RFU CEO Bill Sweeney Faces Pivotal No-Confidence Vote at Special General Meeting

Grassroots rugby leaders, led by the Whole Game Union, challenge Sweeney's leadership over financial losses, governance failures, and reduced community funding.

• The Rugby Football Union (RFU) will hold its first special general meeting in 25 years on March 27, 2025, to vote on a motion of no confidence in CEO Bill Sweeney.
• The vote, driven by grassroots coalition Whole Game Union (WGU), follows widespread dissatisfaction with executive bonuses, record financial losses, and declining support for community rugby.
• While the vote cannot directly remove Sweeney, a strong anti-Sweeney outcome could pressure the RFU Board to reconsider its support for his leadership.
• The RFU Board, led by interim chair Sir Bill Beaumont, has defended Sweeney, citing financial stability and the risks of a leadership vacuum during critical negotiations.
• The WGU has outlined plans for further motions targeting broader governance reforms and the potential removal of the RFU Board in future meetings.

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