The International Rugby Board (IRB) is the world governing and law-making body for the sport of rugby union, and previously for rugby football. It was founded in 1886 as the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) by the unions of Scotland, Wales and Ireland. England originally refused to take part, but in 1890, it became the first non-founding union to become a member. The International Rugby Football Board changed its name to the International Rugby Board in 1997. The IRB's headquarters are located in Dublin, Ireland. - Source: Wikipedia