The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has faced criticism after its chief executive, Bill Sweeney, received a salary of £1.1m for the 2023-24 financial year, despite record losses and significant job cuts at the organization. Sweeney’s basic salary increased from £684,000 to £742,000, an 8.5% rise, and he was awarded an additional £358,000 as part of a long-term incentive plan linked to the union’s post-Covid recovery. This milestone made Sweeney the first RFU chief executive to earn a seven-figure salary, even as the governing body reported an operating loss of £37.9m and 42 redundancies.
The RFU attributed its financial struggles to fewer home matches due to the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the associated increased expenses. Losses were compounded by reduced revenue streams, with a £25.4m shortfall from ticket sales, £22m less from catering and hospitality, and a £6.4m decrease in broadcast income. Despite these challenges, the RFU chair defended the bonus, emphasizing the importance of retaining a stable executive team during a tumultuous period. The bonus was part of a plan approved three years prior, recognizing the executive team’s extended pay cuts during the pandemic and their role in guiding the organization through a difficult recovery phase.
The redundancies, announced in September, followed rising operational costs, including utilities and travel. This came shortly after the RFU secured a £100m deal to sell the Twickenham naming rights to Allianz, which further fueled discontent over Sweeney’s salary increase. Critics have pointed to the contrast between the organization’s financial woes and the substantial pay hike for its leadership, raising questions about priorities and accountability within the RFU.
Sweeney, who has held his position since 2019, has weathered multiple challenges during his tenure, including the financial collapse of clubs like Worcester, Wasps, London Irish, and Jersey Reds. His tenure also saw controversy over the decision to lower the tackle height in amateur rugby, sparking backlash and calls for a vote of no confidence. Additionally, the performance of the England men’s rugby team has drawn scrutiny. Under head coach Steve Borthwick, appointed after Sweeney dismissed Eddie Jones in 2022, England won only five of their 12 matches in 2024.
Despite the losses, Sweeney expressed optimism about the RFU’s future. He highlighted the organization’s planning to weather this expected loss-making year, citing the added costs and reduced revenue due to the World Cup. He also pointed to promising developments, including England’s victory in the World Rugby U20 Championship and a strong pipeline of young talent.
The RFU’s outgoing chief financial officer emphasized the organization’s resilience, noting that its healthy reserves are bolstered by a windfall from CVC’s investment in the Six Nations. While acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the RFU and the broader rugby ecosystem, the focus remains on navigating through these difficulties and leveraging the foundation laid during the recovery period.
As the RFU moves forward, it faces the dual challenge of rebuilding trust within the rugby community while ensuring financial stability. Balancing executive compensation with broader organizational needs will remain a critical issue, especially as the union seeks to foster growth and engagement in a sport facing increasing pressures on and off the field.
