Bill Sweeney survives RFU No Confidence Vote

Bill Sweeney, the under-fire chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, has survived a high-profile vote of no confidence following a special general meeting (SGM) convened on Thursday night.

Despite months of mounting criticism over governance decisions and a controversial six-figure bonus, Sweeney secured strong backing from RFU member clubs, effectively quashing an attempt to remove him from office.

The vote, triggered by the Whole Game Union (WGU)—a coalition including the Rugby Football Referees’ Union and Championship clubs—stemmed from deep dissatisfaction across various levels of English rugby.

The discontent was fuelled by revelations that Sweeney had accepted a £358,000 bonus under a long-term incentive plan in a year where the RFU posted record financial losses.

Tensions had already been brewing prior to the bonus disclosure, with critics pointing to several other contentious decisions under Sweeney’s leadership.

These included the introduction of the widely unpopular tackle-height law in the community game, significant funding cuts to Championship clubs, and the underperformance of the senior men’s national team.

The SGM—the first of its kind in two decades—was the culmination of months of organising by clubs and members seeking accountability.

However, despite vocal opposition, Sweeney emerged with a vote tally of 466 to 206 in his favour, with 36 abstentions. The result ensures he remains at the helm of the RFU.

While the vote of no confidence failed, the meeting did see the passage of a separate RFU resolution on governance reform, aimed at further devolving decision-making power within the union.

RFU interim chair Bill Beaumont, who played a key role in rallying support for Sweeney, acknowledged both sides of the debate.

“Thank you all for your contributions this evening and for the thoughtful input we’ve received over the past few weeks,” Beaumont said.

“On the first motion before us, the message from our members is clear. They have voted emphatically to support our CEO, Bill Sweeney, and I am pleased to see such a decisive outcome.

"I would also like to acknowledge the members who voted for the motion – thank you for your voices and your perspectives. Every opinion matters and your concerns have been duly heard.

“I ask that you now give the RFU the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to progress. We are listening and taking action. It is absolutely right that members should always have the opportunity to hold the leadership of the RFU to account. That is part of our democratic process as a membership-owned organisation.

“But the way to achieve meaningful changes is through open discussion, cooperation, and shared goals and so now is the time for us to come together, to strengthen our unity, and to focus on the future.

"The time for division is past. Now is the time to unite behind an opportunity to renew English rugby.”