Overview

• The RFU's Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) was found to be a well-reasoned and appropriate remuneration structure introduced in 2021 to retain executives post-pandemic.
• Bill Sweeney, RFU Chief Executive, received a £358,000 bonus on top of his £742,000 salary, contributing to backlash as the RFU faced record losses of £37.9 million and staff redundancies.
• The independent review, conducted by Freshfields, identified weaknesses in communication and record-keeping, recommending better documentation and transparency in future annual reports.
• Criticism arose over inconsistent and inaccurate explanations in the RFU's 2023-24 annual report, which linked LTIP payments to pandemic-era salary sacrifices, a claim not supported by the review.
• Sweeney faces a vote of no confidence at a special general meeting next month, reflecting continued unrest among community clubs and stakeholders.