the Council is required to: enable the Council to ensure that the

80 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

Independent auditors’ report to the council of the International Rugby Board

We have audited the consolidated financial Basis of audit opinion statements for the year ended 31 December We conducted our audit in accordance 2013 which comprise the Consolidated with International Standards on Auditing Income Statement, the Consolidated Balance (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, Practices Board and generally accepted in the Consolidated Statement of Change in Ireland. An audit includes examination, Equity and the related notes. These financial on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the statements have been prepared under the amounts and disclosures in the financial accounting policies set out therein. statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgments Respective responsibilities of made by the Council members in the Council members and auditors preparation of the consolidated financial The responsibilities of the Council members statements, and of whether the accounting for preparing the financial statements in policies are appropriate to the association’s accordance with International Financial circumstances, consistently applied and Reporting Standards (IFRSs) are set out in the adequately disclosed. Statement of Council’s Responsibilities. We planned and performed our audit so as to Our responsibility is to audit the financial obtain all the information and explanations statements in accordance with relevant which we considered necessary in order to legal and regulatory requirements and provide us with sufficient evidence to give International Standards on Auditing (UK and reasonable assurance that the consolidated Ireland). This report including the opinion, financial statements are free from material has been prepared for and only for the misstatement, whether caused by fraud Council members as a body and for no other or other irregularity or error. In forming purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, our opinion we also evaluated the overall accept or assume responsibility for any other adequacy of the presentation of information purpose or to any other person to whom this in the financial statements. report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our Opinion prior consent in writing. In our opinion the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view in We report to you our opinion as to whether accordance with IFRSs, of the state of affairs the consolidated financial statements give a of the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as December 2013 and of the consolidated loss adopted by the European Union. and cash flows for the year then ended.

We read the statement of Council’s PricewaterhouseCoopers responsibilities and consider the implications Chartered Accountants and Registered for our report if we become aware of any Auditors apparent misstatements within it. Dublin

81 FINANCIAL REPORT BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT - YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 2013 2012 Notes Stg£ Stg£ Revenue 5 6,652,982 7,833,686 Tournament related 6 (11,223,691) (8,847,033) expenses 7 (22,674,289) (22,833,163) Grant related expenses 8 (21,354,257) (16,875,908) Administration expenses 9 2,074,439 3,493,498 Other income 11 1,406,225 1,785,447 Other gains - net Loss before income tax (45,118,591) (35,443,473) Income tax expense (36,980) (46,909) Loss for the year (45,155,571) (35,490,382) The notes on pages 84 to 94 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

B Lapasset, Chairman B Gosper, CEO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Loss for the year (45,155,571) (35,490,382) Fair value gain on available for sale financial asset 2,390,466 1,502,154 Total comprehensive loss for the year (42,765,105) (33,988,228) The notes on pages 84 to 94 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

B Lapasset, Chairman B Gosper, CEO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 Total equity Stg£

Balance at 31 December 2011 154,040,835 Total comprehensive loss for the year (33,988,228)

Balance at 31 December 2012 120,052,607 Total comprehensive loss for the year (42,765,105) Balance at 31 December 2013 77,287,502 The notes on pages 84 to 94 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

B Lapasset, Chairman B Gosper, CEO

82 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET - AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013 CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 2013 2012 - YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013 Notes Stg£ Stg£ 2013 2012 ASSETS Notes Stg£ Stg£ Non – current assets Cash flows from operating Property, plant and equipment 12 123,361 221,269 activities Intangible assets 13 77,002 77,002 Cash generated from 21 9,031,388 43,083,524 Deferred expenditure 14 3,040,134 709,140 operations Available-for-sale financial assets 15 94,237,993 86,806,337 Income tax paid (37,329) (30,697) Grant payments (17,454,866) (35,027,046) 97,478,490 87,813,748 Net cash used in operating (8,460,807) 8,025,781 Current assets activities Trade and other receivables 16 6,435,170 3,139,803 Deposits 17 -5,323,234 Cash flows from investing Cash and cash equivalents 17 37,972,299 43,594,499 activities Purchases of property, plant (67,795) (98,398) 44,407,469 52,057,536 and equipment Total assets 141,885,959 139,871,284 Purchase of available for sale (39,187,320) (27,783,145) EQUITY financial assets Proceeds on disposal of 34,991,660 27,648,812 Capital and reserves 20 77,287,502 120,052,607 available for sale financial Retained earnings assets Interest received 2,074,439 3,493,498 LIABILITIES Net cash (utilised by)/ (2,189,016) 3,260,767 Non-current liabilities 18 56,182,328 13,301,230 generated from investing Deferred revenue activities Current liabilities 19 8,416,129 6,517,447 Cash flows from financing Trade and other payables activities Total liabilities 64,598,457 19,818,677 Decrease in deposits 5,323,233 2,745,638

Total equity and liabilities 141,885,959 139,871,284 Net cash generated from 5,323,233 2,745,638 financing activities The notes on pages 84 to 94 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Net increase in cash and (5,326,590) 14,032,186 cash equivalents B Lapasset, Chairman Exchange (loss)/gain on cash (295,610) 249,090 B Gosper, CEO and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 43,594,499 29,313,223 beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents 37,972,299 43,594,499 at end of the year

The notes on pages 84 to 94 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

B Lapasset, Chairman B Gosper, CEO

83 FINANCIAL REPORT BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General information revenues and expenses during • Disclosure - Transfer of The International Rugby Board (IRB) is the reporting period. Although financial assets (effective the world governing and law making these estimates are based on 1 July 2011, subject to EU body of Rugby Union. It is made management’s best knowledge endorsement) up of 101 Member Unions and 18 of the amount, event or actions, • IFRS 1 (Amendment) First Associate Member Unions. actual results ultimately may time adoption, on fixed dates differ from those estimates. and hyperinflation (effective The International Rugby Board is 1 July 2011) resident in Dublin at Huguenot House, Standards, amendments and • IAS 12 (Amendment) Income St Stephen’s Green. interpretations effective in taxes, on deferred tax 2013 but not relevant to the (effective 1 January 2012) These consolidated financial IRB’s operations • IAS 19 (Amendment) statements have been approved Employee benefits (effective for issue by the Council of the The following new standards, 1 January 2013) International Rugby Board on 14 May amendments to existing • IFRS 9 Financial instruments 2014. standards and interpretations (effective 1 January 2013) are mandatory for the first time • IFRS 10 Consolidated 2. Summary of significant accounting for the financial year beginning financial statements policies 1 January 2013: (effective 1 January 2013) The principal accounting policies • IFRS 11 Joint arrangements applied in the preparation of these • IFRS 7 (Amendment) (effective 1 January 2013) consolidated financial statements are Financial instruments: • IFRS 12 Disclosures of set out below. These policies have Disclosures, on derecognition interests in other entities been consistently applied to all the (effective 1 July 2011) (effective 1 January 2013) years presented, unless otherwise • IAS 12 (Amendment) • IFRS 13 Fair value stated. Recovery of underlying assets measurement (effective 1 (effective 1 January 2012). January 2013) A. Basis of preparation • IAS 19 (Amendment) These consolidated financial The adoption of these standards Financial Instruments statements have been prepared and interpretations has not led (effective 15 January 2013) in accordance with International to any changes in accounting • IAS 1 (Amendment) Financial Reporting Standards policies. Presentation of items of and IFRIC interpretations other comprehensive income adopted by the European Union The following new standards, (effective for financial (EU). The consolidated financial amendments to existing periods beginning on or after statements have been prepared standards and interpretations 1 July 2012). under the historical cost have been issued prior to convention, as modified by the the date of issuance of the It is not anticipated that the measurement of the fair value Company’s financial statements adoption of these standards of available for sale financial but have not been early adopted and interpretations will assets. A summary of the more by the Company: have a material impact on important group accounting the consolidated financial policies is set out below. • IAS 32 (Amended) Financial statements in the period of The preparation of financial instruments: Presentation, on initial adoption. statements in conformity with classification of rights issues IFRS requires the use of certain (effective 1 February 2011) critical accounting estimates • IFRS 7 (Amendment) and assumptions that affect Financial instruments: the reported amounts of Disclosures, on derecognition assets and liabilities at the date (effective 1 July 2011) of the financial statements • IFRS 7 (Amendment) and the reported amounts of

84 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

B. Consolidation engaged in the application for prevailing at the dates of Subsidiaries are all entities over the Dot Rugby Domain name. the transactions. Foreign which the International Rugby exchange gains and losses Board has the power to govern International Rugby resulting from the settlement the financial and operating Development Limited - this of such transactions and policies generally accompanying company is the Corporate from the translation at a shareholding of more than Trustee of the IRB Trust. year-end exchange rates of one half of the voting rights. The monetary assets and liabilities existence and effect of potential Rugby World Cup 2015 denominated in foreign voting rights that are currently (Services) Limited - this currencies are recognised in exercisable or convertible are company is engaged in the the income statement. considered when assessing administration of Rugby World whether the International Cup 2015. Changes in the fair value Rugby Board controls another of monetary securities entity. The International Rugby Inter-company transactions, denominated in foreign Board is made up of a number balances and unrealised gains currency classified as of subsidiaries, which are listed on transactions between group available for sale are below: companies are eliminated. analysed between translation Unrealised losses are also differences resulting from IBFB Services (Ireland) eliminated but considered an changes in the amortised Limited - the company is impairment indicator of the cost of the security, and engaged in providing financial asset transferred. Accounting other changes in the carrying and administrative services to policies of subsidiaries have amount of the security. various entities within the IRB been changed where necessary Translation differences are group. to ensure consistency with recognised in profit or loss, the policies adopted by the and other changes in carrying IB Tournaments Limited - the International Rugby Board. amount are recognised principal activity of the company in equity. Translation is the promotion of Rugby C. Foreign currency translation differences on non-monetary Union and the organisation and financial assets such as administration of Rugby Union a. Functional and presentation equities classified as available tournaments. currency for sale are included in the fair Items included in the financial value reserve in equity. Rugby World Cup Limited - the statements of each of the company’s principal activity is International Rugby Board’s the licensing of rights emanating entities are measured using from the ownership of the Rugby the currency of the primary World Cup. economic environment in which the entity operates RWC 2003 Limited - company (‘the functional currency’). previously involved in the The consolidated financial organisation of Rugby World Cup statements are presented 2003. in STG£, which is the International Rugby Board’s IRB Trust - the Trust is functional and presentation established for the sole currency. purpose of the promotion and development of Rugby Union Transactions and balances worldwide. Foreign currency transactions are translated into the IRB Strategic Developments functional currency Limited – the company is using the exchange rates

85 FINANCIAL REPORT BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

D. Property, plant and equipment These are included in the are initially recognised at fair The IRB does not hold any Income Statement. value plus transaction costs. property. All plant and Available-for-sale financial equipment is stated at historical E. Intangible assets assets are subsequently carried cost less depreciation. Historical Rugby World Cup Logo at fair value. Investments are cost includes expenditure The Rugby World Cup logo derecognised when the rights that is directly attributable to represents costs incurred in to receive cash flows from the the acquisition of the items. registering the logo. The logo is investments have expired or Subsequent costs are included regarded as having an indefinite have been transferred and the in the asset’s carrying amount useful life because, based on an IRB has transferred substantially or recognised as a separate analysis of all relevant factors, all risks and rewards of asset, as appropriate, only there is no foreseeable limit to ownership. when it is probable that future the period over which the asset economic benefits associated is expected to generate net cash Changes in the fair value of with the item will flow to the IRB inflows to the entity. The logo monetary securities classified and the cost of the item can be is not subject to amortisation as available-for-sale and non- measured reliably. All repairs and is tested annually for monetary securities classified and maintenance are charged impairment. An impairment loss as available-for-sale are dealt to the income statement during is recognised for the amount by with in the statement of the financial period in which which the asset’s carrying value comprehensive income. they are incurred. exceeds its recoverable amount. When securities classified as Depreciation on plant and The recoverable amount is the available-for-sale are sold or equipment is calculated using higher of an asset’s fair value impaired, the accumulated fair the straight-line method to less costs to sell and value in use. value adjustments recognised allocate their cost to their To date an impairment loss has in equity are included in the residual values over their not arisen. income statement as ‘gains estimated useful lives, as and losses from investment follows: Website development costs securities’. Interest on available- The costs incurred in developing for-sale securities calculated Fixtures and fittings: the International Rugby Board’s using the effective interest 5 years website are capitalised and method is recognised in the Computer equipment: amortised over 3 years. income statement. Dividends 3 years on available-for-sale equity Plant and equipment: F. Financial assets instruments are recognised in 25 years Available-for-sale financial the income statement when assets the Group’s right to receive The assets’ residual values and The International Rugby Board payments is established. useful lives are reviewed, and classifies all of its investments adjusted if appropriate, at each into the available-for-sale The fair values of quoted balance sheet date. category. They are included investments are based on in non-current assets unless current bid prices. An asset’s carrying amount management intends to dispose is written down immediately of the investment within 12 The IRB assesses at each to its recoverable amount if months of the balance sheet balance sheet date whether the asset’s carrying amount date. there is objective evidence that is greater than its estimated a financial asset or a group of recoverable amount. Regular purchases and sales of financial assets is impaired. In investments are recognised on the case of equity securities Gains and losses on disposals trade-date – the date on which classified as available- for-sale, a are determined by comparing the IRB commits to purchase significant or prolonged decline proceeds with carrying amount. or sell the asset. Investments in the fair value of the security

86 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

below its cost is considered as administration expenses. When of resources will be required an indicator that the securities a trade receivable is uncollectible to settle the obligation; and are impaired. If any such it is written off against the the amount has been reliably evidence exists for available- allowance account for trade estimated. for-sale financial assets, the receivables. Subsequent cumulative loss – measured recoveries of previously written Provisions are measured as the difference between the off amounts are credited against at the present value of the acquisition cost and the current administration expenses in the expenditures expected to be fair value, less any impairment income statement. required to settle the obligation loss on that financial asset using a pre-tax rate that reflects previously recognised in profit H. Cash and cash equivalents current market assessments of or loss – is removed from equity Cash and cash equivalents the time value of money and the and recognised in the income includes cash in hand, deposits risks specific to the obligation. statement. Impairment losses held at call with banks, other The increase in the provision due recognised in the income short-term highly liquid to passage of time is recognised statement on equity instruments investments with original as interest expense. are not reversed through the maturities of three months or income statement. less, and bank overdrafts. K. Revenue recognition Royalties from the licensing of G. Trade receivables I. Employee benefits television rights to broadcast the Trade receivables are recognised Pension obligations Rugby World Cup are recognised initially at fair value and The IRB operates a defined on the successful completion subsequently measured at contribution pension plan. A of the respective Rugby World amortised cost using the defined contribution plan is a Cup tournament. Instalments effective interest method, less pension plan under which the received prior to this date provision for impairment. A IRB pays fixed contributions are deferred as they may be provision for impairment of into a separate entity. The repayable, in whole or in part, at trade receivables is established International Rugby Board any time up to the completion when there is objective evidence has no legal or constructive of the Rugby World Cup upon that the International Rugby obligations to pay further the occurrence, for any reasons, Board will not be able to collect contributions if the fund does of one of more of the following all amounts due according to not hold sufficient assets to conditions specified in the the original terms of receivables. pay all employees the benefits contract agreements: Significant financial difficulties relating to employee service in of the debtor, probability that the current and prior periods. • Cancellation and/or the debtor will enter bankruptcy rescheduling of the events or financial reorganisation, The contributions are recognised and/or non availability of and default or delinquency as an employee benefit expense feed of events to the licensee. in payments are considered when they are due. Prepaid • Either party has committed a indicators that the trade contributions are recognised material breach of any of its receivable is impaired. The as an asset to the extent that a obligations which cannot be amount of the provision is cash refund or a reduction in the remedied. the difference between the future payments is available. • Either party has committed a asset’s carrying amount and material or repeated breach the present value of estimated J. Provisions of any of its obligations and future cash flows, discounted at Provisions for restructuring costs fails to remedy such breach. the effective interest rate. The and legal claims are recognised • The other party goes carrying amount of the asset when the International Rugby into liquidation or an is reduced through the use of Board has a present legal or administrator or receiver is an allowance account, and the constructive obligation as a appointed over the whole or amount of the loss is recognised result of past events; it is more any part of that other party’s in the income statement within likely than not that an outflow assets.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

• The other party ceases or M. Grants transactions and recognised threatens to cease to carry The IRB distributes discretionary assets and liabilities. on business or is removed investment grants through the from the relevant register of IRB Trust. These are charged To manage their foreign companies. to the Income Statement in exchange risk arising the year in which the liability to from future commercial Interest earned on instalments distribute the grant falls due. transactions and recognised received is for the benefit of the Unpaid investment grants are assets and liabilities and International Rugby Board and is accrued for two years only. when considered appropriate recorded as interest income. Grants which remain unpaid and necessary, entities after that date, because of in the Group use forward Other revenue non-compliance with the terms contracts, transacted by Other revenue is generated from and conditions applying to their the Finance Department. the sale of sponsorship rights, payment, are credited back to Foreign exchange risk arises hospitality rights and licensing the income statement. when future commercial rights. Those which are related to transactions, recognised the Rugby World Cup tournament 3. Financial risk management assets or liabilities are are deferred to the year in which Financial risk factors denominated in a currency the event is held as they may The International Rugby Board’s that is not the entity’s be repayable in whole or in part activities have the potential to functional currency. upon the occurrence of similar expose it to a variety of financial risks conditions which apply to the including foreign exchange risk, credit broadcasting rights agreements. risk and interest rate risk. Its overall b.a. Price risk Revenues related to other risk management programme seeks b. The group is exposed to tournaments are recorded in to minimise potential adverse effects equity securities price risk the period in which the relevant on the International Rugby Board’s because of investments held tournament takes place. activities. The IRB uses derivative by the group and classified financial instruments to hedge certain on the consolidated balance Financial income risk exposures. sheet either as available for Interest income is recognised sale or at fair value through on an effective yield basis and Risk management is carried out profit or loss. The group is not dividend income is recognised by the IRB management under exposed to commodity price when the right to receive policies approved by the Council of risk. To manage its price risk payment is established. the International Rugby Board. The arising from investments in Council provides written principles equity securities, the group L. Leases for overall risk management, as well diversifies its portfolio. The IRB has no finance as written policies covering specific Diversification of the portfolio leases of property, plant and areas, such as foreign exchange risk, is done in accordance with equipment where the Group has interest rate risk, credit risk, use of the limits set by the group. substantially all of the risks and derivative financial instruments and rewards of ownership. non-derivative financial instruments, c. Fair value and cash flow and investment of excess liquidity. interest rate risk All leases undertaken by the IRB Interest rate risk arises from are operating leases in which a a. Foreign exchange risk cash deposits and variable significant portion of the risks The IRB operates interest available-for-sale and rewards are retained by the internationally and is exposed securities. The group lessor. Payments made under to foreign exchange risk monitors the impact of such operating leases, excluding arising from various currency interest rate movements on contingency payments, are exposures, primarily with the fair value and interest charged to the income statement respect to the pound sterling. income received from on a straight – line basis over the Foreign exchange risk arises financial instruments that are period of the lease. from future commercial subject to the variable rate.

88 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Revenue d. Credit risk 2013 2012 The IRB has no significant Stg£ Stg£ concentrations of credit Revenue is analysed as follows: risk. Substantially all of its Broadcasting 234,198 581,215 revenues are generated from Sponsorship 3,478,274 4,567,129 the licensing of television Merchandising and other income 2,940,510 2,685,342 broadcasting rights and other 6,652,982 7,833,686 commercial rights and the IRB believes that that all amounts 6. Grant related expenses due under such rights are fully During 2013 the International Rugby Board incurred £22,674,289 of grant collectible. expenditure, which was distributed to tournaments and member unions. (2012: £22,833,163). e. Liquidity risk The IRB holds significant 7. Administration expenses by nature cash deposits and as a result 2013 2012 does not have any significant Stg£ Stg£ liquidity risk. Depreciation (note 12) 165,703 190,309 Employee benefit expense (note 10) 7,695,382 6,953,230 Development expenses 6,947,574 5,317,030 Finance and administration expenses 2,089,939 1,004,090 Member services 2,064,553 1,311,896 Other expenses 2,391,106 2,099,353

Total administrative expenses 21,354,257 16,875,908 4. Critical accounting estimates and 2013 2012 judgements Number Number Estimates and judgements are Number of employees 74 68 continually evaluated and are based 2013 2012 on historical experience and other Stg£ Stg£ factors, including expectations of Finance and administration expenses include : future events that are believed Audit fee 21,250 21,250 Council member attendance fees 388,898 388,463 to be reasonable under the circumstances. 8. Other income The International Rugby Board 2013 2012 makes estimates and assumptions Stg£ Stg£ concerning the future. The Income from financial assets 2,074,439 3,493,498 resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. However 9. Other gains - net the International Rugby Board 2013 2012 considers that there are no Stg£ Stg£ significant estimates, judgements Gain arising on the disposal of available for 845,530 1,437,773 or assumptions applied in the sale financial assets current financial year as a result of Foreign exchange gains 560,695 347,674 which there is a risk of causing a 1,406,225 1,785,447 material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities.

89

FINANCIAL REPORT BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. Employee benefit expense 2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Wages and salaries 6,696,241 6,018,126 Social security costs 658,264 630,485 Pension costs – defined contribution plans 340,877 304,619 7,695,382 6,953,230

11. Income tax expense 2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Income tax expense 36,980 46,909

Under Irish tax law the International Rugby Board is largely exempt from paying tax. A minimal taxation expense was incurred in the current financial period. This expense arose within the following entities: • IRFB Services Limited • RWC 2003 Limited • IB Tournaments Limited • Rugby World Cup 2015 (Services) Limited

12. Property, plant and equipment Furniture, fittings and equipment Stg£ Year ended 31 December 2012 Opening net book amount 313,180 Additions 98,398

Depreciation charge (190,309)

Closing net book amount 221,269

At 31 December 2012 Cost 2,176,717

Accumulated depreciation (1,955,448)

Net book amount 221,269

Year ended 31 December 2013 Opening net book amount 221,269 Additions 67,795 Depreciation charge (165,703) Closing net book amount 123,361

At 31 December 2013 Cost 2,575,342 Accumulated depreciation (2,451,981) Net book amount 123,361

The depreciation expense has been charged entirely within “administration expenses”.

90 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13. Intangible assets Rugby World Cup Logo Stg£ Year ended 31 December 2012 Opening net book amount 77,002 Amortisation charge (note 7) - Closing net book amount 77,002 At 31 December 2012 Cost 77,002 Accumulated amortisation and impairment - Net book amount 77,002 Year ended 31 December 2013 Opening net book amount 77,002 Amortisation charge (note 7) - Closing net book amount 77,002 At 31 December 2013 Cost 77,002 Accumulated amortisation and impairment - Net book amount 77,002

The Rugby World Cup Logos are considered to have an indefinite life because it is considered that there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which this asset is expected to generate cash flows. As the cash inflows to the IRB as a result of the successful completion of the World Cup tournaments are expected to be significantly in excess of the net book amount of these intangible assets no impairment is considered to have taken place.

14. Deferred expenditure 2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Broadcasting 1,981,584 315,840 Sponsorship 98,550 251,250 Merchandising 960,000 142,050 3,040,134 709,140 Beginning of the year 709,140 - Deferred during the period 2,330,994 709,140 Released to expenditure - - End of the year 3,040,134 709,140

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. Available-for-sale financial assets

2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Beginning of the year 86,806,337 83,732,077 Additions 39,187,320 27,783,145 Disposals (34,146,130) (26,211,039) Revaluation surplus 2,390,466 1,502,154 End of the year 94,237,993 86,806,337

2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Available-for-sale financial assets includes the following: Listed securities: – Equity securities – eurozone countries 5,567,267 1,921,864 – Equity securities – US 12,260,315 2,307,144

– Equity securities – UK 9,927,061 7,924,695 – Equity securities – other 24,598,363 4,502,408

52,353,006 16,656,111

– Interest securities – eurozone countries 8,849,892 13,769,900

– Interest securities – US 2,861,294 11,364,511 – Interest securities – UK 15,509,398 29,545,335 – Interest securities - other 14,669,403 15,470,480 41,884,987 70,150,226

94,237,993 86,806,337

At 31 December 2013 retained earnings included a cumulative surplus of Stg£6,046,888 (2012

surplus of Stg£3,656,422) in respect of unrealised fair value gains on available for sale financial assets.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of the securities classified as available for sale.

92 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16. Trade and other receivables 2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Trade receivables 4,424,377 1,582,283 Less: provision for impairment of receivables (47,605) (254,294) Trade receivables – net 4,376,772 1,327,989 Prepayments 2,058,398 1,811,814 6,435,170 3,139,803

There is no difference in the fair value of trade and other receivables and the amounts stated above. The movement and the provision for impairment of receivables reflects a charge to the income statement during the year which was included in “administration expenses”. Given the nature of the IRB’s operations standard credit terms do not apply. At the year end date none of the unimpaired trade receivables above were considered to be overdue. Prepayments do not contain any impaired assets.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying value of each receivable noted above. The IRB does not hold any collateral as security.

17. Cash and cash equivalents 2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Cash at bank and in hand 3,617,725 3,285,351 Short-term bank deposits 34,354,574 40,309,148 37,972,299 43,594,499

The effective interest rate on short-term bank deposits was 0.6% (2012: 1.2%); these deposits have an average maturity of 30 days (2012: 35 days).

The effective interest rate on deposits with maturity between 3 to 12 months was 0.75% (2012: 1.3%): these deposits have an average maturity of 63 days (2012: 81 days). Cash at bank and in hand and all deposits are held with financial institutions with either a Standard and Poor’s AA, A or BB+ or C-rating.

18. Deferred revenue 2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Broadcasting 33,357,029 5,397,662 Sponsorship 20,297,820 5,527,500 Merchandising 2,527,479 2,376,068 56,182,328 13,301,230 Beginning of the year 13,301,230 1,283,439 Deferred during the period 44,822,724 13,301,230 Released to income (1,941,626) (1,283,439) End of the year 56,182,328 13,301,230

93 FINANCIAL REPORT BUILDING CHARACTER SINCE 1886

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19. Trade and other payables and JRFU awarding them the right to host the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015 and Japan in 2019 respectively. 2013 2012 Stg£ Stg£ Rugby World Cup Limited has entered into a formal Trade payables 5,268,307 948,854 agreement with Federation Française de Rugby awarding Accrued expenses 3,139,140 5,559,562 them the right to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Corporation tax payable 8,682 9,031 France in 2014. 8,416,129 6,517,447 Operating lease commitments There is no difference in the fair value of trade and other payables and the At the balance sheet date, the Group has outstanding amounts stated above commitments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows: 20. Retained earnings

The retained earnings balance includes a non-distributable 2013 2012 Catastrophic Injury Reserve of Stg£9,526,000. Stg£ Stg£ Not later than one year 288,347 292,375 Later than one and no later than 1,153,388 1,169,500 21. Cash generated from operations five years

2013 2012 Later than five years 720,868 1,023,313

Stg£ Stg£ 2,162,603 2,485,188 Loss for the period before taxation (45,118,591) (35,443,473) Adjustments for: - Depreciation (note 12) 165,703 190,309 - Profit on disposal of available for (845,530) (1,437,773) sale financial assets Operating lease commitments - Interest income (2,074,439) (3,493,498) - Grants 22,674,289 18,339,328 The majority of the lease commitments of the IRB relate to - Gain on foreign exchange 291,944 (268,759) the lease of its headquarters at 35-38 Huguenot House, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland. The lease ends in July Changes in operating capital 2021, with a break clause occurring in 2016. - Trade and other receivables (3,297,013) 64,495,275 - Trade and other payables (3,315,079) (10,606,536) - Deferred revenue 42,881,098 12,017,791 23. Contingencies - Deferred expenses (2,330,994) (709,140) Cash generated from operations 9,031,388 43,083,524 The board is not aware of any contingent liabilities or contractual events material to the accounts requiring provision at the end of the year. 22. Commitments 24. Approval of financial statements The IRB has made commitments to provide a total of The financial statements were approved by the directors on approximately Stg£10.7m in Strategic Investment funding 14 May 2014. over the next year.

The IRB has made commitments to its Member Unions to pay grants at a level of approximately Stg£8.2m over the next year.

IB Tournaments Limited, an entity wholly owned by the IRB, has entered into firm commitments to pay participation fees of Stg£1,330,645 (US$2,062,500) and Host Union Tournament marketing fees of Stg£1,000,000 for the IRB Sevens in 2013/2014.

The IRB, through its wholly owned entity, Rugby World Cup Limited, has entered into formal agreements with the RFU

94 WORLD RUGBY | YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT

World Rugby Meet the team in 2015

Chairman’s Office Peter Horne Finance Department Rugby World Cup High Performance Manager Asia Bernard Lapasset Pacific Robert Brophy Alan Gilpin Chairman Alison Hughes Chief Financial Officer Head of Rugby World Cup Tournament Operations Manager John Corbett Ross Aitken Chief Executive’s Office Joël Jutge Information Technology Manager RWC Venues and Cities Manager High Performance Match Official Ronan Donagher Nicola Alesbrook Brett Gosper Manager Information Technology Officer RWC Tournament Manager Chief Executive Officer Simon Kibble Margaret Downey Jonathan Bagnall Myra McGlynn Tournament Operations Manager Accounts Payable/Payroll Officer Ticketing Administrator Chairman and CEO Office Manager Avan Lee Anthony Downey Enda Connolly General Manager – Sevens Management Accountant (Projects) RWC Team Services Manager Commercial Department Paddy O’Brien Lynn Donohoe Jennifer Hill High Performance Sevens Referee Accounts Receivable/Finance Marketing and Communications Manager Murray Barnett Coordinator Project Manager

Head of Broadcast, Marketing and Tracy O’Callaghan Darren Gibson Linda Hoey Referee and Tournaments Commercial Information Technology Desktop RWC Host Union Services Manager Administrator Michaella Snoeck Support Louise Jolly Commercial and Broadcast Manager Chris McCarthy RWC Ticketing Manager Jeanne Gardner de Beville Development and Senior Management Accountant Simone Papirnik Marketing, Broadcast and Commercial International Relations Paul Pringle RWC Project Officer Administrator Group Financial Accountant Nic Rodgers David Carrigy Clare Skelly RWC Coordinator Communications Head of Development and Enterprise Resource Planning Project Department International Relations Manager Technical Services Michael Arpaillange Susan Spellman Regional Development Manager – Finance Manager Dominic Rumbles Mark Harrington Europe Head of Communications Head of Technical Services Jean-Luc Barthes James Bass Legal Department Ilaria Baudo Rugby Services Manager – Africa Social Media Content Executive Anti-Doping Manager – Testing and Morgan Buckley Karen Bond Susan Ahern Education General Manager Development Web and Publications Editor Head of Legal and Legislative Affairs Ross Blake Susan Carty Tom Chick Barbara Clancy Anti-Doping Co-ordinator Women’s Development Manager Social Media Editor Legal Counsel Marc Douglas Bruce Cook Tecwyn Davies Joyce Hayes Research Co-ordinator Rugby Services Manager – Oceania Digital Media Project Manager PA to Head of Legal and Phil Dunne Gilles Fabre James Fitzgerald Legislative Affairs Game Analyst Translation Co-ordinator Media Manager Patrick Lloyd David Ho Will Glenwright Sarah Griffiths Acting Legal Counsel Anti-Doping Manager – Compliance Regional General Manager – Asia/ RWC Digital Operations Project Christina McGuckian and Results Oceania Manager Intellectual Property Lawyer Ben Hester Tom Jones Bree Hassanein Caroline Nolan Game Analyst Regional General Manager – North Brand and Events Manager PA to Legal and Legislative Affairs Rhys Jones America and Carribean Lynda Jones Department Game Analysis Manager Brand Co-ordinator Douglas Langley Yvonne Nolan Jock Peggie Regional Development Manager – Dominic Kelly Legal Counsel Training Manager Workforce and Europe Digital Operations Manager Julie O’Mahony Product Development Colum Lavery Seb Lauzier Senior Legal Counsel Dr Martin Raftery Member Services Manager Programming and Content Manager Ben Rutherford Consultant to Technical Services Aurélie Lemouzy Eoin McHugh Legal Counsel Troy Reneker Development Programmes Officer Tournament Communications Anti-Doping Co-ordinator Manager Jaime McKeown Organisational Leanne Walsh External Relations Project Officer Development Research and Equipment Manager Competitions and Anne O’Callaghan Jennifer Wilson Development Coordinator Technical Services Administrator Performance Steve Griffiths Declan O’Dwyer Head of Organisational Development Development and International Sarah Carew Travel Mark Egan Relations Co-ordinator Head of Competitions and Performance Human Resources Co-ordinator Santiago Ramallo Alan Athey Beth Coalter Lisa Lowry Regional Development Manager – Travel Manager Sevens Operations Manager Human Resources Manager South America Mairead Donlon Clara Gonzalez Ridzal Saat Travel Administrator Tournaments Co-ordinator Rugby Services Manager – Asia Michael Groom Regional Tournaments Manager – Oceania

95 World Rugby World Rugby House 8-10 Pembroke Street Lower Dublin 2 Ireland

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