RFU Chief Bill Sweeney Defends Controversial Bonus and Rejects Calls to Resign

Sweeney insists he will remain in his role until 2027 despite backlash over a £358,000 bonus and ongoing criticisms of his leadership.

Bill Sweeney, CEO of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), has refused to apologise for accepting a £358,000 bonus during a year when the organisation reported record financial losses and made 27 redundancies.
A special general meeting (SGM) has been scheduled for March 27, where member clubs will vote on whether to request the RFU board terminate Sweeney's contract.
Sweeney has reiterated his commitment to staying in his role until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, dismissing speculation about stepping down after the Women’s World Cup later this year.
The bonus, part of a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), was designed to retain key executives and was approved by a prior remuneration committee, but Sweeney admitted the optics were poor and attempted unsuccessfully to defer the payment.
Sweeney defended the RFU's financial health, citing improved reserves and debt reduction since 2019, and highlighted a £30 million annual investment in community rugby for the next four years.