RFU Proposes Regional Reform to Strengthen Community Rugby Amid Leadership Crisis

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has tabled a proposal to delegate more decision-making powers to grassroots clubs in a bid to avert a leadership crisis surrounding CEO Bill Sweeney. Sweeney, whose £1.1 million compensation package has sparked outrage, faces a critical vote on 27 March that could determine his future.

The RFU’s plan includes a review of the community game’s structure, aiming to introduce a regional model that allows for local decision-making and flexible competition management. The union hopes this will enhance participation, player retention, and club sustainability. Interim RFU Chair Bill Beaumont has urged clubs to support the review and oppose Sweeney’s removal, warning that a no-confidence vote could paralyze the organization.

Beaumont emphasized the board’s unanimous support for Sweeney, citing his achievements and commitment to implementing the RFU’s strategy. Meanwhile, the RFU has released initial data on the impact of lowering the tackle height in community rugby, revealing a stabilization in concussion rates despite no significant decline.

The controversial tackle height change, initially set at the waist before being adjusted to the base of the sternum, has reduced tackle numbers and increased offloads. However, players have adapted by lowering their body height into contact, which may have contributed to the plateau in concussion figures. John Lawn, the RFU’s game development director, acknowledged that law changes take time to yield results.