The French proposal is most democratic and would remove the influence of the cosy club of major European unions. Fira is the administrative body that runs European rugby. It was established by the IRB and has 44 IRB member Unions. Given that its membership includes a further six of the top-ranked 25 teams in the world and many junior European nations the focus of European rugby would move beyond the elite at both country and club level. It would provide a proper division between Union and professional clubs.