Overview

• The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is under fire after its CEO Bill Sweeney received £1.1 million in salary and bonuses, with five other executives sharing £1.3 million in additional payouts during a year of record £37.9 million losses.
• The bonus payments, part of a long-term incentive plan introduced in 2021, were justified by RFU leadership as compensation for voluntary pandemic-era pay cuts, but critics argue the payouts far exceeded the original reductions.
• The RFU has recently faced significant financial challenges, including redundancies for 42 staff members, the collapse of multiple professional clubs, and declining grassroots participation in rugby.
• Calls for the resignation of Sweeney, RFU chair Tom Ilube, and president Rob Udwin have grown, with grassroots clubs and former RFU leaders questioning the organization's governance and financial priorities.
• Morale among RFU staff has reportedly hit 'rock bottom,' with many expressing frustration over leadership decisions, including the cancellation of the staff Christmas party while executive bonuses were distributed.