Split with Tom Ilube and Bill Beaumont.
Rugby Football Union (RFU) chairman Tom Ilube has officially stepped down from his role on the board in England amid a scandal surrounding chief executive Bill Sweeney’s bonus.
There was mass controversy earlier this month when it was revealed that Sweeney was paid a whopping total of £1.1m with thanks to a bonus of £358,000 during a period where the organisation lost just short of £40m and made 40 positions redundant.
Resignation
This led to calls for a review from National League 1 and Championship clubs, who both voiced their displeasure with the situation which has now resulted in Ilube’s resignation which was confirmed in a statement on Friday.
“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,” he said.
“I’m pleased that an independent review of the LTIP scheme has been commissioned and look forward to its findings once completed.
“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.”
Beaumont back?
Reports in the Telegraph suggest Sir Bill Beaumont, who has just stepped down as World Rugby chairman, could be in line to take over on an interim basis as he has just rejoined the RFU as junior vice president. At this stage, it is nothing more than a report.
The same newspaper also reports that an insider suggested any change in the chair of the RFU would not stop members from pushing for a Special General Meeting early next year to address the Sweeney salary scandal.
