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RFU Faces Key Vote on CEO Bill Sweeney's Leadership

A Special General Meeting today will decide whether grassroots dissatisfaction over governance and financial mismanagement leads to a no-confidence vote against Sweeney.

RFU chief Bill Sweeney is facing a vote of no confidence (Photo: Getty)
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Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney
Sweeney won the referendum on his leadership by 466 to 206 votes

Overview

  • The RFU is holding its first Special General Meeting in 25 years, with a vote of no confidence in CEO Bill Sweeney set to take place at 5 PM today.
  • Grassroots coalitions, led by the Whole Game Union (WGU), have pushed for the vote, citing financial mismanagement, executive bonuses, and governance failures as key grievances.
  • Interim chairman Sir Bill Beaumont and former critic Rob Sigley have publicly backed Sweeney, arguing that his leadership provides needed stability during a critical period.
  • The RFU has proposed a counter-resolution to accelerate governance reforms, including devolving more decision-making to regional bodies, in an effort to address grassroots concerns.
  • Low voter turnout is expected, which could benefit the grassroots movement, but the outcome remains uncertain and could significantly impact the future governance of English rugby.