# [[Top Level Domains Holding Ltd.]] & The [[International Rugby Board]] (IRB), in partnership with [[Roar Domains LLC.]] are applying for the TLD. [[Minds + Machines]] has been selected by the organization to provide the back-end registry services. IRB's objectives in applying for the TLD are to serve the interest of the global rugby stakeholders, to promote the sport and its values and to protect its trademarks.<ref>[http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2061834.html IRB applies for .Rugby top level domain name]</ref> <ref>[http://domainincite.com/rugby-board-tries-for-rugby-with-tldh/ Rugby board tries for .rugby with TLDH]</ref>
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# [[Top Level Domains Holding Ltd.]] & The [[International Rugby Board]] (IRB), in partnership with [[Roar Domains LLC.]] are applying for the TLD. [[Minds + Machines]] has been selected by the organization to provide the back-end registry services. IRB's objectives in applying for the TLD are to serve the interest of the global rugby stakeholders, to promote the sport and its values and to protect its trademarks.<ref>[http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2061834.html IRB applies for .Rugby top level domain name]</ref> <ref>[http://domainincite.com/rugby-board-tries-for-rugby-with-tldh/ Rugby board tries for .rugby with TLDH]</ref> <ref>[http://www.internetnews.me/2012/06/13/so-which-new-tld-applicants-claim-to-be-irish/ So Which New TLD Applicants Claim To Be Irish?]</ref>
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# [[IRB Strategic Developments Limited]]- The company is affiliated with the IRB. It has partnered with [[Minds + Machines]] to provide its back-end registry services.<ref>[http://www.internetnews.me/2012/06/13/so-which-new-tld-applicants-claim-to-be-irish/ So Which New TLD Applicants Claim To Be Irish?]</ref>
# [[Famous Four Media]] (dot Rugby Limited), one of 61 applications filed by the company.
# [[Famous Four Media]] (dot Rugby Limited), one of 61 applications filed by the company.
# [[Donuts]] (Atomic Cross, LLC), one of 307 applications filed by the company.
# [[Donuts]] (Atomic Cross, LLC), one of 307 applications filed by the company.
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===GAC Early Warning===
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The applications from [[Famous Four Media]] and [[Donuts]] were both issued a [[GAC]] Early Warning by the United Kingdom. The warning system is noted as a strong recommendation on behalf of national governments to the [[ICANN Board]] that a given TLD application should be denied as it stands. Applicants are encouraged to work with objecting GAC members.<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/gac-early-warning GAC Early Warning, NewgTLDS.ICANN.org] Retrieved 27 Nov 2012</ref>
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The warnings state that the application submitted in conjunction with the [[International Rugby Board]], which is the largest, officially recognized governing body for the sport, should by given priority about the other two applications. It notes that while the application was not submitted as a [[Community TLD|Community Priority Application]], it is a Community TLD, if not technically so under ICANN's rules. It recommends that the other two applicants withdraw their applications.<ref>[https://gacweb.icann.org/download/attachments/22938690/Rugby-UK-2805.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1353453351000 Rugby UK, GACweb.ICANN.org]</ref><ref>[https://gacweb.icann.org/download/attachments/22938690/Rugby-UK-66762.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1353453363000 Rugby UK, GACweb.ICANN.org]</ref>