The Commission will advise the IRB Rugby Committee and Medical Commission in the key areas of player welfare and law and will be comprised of men's and women's players from both the 15-a-side game and sevens rugby.

Its aim is to ensure the world's top players are included within the decision-making structures of the IRB, according to the world governing body.

A decision to establish the Commission was taken following a meeting of the IRB Executive Committee in Singapore today and comes with the full support of the International Rugby Players' Association (IRPA).

"The establishment of our first-ever Rugby Athletes' Commission is a significant step forward for the sport and underscores the IRB's commitment to ensure that players are at the heart of world rugby's decision-making process," said IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"This important body will provide a closer link between the IRB Committees and elite men's and women's players, informing and advising the IRB on all matters relating to the playing of the game.

"I would like to thank our Unions and IRPA for their full support."

Player welfare will be one of the key areas that the new Commission will be involved in decision-making on ©Getty Images



The IRB said representatives on the new Commission will be announced shortly.

The move by the IRB to establish a first representative body for athletes continues the organisation's development in the build-up to rugby sevens' debut at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, while a rebranding strategy will see the governing body renamed World Rugby at its World Rugby Conference and Exhibition in London on November 17 and 18.

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