Tom Ilube Resigns as Rugby Football Union Chairman

Tom Ilube has resigned as chairman of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) amid controversy over substantial executive bonuses, particularly a £1.1 million payment to CEO Bill Sweeney, despite the RFU reporting a record operating loss of £37.9 million. Ilube's departure follows mounting pressure from nearly 200 member clubs demanding a special general meeting and a potential vote of no confidence in his leadership. He stated that recent events had become a distraction from the game and expressed support for an independent review of the RFU's long-term incentive plan that awarded these bonuses. The RFU's remuneration committee, which Ilube led, has faced backlash as the organization also made significant staff redundancies in light of its financial struggles. Former World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont is reportedly being considered as an interim replacement for Ilube. The situation has raised serious concerns within the rugby community regarding the appropriateness of executive compensation during a time of fiscal distress.