Tom Ilube has stepped down as chairman of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) amidst a furore over executive pay.
The controversy was sparked by RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney’s £1.1million remuneration for the 2023-24 financial year, which included a salary hike to £742,000 and a bonus of £358,000.
According to The Times, Sir Bill Beaumont is being considered as an interim replacement.
“I have decided to step down from my role as chair of the RFU as recent events have become a distraction from the game, but will stay on to ensure a smooth transition to a new chair as soon as one is in place,” Ilube announced in a statement released by the RFU.
Following an emergency council meeting on Wednesday, the RFU has declared an independent review of its executive pay scheme. Ilube had been under pressure from motions demanding his removal after a grassroots revolt garnered enough backing to prompt a special general meeting.
“I’m pleased that an independent review of the LTIP (long-term incentive plan) scheme has been commissioned and look forward to its findings once completed,” Ilube’s statement continued.
“It has been an honour to chair the RFU and I look forward to once again enjoying the game that I grew up with from the touchline and watching it grow.”
Many within the game are outraged at Sweeney’s earnings, particularly given the RFU reported an operating loss of £37.9m for the same period – the highest ever recorded.
Furthermore, 42 staff were made redundant in September, the England men’s team secured only five victories out of their 12 matches in 2024 and grassroots participation is dwindling.
Sweeney’s position is also precarious, with a motion to dismiss him from the RFU board set to be proposed at the upcoming SGM.
Ilube was the head of the remuneration committee that approved the long-term incentive plan, which forms the basis for the bonuses awarded to Sweeney and other executives.
However, it is believed that widespread dissatisfaction with the RFU’s leadership predates the pay scandal that has engulfed Twickenham since late November.
Other points of contention include the mishandling of Eddie Jones’ dismissal as England head coach in 2022, the flawed introduction of the new tackle height in the community game, declining participation numbers and the defunding of the Championship.
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