Message from RFU President

On Wednesday 18th December, RFU Council Members, including the Council Elected Directors, met to discuss concerns within the game that have been raised since the Annual Report and Accounts were published.

Listening to concerns about a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) for the executive team, and with Council’s agreement, I have commissioned an independent review of the scheme. The review will be undertaken by independent law firm, Freshfields, to consider the provenance, design, implementation, and communication of the plan.

Council recognises the reputational damage that has been done to the sport over the past month and is committed to rebuilding trust with our members. Council has called for a radical change in the way that the RFU communicates, setting out clearly all the work that is being done to address the issues that clubs have raised about the challenges in the game. Council also recognises the importance of visible and proactive leadership and I have met with the Chair and Chief Executive to agree a way forward.

The role of the RFU Council is to unite the game, support good governance structures and hold the Board to account on behalf of its members; the review is demonstrating that in action.

The RFU understands there is concern in the game more broadly. Our sport has faced challenges in recent years, but I want to reassure you that while the Union continues to address these, community game player numbers have stabilised close to pre-covid levels with improving match completion rates.

There has been an increase in age grade player registrations and our Community Game Future Project has now planned our first multiyear community game investment of £30m a year against a prioritised roadmap with specific plans targeted at growing the game.

We recognise good Governance is critical and an independently led Governance & Representation Review is underway and will report back to the RFU Board and Council in 2025.

I would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2025.

Rob Udwin
RFU President