 Originally a grouping for contests between the four Home Nations of the British Isles (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales), the body was symbolic of the increasing co-operation of the older national bodies found in those nations.The organisation expanded to include France in 1907 and by the 50th annual edition of the championships it included countries of North Africa and Western Europe, the United States, and New Zealand.The appearance of France directly led to the inclusion of athletes of its colonies and ultimately Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco competed independently at the competition.