The event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together with cities, Organising Committees and commercial organisations to leverage the exciting opportunities rugby faces as it prepares to rejoin the Olympic programme at Rio 2016.

Built around the IRB General Assembly and the IRB Medical Commission Conference, the event will guarantee the presence of leading representatives from 118 national member unions and Rugby World Cup Organising Committees, including England 2015 and Japan 2019.

The event will include a comprehensive programme of meetings, conference sessions, workshops and networking events accompanied by an exhibition that will facilitate interaction and accelerate the business partnerships that will shape the future of the sport, IRB officials claim.

"The IRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition will provide the unique environment for the global rugby community to share knowledge, network and develop relationships that will contribute to the continued growth of rugby worldwide," said IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset (pictured top).

A dedicated IRB World Conference and Exhibition website will launch on May 1 but in the meantime organisations are encouraged to register their interest by clicking here.

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