Former RFU Chairmen Demand Resignations Over Executive Pay Controversy

Three former presidents of the Rugby Football Union have called for the resignation of the governing body’s senior executives following the controversy over record financial losses and executive bonuses.

In an open letter, which was viewed by the BBC, Martyn Thomas, Graeme Cattermole and Brian Baister claim that ‘enormous and irreparable damage’ has been done to the RFU’s reputation.

Last month, it revealed a record operating loss of almost £40 million, but chief executive Bill Sweeney pocketed £1.1 million after pocketing a £358,000 bonus to add to his £742,000 salary.

Sweeney was one of six managers who shared a £1.3 million bonus at a time when the union is laying off more than 40 people.

In their letter, Thomas, Cattermole and Blister write: ‘The RFU’s recent announcement of a world record net financial loss to the reserves of a national sports governing body of £42m, accompanied by large pay rises and bonus payments made… only a month after declaring 42 staff redundancies, has caused huge and irreparable damage to the RFU’s reputation with member clubs, employees and supporters of the game.

‘We would respectfully suggest that the positions of the RFU president, CEO and board members are now untenable.

‘We believe that a new leadership team is needed to chart a new way forward, begin the process of rebuilding trust and respect and then urge those responsible officials to do the honourable thing.’

Amid strong reaction, the three former RFU presidents joined former CEO Francis Baron in calling for changes to the governing body’s hierarchy. The Community Clubs Union, a grassroots group of clubs campaigning for change, also says it fully supports the letter.

RFU president Tom Ilube defended the bonuses, arguing that the RFU’s incentive plan recognised a reduction in remuneration caused by the pandemic and defied multi-year targets.

The RFU also states that it was affected by the increased costs of running a business, high utility prices and the consequences of the pandemic. The RFU is now preparing for an emergency meeting of its council to discuss the crisis by the end of the month.