Joined by World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset, council members and other dignitaries, the Prime Minister of Ireland cut the ribbon on Pembroke House on Dublin’s Pembroke Street Lower, which has been renamed World Rugby House.

The organisation’s move from its previous offices, which were just 350 metres away, follow on from the launch of World Rugby’s new logo and brand late last year.

"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,” Kenny said.

"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.”

It is hoped the new headquarters will help the body to continue to oversee the growth and development of rugby on and off the field ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England and rugby sevens’ debut on the Olympic programme next year at the Rio 2016 Games.

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.”

Ireland has also been named as the host of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017, with Belfast and Dublin set to stage the showpiece event.

The pool stages will be held at University College Dublin, before the semi-finals and positional play-offs, including the final at the Kingspan Stadium, in Belfast.

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