Grassroots revolt triggers vote over futures of RFU chief executive and chairman
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Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney and chairman Tom Ilube are facing motions calling for their removal after a grassroots revolt gathered enough support to trigger a special general meeting. The rebellion in the community game has the backing of 187 members, the PA news agency understands, easily surpassing the 100 needed to initiate the SGM, which must now be called within 45 days.
All 12 of the Championship clubs and 12 of the 14 teams in National League One are among those taking part in the move to oust Sweeney and Ilube, but it is understood to be led by the Rugby Football Referees’ Union. The RFRU is a national constituent body within the RFU which consists of 37 members.
Two motions will be tabled at the SGM – to dismiss Ilube as chairman, for which a two-thirds majority is needed, and a call for the board to sack Sweeney. The move comes following an outcry over Sweeney’s £1.1million pay for the 2023-24 financial year, which comprises of an increased salary of £742,000 and bonus of £358,000.
Large swathes of the game are in uproar at the amount earned by Sweeney given the RFU reported an operating loss of £37.9m for the same period – the highest it has ever recorded. In addition, 42 staff were made redundant in September, the England men’s team won just five of their 12 matches in 2024 and grassroots participation is in decline.
