Former RFU Chairmen Demand Resignations Amid Pay and Loss Controversy

Bill Sweeney assumed the role of RFU chief executive in 2019, following a similar position with the British Olympic Association and corporate leadership roles at Shell, Mars, and Unilever. Three individuals who previously served as chairmen of the Rugby Football Union have called for the senior leadership of the governing body to step down. This demand follows the controversy surrounding record financial losses and executive bonuses. In an open letter, which the BBC has reviewed, Martyn Thomas, Graeme Cattermole, and Brian Baister assert that “enormous & irreparable damage” has been inflicted upon the RFU’s reputation. Last month, the RFU disclosed a record operating loss approaching £40m. Despite this, chief executive Bill Sweeney received £1.1m, comprising a £358,000 bonus in addition to his £742,000 salary. Sweeney was among six executives who collectively received £1.3m in bonuses at a time when the union is implementing redundancies for over 40 staff members. In their correspondence, Thomas, Cattermole, and Blister state: “The recent RFU announcement of a world record net financial loss to reserves for a sports national governing body of £42m accompanied by large pay increases & bonus payments being made… just a month after declaring 42 staff redundancies has done enormous and irreparable damage to the reputation of the RFU with member clubs, employees and supporters of the game.” They further added: “We would respectfully suggest that the positions of the chairman, CEO and the relevant RFU board members are now untenable.” The letter continues: “We believe a new leadership team is required to chart a new way forward, start the process of rebuilding trust & respect and therefore urge those officers responsible to do the honourable thing.” Amid significant public criticism, the three former RFU chairmen, along with former chief executive Francis Baron, have advocated for changes within the governing body’s leadership structure. The Community Clubs Union, a collective of grassroots clubs advocating for change, has also expressed its full endorsement of the letter. RFU chairman Tom Ilube has defended the bonuses, explaining that the RFU’s incentive scheme accounted for a reduction in compensation due to the pandemic and addressed multi-year performance targets. The RFU also attributes its financial challenges to rising operational costs, increased utility prices, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. The RFU is now preparing for an emergency council meeting later this month to address the situation. The RFU has been contacted for comment.