RFU’s Bill Sweeney refuses to apologise for taking £358,000 bonus
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Bill Sweeney has revealed he is determined to stay on as the Rugby Football Union’s chief executive until 2027 – even if he loses a forthcoming vote of no confidence – and refused to apologise for accepting a £358,000 bonus amid record losses and redundancies.
Sweeney also distanced himself from the appointment of Steve Borthwick as England head coach two years ago – the most significant decision during his tenure – on the eve of a make-or-break Six Nations campaign that could pile more pressure on the embattled chief executive.
Sweeney will face a vote of no confidence on 27 March – 12 days after the final round of the Six Nations – after a group of grassroots rebels including more than 150 of the RFU’s members joined forces to trigger a special general meeting. The rebellion was sparked after it emerged in November that Sweeney was paid £1.1m, including a £358,000 long-term incentive plan (LTIP) bonus, while five other executive directors shared close to £1m amid 42 redundancies and the RFU’s record loss to reserves of £42m.
While RFU members will vote on whether Sweeney should stay in March, the ultimate decision lies with the board, who will take the result into account before deciding whether to sack him. It is said he has the full support of the board but the rebels believe a simple majority would force their hand. Even without a majority, if there is a significant vote in favour of Sweeney leaving his position may appear untenable, but the 67-year-old has insisted he has no plans to resign.
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