Taoiseach opens World Rugby House in Dublin

Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD (Prime Minister of Ireland) and World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset have officially opened the organisation’s new headquarters in Dublin in the presence of World Rugby Council members and other dignitaries.

Following the launch of an exciting new logo and brand late last year, the global governing body for rugby has now officially opened the doors of its new headquarters, in the heart of the Irish capital. With rugby participation at record levels, Rugby World Cup 2015 set to be the biggest and best to date and Olympic Games qualification in full swing, these are exciting times for World Rugby.

While the new offices are just 350m from its previous home, the space and potential provided by the new surroundings are more in keeping with the organisation’s strategic outlook and mission to grow the game around the world.

Pembroke House on Dublin’s Pembroke Street Lower has been renamed World Rugby House and is now the headquarters of the organisation that continues to oversee enormous growth and development of rugby union on and off the field.

Kenny said: "Dublin and Ireland has a great sporting heritage and tradition and we are honoured that this was recognised by World Rugby as it opens its new headquarters in Dublin.

"I’m proud that rugby is now one of the most popular sports in Ireland, having grown enormously in recent times. This is due in no small measure to the excitement that our national and provincial sides have generated in the men's and women's Six Nations, the Heineken Cup, and to the exploits of the Irish representatives on the Lions tours.

"There is no doubt that World Rugby is doing a fantastic job in pursuit of its goal of growing rugby around the globe. I would like to congratulate World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset, World Rugby Vice-Chairman Oregan Hoskins, and the members of the World Rugby Council for the work they are doing in bringing the sport to where it is today."

Lapasset said: "I would like to thank the Taoiseach for coming here and opening our new headquarters – it is an important day for us as an organisation. When we changed from IRB to World Rugby, we wanted our name and logo and brand to represent more effectively what it was that we did. Although an important part is our role as a regulatory body, we also want to attract, engage and inspire new generations of rugby lovers around the world through promotion and development.

"Whether it is men’s or women’s, 15s or sevens, in a traditional rugby heartland or a brand-new territory, we are working with our member unions and regional associations to grow rugby into a truly global sport.

"Our new offices at World Rugby House are reflective of that ambition. They will allow us to adapt and grow so that we can better serve our great sport in the years to come."

For more information, contact:

Dominic Rumbles

Head of Communications, World Rugby

T: +353-86-8520-826

E: dominic.rumbles@worldrugby.org

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