Liverpool Rugby Referees

As per recent comms from RFU/RFRU see below for your info.

Sorry about the formating issues but Pitchero does not take well to cut and paste...but all the info is here

1st - Parliamentary Debate on the RFU

https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/68062241-1834-4c78-b126-a8356c18986e

2nd Message From Interim RFU Chair

https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-media/message-sir-bill-beaumont-and-rfu-board?spMailingID=30852393&spUserID=MTg2OTIxMjUyMjAxMQS2&spJobID=2670917768&spReportId=MjY3MDkxNzc2OAS2

3rd - Resolution of No Confidence

Resolution of No Confidence in the Board of the Rugby Football Union for consideration at the SGM on 27 March 2025

Proposed by: Chichester RFC
Seconded by: Nottingham RFC

Preamble

This Resolution is submitted under RFU Rules 9.4 and 7.13(a). We assert that it is valid, but if there is any doubt then the validity should be determined by the Chair of the SGM in accordance with RFU Rule 7.9. In the meantime this resolution should be added to the original resolutions requisitioned by members and the additional resolution recently proposed by the RFU Board.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is entrusted with the stewardship of rugby union in England, serving as a member-led organisation committed to the growth, development, and sustainability of the game at all levels.

The RFU Board has a fiduciary and moral obligation to act in the best interests of the entire game, including both the community and professional tiers, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and transparent governance.

The Board’s failure to demonstrate effective leadership, sound financial management, and an appropriate understanding of the game’s structure and culture has led to widespread disillusionment, a breakdown in trust, and a crisis of confidence across the rugby community. The key failures of the RFU Board are listed in the document attached to this resolution.

In response to a call for an SGM from over 140 clubs representing all levels of the game in England, the Board has indicated that it will not comply with a vote of no confidence in the CEO even if members pass it. This contempt for the members demonstrates their unfitness to lead and represent those members.

Conclusion

The RFU exists to serve all of its members, from the grassroots to the elite level. The current leadership has failed in its duty to protect the integrity, sustainability, and inclusivity of the game. This resolution represents a call for urgent and fundamental change to restore trust, accountability, and a shared vision for the future of rugby union in England.

We, the undersigned, call on the RFU Council and all member clubs to support this resolution and demand immediate action.

Resolution

In light of the aforementioned failures, this Special General Meeting of the Rugby Football Union hereby resolves that:

The members have no confidence in the Board of the RFU to govern and manage the game of rugby union in England for the benefit of the Members.
The Board must resign with immediate effect.
An interim Board, including representatives of all sections of the game, be appointed immediately by the RFU Council, to be in place until a new Board is recruited.
The current review of the RFU’s governance be terminated and replaced by a group nominated by the RFU (50%) and the WGU (50%), with full transparency and consultation with member clubs, to report its findings and recommendations by 1 September 2025.

Key Failures

The following significant failures of the RFU Board form the basis of this resolution:

Governance Failures:
Persistent lack of meaningful engagement with member clubs and the wider rugby community.
Failure to uphold democratic principles by excluding key stakeholders from strategic decision-making processes.
Lack of transparency in decision-making, particularly in relation to the distribution of funding, financial agreements, and executive remuneration.
Financial Mismanagement:
Arbitrary and unjustified cuts to Championship and community club funding without adequate consultation or explanation.
Prioritisation of executive salary increases and Premiership Rugby Limited (PRL) agreements over grassroots and Championship-level funding.
Inability to provide clear and consistent financial reporting or a comprehensive breakdown of RFU expenditure.
Neglect of the Community Game:
Systematic underfunding of the community game, threatening the sustainability of grassroots clubs, player pathways, and the wider rugby ecosystem.
Failure to support member clubs in navigating the financial challenges of the pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainty.
Imposition of ill-considered policies, such as the tackle height law changes, without adequate consultation or evidence-based justification.
Leadership and Accountability:
Failure to address growing concerns over executive leadership and the continued erosion of trust in the RFU’s management.
Extension of executive notice periods and awarding of bonuses despite widespread dissatisfaction with performance.
Inadequate response to the concerns raised by Championship clubs, community clubs, and other stakeholders over the future direction of the game.

4th RFRU Comms on Additional SGM Resolution

Additional RFU Board Resolution for SGM on 27th March 2025

Dear Rob Udwin & Bill Beaumont,
I am writing to share the RFRU Board’s serious concerns following the RFU Board’s proposed
new resolution to be debated and voted on at the RFU SGM on 27th of March 2025.
Despite trying to address these concerns informally with both Angus Bujalski, the RFU Director
of Legal, and Wayne Barnes, RFU Board Member, we have not received a coherent or
satisfactory response that clearly outlines where the RFU Board gets the power to add
additional motions to the SGM agenda.
The requisition for the SGM, to be held on the 27th of March 2025, was by members. That
requisition was submitted in line with the RFU rule 9.4, and attention should be given to “each
requisition must clearly state the specific resolution to be moved.” The RFU Board can
“comment” on members motions within RFU rule 9.6. But given that the RFU Board’s motion
was not contained in the specific motion, it does not conform with RFU rule 9.4 and it extends
beyond the scope of RFU rule 9.6.
The RFU Board has the power to call an SGM under RFU rule 9.1, but must provide, Council
Members, with their requisition and motions 21 days before sharing with the members (RFU
rule 9.2). This has not happened.
Given the lack of an adequate response, and the apparent breach of the RFU Rules, the RFU
Board risk, once again, alienating the members of the RFU and building further mistrust.
Before the SGM takes place, could you provide a full explanation from the RFU Board as to
why it believes it has the unilateral right to submit its own Resolution (without adhering to the
requirements of RFU rule 9.1) whereas members who tabled the initial SGM Resolutions were
required to submit it only on condition that they had received the signed agreement of a
minimum of 100 clubs (with each signed by two officials) and within specific timescales?
We do not understand the need for the RFU Board to expediate the Governance and
Representation Review in such a way to circumvent usual governance arrangements. Indeed,
being more prudent and taking additional care in this endeavour to demonstrate greater
governance and consultation, rather than acting in haste, would be the responsible approach.
As such, we ask that the RFU Board should withdraw its proposed Resolution, not least if it is
to avoid the risk of a challenge to the FCA and determine a reasonable timetable to consult
with the wider game on the results of the Governance & Representation Review. This may
take more time but should be done correctly to ensure that decisions are considered and well
assessed with members able to review a full business case, that demonstrates the benefits,
and associated limitations and mitigations for risks. We are asking for good governance, not
injudicious governance.

You have a responsibility at this important time for our game to act in the game’s best interests.
To do that, includes not exceeding the powers devolved to the board in the RFU rules.
Yours Sincerely,
Mike Priestley
Chair, Rugby Football Referees Union

5th RFRU Compliance issue

RFU rules, which can be accessed here: https://www.englandrugby.com/run/rules-governance. This is important, because the RFU cannot have one set of rules for themselves and another for the rest of us. We are the members of the RFU and it is our organisation. We all follow the rules of the RFU and it is this perceived arrogance and egotism that needs checks and balances.

We await the legal advice to see why the RFU believe that they do comply with the advice.

6th Motion for SGM Original - prior to RFU motion

https://www.rfru.org.uk/news/motion-calling-for-special-general-meeting-of-the-rfu

7th LADS Summary of all the current moving parts for Directors to make recommendations

Summary of the Current State of Play Regarding the RFU SGM & Governance Issues
Overview of the Situation
The RFU is facing increasing pressure from the Whole Game Union (WGU), Championship Clubs, and the Rugby Football Referees Union (RFRU) regarding governance failures, financial mismanagement, and a perceived lack of transparency.
A Special General Meeting (SGM) has been called for 27 March 2025 to discuss key resolutions, including a vote of no confidence in CEO Bill Sweeney.
The RFU has added its own governance resolution to the agenda, arguing that it should expedite its Governance and Representation Review.
Some clubs, led by Chichester RFC and Nottingham RFC, have proposed an additional motion calling for the entire RFU Board to resign.
The RFRU is contesting the RFU Board's authority to add its own motion without adhering to the same member approval process required for the original SGM motion.
Key Issues & Current Positions
Issue RFU Position WGU/RFRU/Championship Clubs Position
Governance Reform Supports a governance review but on RFU’s terms Wants a full overhaul with grassroots and Championship having greater representation
CEO Vote of No Confidence Strongly backs Bill Sweeney, citing his achievements Believes Sweeney has failed on finance, transparency, and leadership
SGM Process & RFU’s Additional Motion Claims it has the legal right to add its own motion to the SGM Argues this breaches RFU governance rules & lacks proper approval
Financial Transparency RFU claims financial sustainability is improving WGU argues financial mismanagement, including excessive executive pay, and poor club funding
Championship & Grassroots Investment Claims it is investing in grassroots Championship clubs and WGU believe investment is insufficient and prioritises the elite game
Board-Level Change Wants to keep stability with minor reforms The additional motion calls for a full Board resignation and interim governance