Rugby Football Union: MPs call for independent review

Several British Members of Parliament are calling for an independent review of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) due to the financial pressures facing rugby clubs and the hindered development of grassroots events, while at the same time, union executives are receiving high salaries. The MPs believe that this phenomenon is worrying and reforms must be implemented, including improved financial oversight.

Tiverton and Minehead MP, Rachel Healmore, stated that the current situation is "a farce" and "financially unsustainable." Her father, David Winch, played for England, Northampton, and Harlequins in the 1960s. Healmore added, "The governance foundation of this national rugby union is not solid, and there are clearly serious structural problems," requiring immediate and comprehensive attention.

West Dorset MP, Edward Morello, also stated, "The government must intervene and start paying attention to the management of this sport, otherwise there will be no rugby to manage." He added that London Irish's plan to join the United Rugby Championship instead of the Premiership is "a scathing indictment of the league's mismanagement," highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

During the 2022-23 season, Premiership teams Wasps, London Irish, and Worcester Warriors went bankrupt one after another. Recent accounts from top clubs show total losses of £30.5 million and net debts exceeding £300 million. Meanwhile, the RFU announced record losses in November, with Chief Executive Bill Sweeney's total compensation at £1.1 million, including a salary of £742,000 and a bonus of £358,000, further fueling the criticism.

A spokesperson for the RFU stated that the organization's own review report, which is taking advice from outside the sports world, should be allowed to be released before government intervention. "We agree that governance reform is a critical part of building better relationships between ourselves, our clubs and all our stakeholders, and we need stronger engagement and cooperation on how the sport is run," the spokesperson said. "That is why the RFU Council has established a Governance and Representation Reform Review Group with the aim of introducing new structures that are more flexible and decentralized in decision-making than today. The review is underway and is expected to report in the coming months."

Currently, the Football Governance Bill, which aims to establish an independent regulator for men's professional football in England, is under consideration in Parliament. Deputy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, MP Stephanie Peacock, stated that the government has no plans to take similar action in the field of rugby on a similar scale. "But we will continue to monitor all situations," she added, implying a watchful stance but no immediate intervention.