England Rugby's Bonus Scheme 'Appropriate'

An independent review of the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) controversial scheme that handed chief executive Bill Sweeney a £358,000 ($604,000) bonus found that it was "appropriate and well-reasoned", but also identified some key failings, largely in terms of communication.

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LONDON - An independent review of the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) controversial scheme that handed chief executive Bill Sweeney a £358,000 ($604,000) bonus found that it was "appropriate and well-reasoned", but also identified some key failings, largely in terms of communication.

Sweeney was paid £1.1 million for the 2023-24 financial year, comprising an increased salary of £742,000 on top of the figure awarded via a long-term incentive plan (LTIP).

Further bonuses totalling around £1 million were paid to five other executives, even though the RFU reported a record operating loss of £37.9 million and made more than 40 staff redundant.

The figures caused uproar throughout the game and the RFU will now hold a special general meeting on March 27, after more than 100 clubs and other bodies signed a letter demanding it.