David Carrigy, the International Rugby Board's head of external and member relations, has sent out the following warning to members and associate members of a scam related to the Rugby World Cup.

Members of the global Rugby family should be alert to a new scam that attempts to obtain personal details and bank account information by informing victims that they have won an official Rugby World Cup 2011 themed sweepstake.

Those targeted by the scam are informed via e-mail by people purporting to be from the IRB that they are the lucky winners of a sweepstake to commemorate Rugby World Cup 2011 with winnings of up to GB£1,5 million. To make a claim, victims are asked to submit their personal details to an unofficial e-mail address.

As Rugby’s governing body we wish to assure you that the IRB is not in the business of running any form of sweepstake or money-themed competition. The IRB views this matter seriously and is bringing this matter to the attention of all member Unions so that the global Rugby family can be vigilant and avoid being duped. The International Rugby Board would like to make it clear that it does not operate and has never operated any form of sweepstake.