2006 will be remembered as an exciting year for the Game. On the field around the world the core IRB Tournaments broke new ground, while off it the IRB continued its significant investment in the Game with the roll out of Union high performance initiatives and several new exciting Tournaments.


The 2006 IRB Under 19 World Championship in Dubai was the first major Rugby tournament to be staged in the Middle East, while the IRB Under 21 World Championship in France played a major role in terms of RWC promotion a year out from the Tournament. The popular IRB Sevens World Series continued to break records in terms of attendance and broadcast coverage and the Women’s Rugby World Cup held in Edmonton, Canada set new standards for the Women’s Game.


2007 promises to be even more exciting with the international Rugby community eagerly awaiting Rugby World Cup 2007. The Tournament in France (with several matches in Wales and Scotland) promises to be the most successful in its 20-year history. I am confident the Tournament will deliver spectators with the unique and colourful regional experiences that only France can offer. It will be an event not to be missed and the IRB is looking forward to welcoming Rugby supporters from all over Europe and the world to Rugby World Cup 2007.


RWC 2007 is just the tip of the iceberg in what promises to be another busy year for Rugby. The final two teams for Rugby World Cup will be confirmed through the Repechage process by March. Belfast, Northern Ireland will host the 2007 IRB Under 19 World Championship in April. The IRB's Pacific Rugby Cup, Pacific Nations Cup, North America 4 and Nations Cup will enter their second year and the IRB Sevens World Series will climax in June as the Series visits Scotland for the first time.


There is much to look forward to, but it is also important to recognise those who give up their time for the Game on a voluntary basis – the tireless contribution of such volunteers is crucial to ensuring the good health of the Game. Thanks must also go to the sponsors around the world who contribute so much to the ongoing development of the Game through their generous support and to the media which provides excellent and extensive coverage of Rugby.


On behalf of the International Rugby Board, I would like to wish you Season’s Greetings and a successful 2007.


Dr. Syd Millar

Chairman, International Rugby Board