LONDON — On Friday, Bill Beaumont was appointed as the interim chairman of the England Rugby Football Union, following the resignation of Tom Ilube amid widespread backlash over executive compensation. Beaumont, who recently concluded his role as leader of World Rugby, was seen as a stabilizing figure during a turbulent time, marked by discontent from grassroots supporters regarding salaries and bonuses awarded to RFU executives amidst substantial financial losses and layoffs within the organization.
“I am honored to be taking on the role on an interim basis,” Beaumont expressed. “We must look ahead, and I hope to contribute to unifying the game and advancing rugby in England, both at the international scene and within local communities.” Beaumont’s leadership comes at a critical juncture, addressing concerns regarding the union’s financial practices while aiming to foster a collaborative spirit in the sport.
Ilube had become the focal point of a grassroots protest spearheaded by the Rugby Football Referees’ Union, which garnered enough support to call for a special general meeting. Additionally, he faced pressure from the RFU council, which highlighted the “reputational damage” inflicted on the union due to the ongoing pay controversy.
The discontent was primarily fueled by Ilube’s endorsement of a significant payout to chief executive Bill Sweeney, amounting to 1.1 million pounds (approximately $1.4 million) for the 2023-24 financial period, which included a bonus of 358,000 pounds ($448,000). In total, five other executives received bonuses that collectively approached 1 million pounds ($1.2 million). This came on the heels of the RFU’s announcement in September regarding the termination of 42 jobs, along with a record operating loss of 37.9 million pounds incurred in the fiscal year ending in June.
In addition to Ilube’s resignation, who took on the leadership role in 2021, the RFU declared an independent investigation into its executive pay structure. “I have chosen to resign from my position as chair of the RFU as recent developments have diverted attention away from the sport,” Ilube stated in an RFU announcement.
Beaumont, who has been a junior vice president of the RFU council, previously served as the RFU chairman from 2012 to 2016. He has a rich history in rugby, having captained both England and the British and Irish Lions during his playing career. The RFU now looks to him to restore confidence and ensure effective governance during this transitional period.