RFU: National League 1 clubs join calls for overhaul of governance
National League One clubs have united to join growing calls for an overhaul of how England’s rugby league is run amid an ongoing crisis over record financial losses and executive bonuses.
Twelve clubs criticized “significant failures in governance and leadership” and a “lack of accountability” in an open letter ahead of an emergency meeting of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) council on Wednesday.
Championship clubs and grassroots clubs have called for a debate and a vote of no confidence in the leadership of football’s governing body.
Last month the RFU announced a record operating loss of almost £40m, but chief executive Bill Sweeney earned £1.1m after receiving a £358,000 bonus and a £742,000 salary.
Sweeney was one of six executives to share a £1.3m bonus amid a union cut of more than 40 jobs.
The National League 1 club said in an open letter that “recent events demonstrate the need for change”.
It added: “The RFU Council and Board of Directors are complicit in both the lack of accountability and governance expected of member clubs from them and, along with the RFU leadership, the lack of clarity and strategy for the development of English rugby.
“We note that the RFU Council will hold an emergency meeting on December 18. We call on RFU Council members to use this as an opportunity to launch an independent review into the governance of English rugby.
“National League 1 clubs will act individually when any motion of no confidence that may arise at the RFU meeting or any subsequent (meeting) is debated or voted upon.”
The letter was signed by Blackheath FC, Darlington Mowden Park RFC, Dings Crusaders RFC, Esher RFC, Leicester Lions RFC, Plymouth Albion RFC, Rams RFC, Richmond FC, Rosslyn Park FC, Rotherham Titans RUFC, Sale FC and Sedgley Park RUFC.
