Sir Bill Beaumont has urged RFU members to unite and reject a vote of no confidence in chief executive Bill Sweeney at a special general meeting set to take place at Twickenham.
In a statement, the interim RFU chair called for an end to months of division by supporting Sweeney. However, this appeal has been met with resistance, as representatives of the Whole Game Union (WGU), which is spearheading the push for change, criticized the RFU’s unwillingness to address concerns.
More than 150 clubs have called for Sweeney’s resignation following the revelation that he received a substantial bonus last year, bringing his total remuneration to £1.1 million, despite the RFU recording significant financial losses. A motion of no confidence, along with a proposal for the RFU board to terminate his contract, was put forward earlier this year, with the vote set to follow a hybrid meeting format.
Beaumont, appointed on an interim basis after the previous chair stepped down in December, has continued to support Sweeney, along with the rest of the board. With a large number of voting members and an uncertain turnout, the outcome of the meeting remains unpredictable.
Sweeney has made it clear that he will not step down voluntarily and is unlikely to be dismissed immediately, even if he loses the vote. In that case, an emergency board meeting would be convened to determine the next steps.
The special meeting will be opened by the RFU president before the motion is introduced by a prominent figure within the WGU, a coalition of clubs ranging from the Championship to grassroots levels.
Additionally, the RFU board has submitted a counter-resolution seeking approval to accelerate an ongoing governance and representation review. This review aims to decentralize decision-making to regional and local bodies, addressing concerns that the meeting is merely a means of preserving the status quo.
Beaumont acknowledged the frustrations driving the vote but argued that removing Sweeney would not lead to meaningful improvements. He warned that such a move would only delay necessary reforms and prolong disruption within the sport.
The WGU, however, countered that the RFU leadership has failed to address long-standing concerns raised by clubs, referees, and other participants in the game. They maintain that the board’s reluctance to engage in discussions demonstrates its inability to lead effectively.
The group emphasized that the vote is about initiating a managed process for change, highlighting that the former chair stepped down rather than facing a forced departure. Regardless of the outcome, the WGU believes that shedding light on internal governance issues is a significant step forward.
While the final decision remains uncertain, the debate has already exposed deep divisions within the RFU, with many believing the game has suffered due to a lack of clear direction and strong leadership.
