Review calls for abolition of RFU’s 63-member Council

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is staring down a potential structural revolution as an independent review has recommended abolishing the RFU Council-a 63-member body long considered a pillar of the game's governance in England.

The proposed changes could strip the Council of its power and replace it with a smaller, more streamlined advisory group.

The RFU Council currently comprises representatives from England’s counties, the armed forces, and elite universities like Oxford and Cambridge, as well as figures representing referees, players, and all tiers of club rugby.

Although unpaid, members receive benefits such as matchday hospitality, expenses, and complimentary tickets. The Council holds significant influence, particularly in matters related to Premiership regulations and the overall governance of top-flight clubs.

The independent review, authored in part by Ed Warner, was unambiguous in its critique.

Warner described the RFU’s governance model as “clearly unfit for the modern era,” and suggested the existing decision-making process was too slow, overly complex, and reliant on burdensome bureaucracy. He emphasized the need to empower those involved at the grassroots level.

"I've no doubt this will rankle with a number of existing Council members," Warner acknowledged, "but I am hopeful that the logic of this streamlined structure, empowering those within community rugby, will win the hearts and minds of the majority."

The changes are aimed at modernizing how the sport is managed in England, particularly in light of growing criticism over communication breakdowns and ineffective strategic oversight.

RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney endorsed the findings, calling it “a significant change in how we need to be structured to govern the game.”

Sweeney himself recently survived an internal attempt to oust him from the top job in March and has since championed a shift in power from national to local levels—arguing that local bodies are better positioned to manage the day-to-day realities of grassroots rugby.

The consultation period on the review's proposals runs through the end of June, after which final recommendations will be submitted in the autumn.

Ironically, it will be up to the current Council to vote on whether to approve its own dissolution. If passed, the reform could also phase out the longstanding privileges Council members have enjoyed.