The rebel clubs who called for Bill Sweeney’s resignation as chief executive of the Rugby Football Union say they want to see significant changes to the way the union operates within the next three months despite failing to win sufficient support for their motion of no confidence at Thursday’s special general meeting (SGM).
Alistair Bow, chair of Nottingham and co-chair of the Whole Game Union which forced the SGM, said the clubs now expect to see words put into action after Sweeney survived the vote on a turnout of just 54% of the membership. The Whole Game Union has already tabled 11 proposals for further governance changes before the union’s annual general meeting (AGM) on 30 June.
“We have got the AGM coming up and we have to see fundamental change,” said Bow, who is now waiting to see whether Sweeney is prepared to work alongside those who sought to oust him. “I think we will see over the next two or three days how he takes this. But this is a democratic vote at the end of the day, which we will take on board, and now we want to see action.
“I think he is either going to work with us or he won’t. I am hoping he will. We’ll work with his team and we have got to change. What we will not allow is for this to continue. We have got the AGM coming up and we have to see fundamental change.”
The proposed rule changes involve more oversight over executive decisions, increased transparency, more attention to be paid to member clubs’ views and greater accountability for RFU board members. Bow has already flagged the need for more direction and better leadership and hopes Sweeney will now respond accordingly.
“If he does deliver, then fantastic. But he’s got a lot of work to do, as we have. The AGM will be the test now. Can we get the reforms through to change the structure and governance we need for the future? If we work together then we stand a chance.
“We want to see our proposal adopted. There are 11 points that we’ve already put forward on the agenda. We want those to be put through the AGM and voted on to bring reform, governance and accountability back to our game. We want members to get back some control of major decision-making within the game.”
Paddy McAlpine, chair of Chichester RFC, said he hoped the SGM had served a useful purpose. “I walk away absolutely encouraged that the RFU have listened and therefore positive change is going to happen. And that has to be good for the whole game. It’s not just about England at Twickenham, it’s about all rugby all the way down to the five-year-old who wants to be a part of an England team that’s winning.”
