RFU Faces Leadership Crisis Over Executive Bonuses and Financial Losses

Over 150 rugby clubs demand the removal of CEO Bill Sweeney following record losses and controversial bonus payments.

Bill Sweeney, CEO of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), faces growing calls for his removal after receiving a £400,000 bonus during a year in which the organization reported a record £38 million loss.
A motion to hold a special general meeting (SGM) to terminate Sweeney's employment has gained support from 152 rugby clubs, surpassing the required 100 signatures.
The RFU rejected the motion on procedural grounds, citing issues with signatures and outdated references to the recently resigned chairman, Tom Ilube.
Critics accuse the RFU of poor governance, excessive bureaucracy, and a disconnect with grassroots rugby, further fueled by dissatisfaction over player registration rules and controversial decisions on tackle-height laws.
Genevieve Shore, the former chair of the RFU remuneration committee, defended the bonus payments as part of a Long Term Incentive Plan designed to retain key executives during the pandemic.