RFU Faces Backlash Over CEO's £1.1m Pay Amid Record Financial Losses

Bill Sweeney's bonus and salary increase draw criticism from former RFU leaders as the organization reports a £34.4m loss for 2023-24.

Bill Sweeney, CEO of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), received a total remuneration of £1.1m, including a £358,000 bonus, despite the organization reporting record financial losses of £34.4m for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Former RFU leaders Graeme Cattermole and Francis Baron have called for Sweeney and RFU chairman Tom Ilube to resign, citing the financial performance as unacceptable and their positions as untenable.
The RFU defended the bonus as part of a long-term incentive plan tied to performance metrics, including financial targets and team performance, though some targets, such as inclusivity and women's participation, were missed.
Critics argue that the RFU's financial decisions, including Sweeney's pay increase and bonus, are out of touch, particularly following recent staff redundancies and declining grassroots participation in key areas of the game.
The RFU Council, which previously attempted to remove Sweeney and Ilube, may face renewed pressure to act, with member clubs also holding the power to call a special meeting to address leadership concerns.