Sawt Falasteen - English rugby chief to face sack calls amid pay row

A day after rejecting a grassroots call for a vote of no confidence in Bill Sweeney on procedural grounds, the RFU performed a dramatic U-turn, with an SGM now set to take place in March or April.

The outcry started in November with the revelation that Sweeney was paid £1.1 million ($1.3 million) for the 2023/24 financial year, which included a bonus of £358,000, despite the RFU reporting a record annual operating loss of £37.9 million.

A formal letter featuring the signatories of 141 RFU member clubs and referees' societies was submitted on Thursday.

The RFU, however, said the letter contained "inaccuracies" that meant it was "invalid as a requisition for an SGM".

But a spokesperson for the campaigners insisted the RFU were "merely postponing the inevitable", with the Twickenham hierarchy's quick reversal of its initial position appearing to prove their point.

"The RFU is in the process of validating the additional information that has now been provided to request a SGM," said a statement issued Friday.

"The notice to request an SGM contained a significant number of inaccuracies. However, the RFU respects the right of its members to call for an SGM and for their views to be heard."

The initial resolution to be debated at the SGM will feature a call for the RFU to terminate Sweeney's employment "as soon as practicably possible".

The RFU, however, insists Sweeney has the full support of its ruling board.

Friday's statement was accompanied by an open letter pleading for "unity" from Bill Beaumont, the ex-England captain and former World Rugby chairman, who was formally installed as interim RFU chairman on Friday.

Beaumont has succeeded Tom Ilube, who stood down as chairman last month in response to the row.

"It is very clear the game wants and needs unity and it is my priority to help to bring the game together," Beaumont said.

"This is a serious moment for the game of rugby in England...

"There has been a call for an SGM and we will respect the right of members to have their views heard."

England begin their Six Nations campaign away to champions Ireland in Dublin on February 1.

K.AbuDahab--SF-PST