Although Sweeney retains the support of the RFU board, which ultimately decides his future, a significant vote by members against him would increase the pressure.
“The notice of the EGM contained a significant number of inaccuracies, however the RFU respects the right of its members to convene the EGM and have their views heard,” the governing body said in a statement.
Bill Beaumont, who served as World Rugby chairman until last year, was reappointed to the RFU as interim chairman after the crisis, fueled by anger over bonuses paid to Sweeney and other executives, prompting Tom Ilube to step down.
Beaumont wrote to RFU member clubs defending the RFU leadership and calling for unity. But he admitted there were legitimate concerns about the bonus scheme, which saw Sweeney receive £1.1m in the financial year, which also included record financial losses for the RFU, job losses and the poor form of the England men’s team.
“Objectively, we should ask ourselves whether English rugby was effectively managed in the aftermath,” Beaumont wrote. “Seeing all countries struggling with the same issues, I can confidently say that compared to many other countries, the RFU has emerged from this period very well.
“The RFU has not received any government loans or World Rugby loans. However, it successfully negotiated support on behalf of local clubs and made it easier for professional clubs to access government loans, which ensured that rugby received more financial support in England than any other sport.
“We need a lot of work to reset the game and bring it together as a unified game, so I’m committed to supporting that.”
Former England captain Beaumont will also visit England in January and February to meet with national clubs.
“We all want England’s men’s and women’s teams to win, and this cannot happen without a thriving community game,” he added in his letter.
“I want us to have the unity and stability necessary to achieve this goal. If we work together, we will succeed. If we work against each other, English rugby will not be a winner on or off the pitch.”
