Rebranding for international rugby

The International Rugby Board will become World Rugby from November 19, 2014 as part of a major rebranding programme.

This is according to the irb.com website.

The release on the site states that a new brand, including a new logo, will be launched at the IRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition in London on November 17-18.

Global Rugby participation has boomed by more than two million to 6.6 million players over the past four years, driven by the commercial success of the Rugby World Cup, the IRB’s development strategies and record investment, strong and vibrant Unions and Rugby’s re-inclusion in the Olympic Games.

With Rugby aspiring to inspire and engage new audiences and players around the world, the rebrand reflects the organization’s mission to build a stronger connection with fans, players and new audiences worldwide.

The rebrand will have no impact on Rugby World Cup 2015 branding or positioning, which will remain