Sweeney's survival is good news-Diamond

STEVE Diamond believes calls to oust the RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney, who last week survived a no confidence vote at a special meeting of clubs, were misguided.

- PAUL REES

Sweeney faced a groundswell of discontent that grew into Thursday's special general meeting at the Allianz Stadium after it was revealed his £1.1m pay packet last year included a £358,000 long-term incentive plan bonus.

The RFU came under fire because it was a year when its losses were more than £37m and 42 staff were made redundant but six executives shared a bonus pot of £1.3m, but it survived a motion calling for Sweeney's dismissal by 466 votes to 206 with 36 abstentions.

"The RFU's communication over this has not been great, but getting rid of Bill Sweeney would not have been a wise move," said Diamond, Newcastle's director of rugby. "He is a good businessman and that is exactly what the RFU needs.

"The RFU is like a bank and however much money comes to the Premiership, and I know that is subjective, the rest goes to the community, women and youth games.

"We have just secured a £100m sponsor in Allianz and no one has done that before. They are trying to get more concerts at Twickenham and it is mad only three can be staged there compared to dozens at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur's stadium.