Bill Sweeney, the chief executive of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), has made it clear that he intends to remain in his role until 2027, regardless of the outcome of a forthcoming vote of no confidence. He has also refused to apologize for accepting a £358,000 bonus amid record losses and redundancies at the RFU. Despite growing discontent among members, Sweeney remains resolute in his position, asserting that he has unfinished business and is committed to seeing through key initiatives in the sport.
The backlash against Sweeney’s bonus arose after it was revealed in November that he received a total of £1.1 million, including a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) bonus, while the RFU faced a £42 million loss and 42 redundancies. This revelation sparked outrage among grassroots members, leading to the formation of a rebellion that included over 150 members. A special general meeting was called to vote on his future, with the vote scheduled for March 27, 2025, just after the Six Nations tournament.
Although a vote of no confidence could force Sweeney’s departure, the final decision rests with the RFU board. While the board is said to support him, Sweeney faces significant pressure, particularly if the vote reflects widespread dissatisfaction. Despite the turmoil, Sweeney has firmly stated that he has no intention of stepping down. He emphasized that the easiest course of action would be to resign, but he believes he still has much to contribute to the sport. His commitment to rugby, he says, remains strong, and he would only consider leaving if he felt he was no longer adding value.
Sweeney acknowledged the optics surrounding his bonus and admitted that he would have preferred to defer it until 2025 or 2027. However, he maintained that he did not feel the need to apologize, as the LTIP was not his decision but a scheme put in place by the RFU. He defended his decision to accept the bonus, pointing out that it was part of a structured plan, and reiterated that he did not believe he should be held personally accountable for the timing of the payment.
The controversy surrounding Sweeney’s bonus coincides with England’s disappointing performance under head coach Steve Borthwick. England’s Six Nations campaign, which begins with a challenging match against Ireland, could put additional pressure on both Borthwick and Sweeney. With only two wins from their last eight matches, England’s form has been underwhelming, and any poor results in the upcoming tournament could further fuel the criticism of Sweeney’s leadership.
Sweeney, however, distanced himself from the decision to appoint Borthwick as head coach, stating that the appointment was made by a panel of rugby experts rather than being his personal choice. While Sweeney was part of the conversation, the final decision was made by the panel based on a range of factors, including succession planning and a thorough review of potential candidates. He rejected suggestions that the process was shambolic, acknowledging that the departure of key figures like Felix Jones and Aled Walters was unexpected, but he insisted that such changes were not necessarily a sign of instability.
Despite the turbulence surrounding his leadership, Sweeney remains determined to continue in his role. He believes that the RFU is making significant strides in various areas, such as the Nations Cup and other initiatives in world rugby, and he is committed to seeing these projects through. While the pressure on him is mounting, Sweeney’s resolve to stay in the job is clear. He has no plans to step down, even if the vote of no confidence goes against him, and is determined to fulfill his vision for the future of rugby in England.
