National League 1 clubs have united to join growing calls for a change in the way rugby union is run in England amid an ongoing crisis over record financial losses and executive bonuses.
In an open letter, twelve clubs criticize “serious failures in management and leadership” and a “lack of accountability” ahead of an extraordinary meeting of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Council on Wednesday.
Championship and amateur clubs have already called for a debate leading to a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the game’s governing body.
Last month the RFU announced a record operating loss of almost £40m, but chief executive Bill Sweeney made £1.1m after being awarded a bonus of £358,000 on top of his £742,000 salary.
Sweeney was one of six directors to share the £1.3m bonus pot at a time when the union is laying off more than 40 people.
In their open letter, the National League 1 clubs state that “recent events have shown that change is needed.”
He added: “The RFU Council and Executive are complicit in both the lack of accountability and governance expected of them by member clubs and, alongside the RFU leadership, in the lack of clarity and strategy for developing rugby in England.
“We note that there will be an extraordinary meeting of the RFU Council on December 18. We urge members of the RFU Council to use this as an opportunity to initiate an independent review of the governance of rugby union in England.
“National League 1 clubs will act individually in arguing or voting on any motions of no confidence that may arise at this meeting or at any subsequent meeting. [meeting] RFU.”
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.
