Amidst mounting criticism and a looming vote of no confidence, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney insists he has no intention of stepping down. He defends his leadership and financial decisions despite record losses and a bonus scheme that saw his salary reach £1.1 million.
Embattled Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney vehemently denies any consideration of resignation, labeling it the 'cowardly way out'. Sweeney faces a vote of no confidence in a crucial meeting scheduled for March 27th, where the RFU hierarchy will confront its critics. His leadership has been heavily scrutinized due to record RFU losses, recent job cuts, and a bonus scheme that propelled his salary to £1.1 million in a year marked by financial challenges.
Critics point to several factors contributing to Sweeney's unpopularity, including substantial compensation paid to dismissed England coaches and a dwindling level of support for the sport's leadership among grassroots volunteers. However, Sweeney, who joined the RFU from the British Olympic Association in 2019, maintains his commitment to the organization. 'No, never, not once,' he responded when BBC Sport questioned him about contemplating resignation. 'I do believe we are doing the right things.' He acknowledged the current situation as 'not pleasant' but emphasized that resigning would be the easiest path, a far cry from the dedication he feels towards his role.Sweeney also refuted speculation about strategically weathering the storm until after a potentially successful Women's Rugby World Cup later this year. The tournament, hosted in England, has already generated record ticket sales, and the Red Roses are strong contenders to win their first World Cup since 2014. 'I saw something a while back saying I have some specific bonus linked to a women's World Cup win - that is not the case, that is not true,' Sweeney clarified. 'If I was in a mind to step down, I would have done it now and I wouldn't wait until after a women's World Cup. 'I still have some unfinished business here until the end of 2027. Steve Borthwick is a great coach and we have a great squad of men's players as well as women's.' Sweeney defended the RFU's financial management during the post-Covid pandemic period, highlighting the record losses as a consequence of the four-year cycle surrounding the men's Rugby World Cup. He explained that tournament years incur additional expenses while eliminating lucrative autumn internationals from the fixture list, coupled with a significant surge in utility and business costs. Sweeney acknowledged that his bonus payment, despite unsuccessful attempts to defer it, was a result of a scheme designed to retain senior leadership during the pandemic. He stressed that the payment, linked to specific performance goals, was a reward for achieving 77% of the set criteria. Sweeney and other RFU officials are embarking on a tour of grassroots clubs in the coming months to present their case before a special general meeting that will decide his future. However, Rob Sigley, founder of the Community Clubs Union, believes it is already too late for Sweeney to regain the trust of many within the sport who feel that excessive resources have been directed towards the elite game. 'He sits there at the top and is part of these decision-making processes and he's accountable for it,' Sigley stated
RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION BILL SWEENEY RESIGNATION VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE SPORTS FINANCE GRASSROOTS VOLUNTEERS
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