The preceding body before 2010 was NAWIRA – the North America and West Indies Rugby Association.

The main objective of RAN is the promotion and development of rugby in North America and the Caribbean.

The association unveiled a four-year plan during the 2011 Annual General Meeting to grow rugby within its membership unions through promotion, media output and competition.

The United States, Canada and Mexico are fixed representatives, while the Caribbean countries elect two nations for delegation.

[2] In November 2021 RAN announced changes to its executive committee following its 2021 Annual General Meeting in Miami.