the new zealand rugby union (nzru) is responsible for rugby in the country. the nzru was formed in 1892 as the new zealand rugby football union with the original representation of seven unions though there was the original significant absence of canterbury, otago and southland. the nzrfu joined the irfb in 1949. there are 26 member unions within new zealand. every province also has its own union. in late 2005, new zealand won the right to host the 2011 world cup.