International Rugby League

International Rugby League
Formation1927; 97 years ago (1927)
(as the Rugby League Imperial Board)
TypeInternational sport federation
HeadquartersLondon, England
Region served
Worldwide
Membership
13 full members
19 associated members
Official languages
Chairman
Troy Grant
Deputy Chairman
Peter Beattie
CEO
Nigel Wood
Websiteintrl.sport
Formerly called
Rugby League Imperial Board (1927-1947)
International Rugby League Board (1948-1998)
Rugby League International Federation (1998-2019)

The International Rugby League (IRL) is the global governing body for the sport of rugby league football. The IRL organises the Rugby League World Cup, the oldest international rugby World Cup, as well as the Women's and Wheelchair equivalent.

International Rugby Leagues headquarters are in London, England and is currently made of 32 members.

Founded as the Rugby League Imperial Board in 1927 by the Rugby Football League, French Rugby League Federation, Australian Rugby League Board of Control and the New Zealand Rugby League. In 1948 it became the International Rugby League Board when its membership expanded and then the Rugby League International Federation between 1998-2020.

There are two regional associations affiliated to the IRL; the European Rugby League (ERL) and the Asia-Pacific Rugby League (APRL).