KEY POINTS:
What is the International Rugby Board [IRB]?
Founded in 1886 and based in Dublin, the IRB is the governing and law making body for Rugby Union.
IRB membership currently totals 95 country unions with full membership, 20 associate members and six regional associations.
While day-to-day running of the board is conducted by a professional staff of over 40, the overall management decisions are made by the executive council (often refered to as the IRB board).
The executive council, under the chairmanship of Syd Millar, meets twice a year.
The IRB council is dominated by the main rugby powers. Eight countries - New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and France - have two votes each at the council table.
Canada, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Fira (Europe), Car (Africa), Foru (Oceania) and Arfu (Asia) have one each, while other individual nations do not get a separate vote.
As with other major sporting bodies, the IRB has been criticised of self-interest, back-scratching, back-biting and other shenanigans during its decision making processes.
In recent years they have been accused of not supporting the needs of poorer rugby nations.
The IRB control a number of existing rugby tournaments, including the Womens Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup Sevens, IRB Sevens, Under 21 World Cup, Under 19 World Championship, Super Powers Cup, and its premier event, the Rugby World Cup.
So who is Syd Millar?
The 72-year-old Irishman was elected to a three-year term as IRB chairman in 2003 following the death of former IRB chief Vernon Pugh, who died in April of that year.
Originally a prop for Ballymena and Ulster, Mr Millar was capped 37 times for Ireland from 1958 to 1970. During that time he played nine times for the British and Irish Lions.
As a coach, then manager, he went on a further two Lions' tours (1974 and 198O) and managed the Irish side at the 1987 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
He joined the IRB executive council in 1992.
Who else is on the IRB executive council?
Vice-chairman Bob Tuckey (Australia), Abdelaziz Bougja (Africa), Carlos Tozzi (Argentina), Jamie Scott (Asia), Ron Graham (Australia), Gary Flowers (Australia), Chris Le Fevre (Canada), Bill Beaumont (England), Jonathan Dance (England), Raul Martins (Europe - FIRA-AER), Bernard Lapasset (France), Jacques Laurans (France), Noel Murphy (Ireland), Peter Boyle (Ireland), Giancarlo Dondi (Italy), Ichiro Kono (Japan), Jock Hobbs (New Zealand), Chris Moller (New Zealand), Kit Nascimento (North America), Harry Schuster (Oceania), Bill Nolan (Scotland), Gordon McKie (Scotland), Oregan Hoskins (South Africa), Johan Prinsloo (South Africa), Hugo Porta (South America), David Pickering (Wales), Gerald Davies (Wales).
How many international rugby tests do the All Blacks play?
In 2006 the All Blacks played six tri-nations tests against South Africa and Australia, and another seven international fixtures throughout the year.
Since his test debut in late 2004 halfback Piri Weepu has played 15 tests for the All Blacks - equal to the total number of tests Grant Batty played as an All Black in the 1970's.
The record for the most number of tests played by an All Black is currently held by Sean Fitzpatrick who pulled on the black jersey for 92 internationals.
Colin Meads is the only All Black prior to 1980 who played more than 50 tests.
- NZHERALD STAFF
