New Zealand's former captain Sean Fitzpatrick, England's experienced hooker Brian Moore, Argentina's ex-skipper Agustín Pichot and France's versatile utility back Thomas Castaignède will take part in a key panel session entitled "State of the Union", to open the ConfEx at the Hilton London Metropole on November 17 and 18.

The panel, which will be moderated by BBC World journalist and broadcaster David Eades, will explore the opportunities and challenges the sport faces over the next decade as it continues to grow and develop worldwide.

"The IRB is fortunate to welcome four of the great names in world rugby to ConfEx 2014," said IRB chief executive Brett Gosper.

"We believe rugby's unique values and inclusive ethos can be summarised by one word, character.

"Sean Fitzpatrick, Brian Moore, Gus Pichot and Thomas Castaignède all possess that quality.

"Their combined knowledge and insight will prove invaluable to the discussion on the future of rugby and the development of the game."

New Zealand's Sean Fitzpatrick was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame earlier this year ©Getty Images



Fitzpatrick, inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame earlier this year, was a formidable player for the All Blacks, playing 92 tests over the course of his decorated career, including the 1987 Rugby World Cup final which New Zealand won.

Moore gained 64 caps for his country between 1987 and 1995 and was selected for two British and Irish Lions tours.

Pichot played 71 times for Argentina in a career that spanned 13 years and four Rugby World Cups.

He led Los Pumas to their greatest achievement to date, finishing third place at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.

Castaignède won 54 international caps from 1995 to 2007 and appeared for his country at fly-half, centre and full-back.

Since their respective retirements, all four panel members have stayed involved and have been vocal proponents of the game, each with strong views on how Rugby should be played and administered around the world.

Brian Moore won 64 caps for England ©Getty Images



"With just over a week to go until ConfEx, we are confident our list of high-calibre speakers will deliver a world-class conference and provide us with an excellent platform from which to debate the issues that really matter," added Gosper.

"As the sport continues to expand into new markets, it is important that we take stock and draw on the existing experience we have within the wider rugby family for the benefit of the game going forward."

ConfEx offers a platform to discuss, learn and create partnerships intended to project rugby's values worldwide.

Supporting the IRB's mission to reach out to new markets around the globe, the vision of ConfEx is to empower the rugby community and help it achieve ever-increasing heights of rugby participation and excellence.

Other high-profile speakers for the ConfEx include Craig Reedie, vice-president of the International Olympic Committee and President of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Clive Woodward, a Rugby World Cup-winning and former British and Irish Lions coach, and Debbie Jevans, chief executive of England Rugby 2015.

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