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Who are we

The structure of the RFU

Rugby Football Union sign at Twickenham Stadium

The RFU is a members’ organisation of professional and amateur rugby clubs, referee societies and Constituent Bodies (geographic or national unions of clubs) and a society registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act, reinvesting all profits back into the sport.

The Patron of the RFU is The Princess of Wales.

The President of the RFU for 2024/25 is Rob Udwin.

The Chair of the RFU Board of Directors is Tom Ilube CBE.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE


Responsibility for decision-making within the RFU is divided between the members (largely member clubs), the Council and the Board of Directors (the Board), with the Board delegating day to day management to the executive staff. The responsibilities of each of these is set out in the RFU’s Rules (its constitution). This is set out as follows:

Members


Members are the ultimate safeguard for the game, and only they will have the ability to change the RFU’s Rules. They elect Council representatives, which ensures there is a democratic voice at that level of decision-making. So that members can perform their role effectively, they are to have specific authority in a number of areas. These include:  

  1. The ability to call a Special General Meeting.
  2. The ability to ratify the appointment of the non-executives Board members, namely the Council members on the Board, the chair of the Board and Independent Non-executive Directors. This mirrors PLC member voting practice.
  3. With a two-thirds majority, to remove any non-executive Board members.
  4. The ability to appoint the President, Senior Vice President and Junior Vice President.  The role of President is a crucial one as, in addition to the titular role, the President chairs the Council and retains certain constitutional responsibilities.  

Council


The role of the Council is to drive policy and pass regulations relating to the game, together with a responsibility for monitoring and oversight of the Board on behalf of the members.

In addition to its responsibility for monitoring and oversight, the Council has specified reserved powers:

  1. Responsibility for deciding the RFU Regulations, which govern the playing and governance of the game and membership of the RFU. 
  2. Appointing up to three elected directors to the Board of Directors (these are termed Council Elected Directors) – as set out above, this is be subject to ratification by the members.
  3. Setting the date, time and agenda of the General Meetings and approving the calling notice.
  4. Co-opting additional members onto Council.
  5. Deciding on the policy for distribution of international tickets for senior men’s matches at Twickenham.
  6. Making specified appointments – in addition to the Council Elected Directors, the Council appoints members of standing committees and subcommittees.
  7. Receiving such information as it deems necessary so as to hold the Board to account for the running of the RFU.


Representatives are elected by member clubs, or appointed by national bodies, such as Premiership Rugby or the Rugby Players’ Association. The full composition of the Council is set out in RFU Rule 15. Guidance for Constituent Bodies on the election process for the Council can be found here.

Board of Directors


The Board is responsible for the strategic direction of the RFU, and accordingly the Board has authority to approve the Strategic Plan and the annual budget and business plan. Council has a more structured mechanism for monitoring and oversight of these areas, with the Board obliged to consult them, and to allow Council a non-binding advisory vote. The Board has the authority to take those decisions not specifically given to the members or the Council.

The RFU’s Rules (its constitution) has restrictions on the time that directors (other than executive directors) may serve. In outline, directors other than executives may serve for a maximum for six years, provided that Council Elected Directors may serve for up to an additional three years should they become Chair of the Board, Chair of the Governance Standing Committee or Community Game Board, or the Senior PGB Representative.  Independent Non-Executive Directors may serve for an additional three years if they are appointed as Chair of the Board.  Board Members may continue to serve without limit if they are World Rugby Representatives, provided that after six years they become subject to annual appointment. These restrictions ensure that there is adequate turnover of directors.

Board Committees include:  

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS


The Executive Directors are responsible for the running of day-to-day business of the RFU.

Executive Directors:

  • Chief Executive Officer: Bill Sweeney
  • Executive Director of Engagement & Business Growth: Claudio Borges
  • Executive Director of Legal & Governance: Angus Bujalski
  • Executive Director of Rugby Development: Steve Grainger
  • Executive Director of Performance Rugby: Conor O'Shea
  • Executive Director of Communications: Kathryn Williamson
  • Executive Director of Strategy and Transformation: Rory Price
  • Executive Director of Women's Game: Alex Teasdale

CODE FOR SPORTS GOVERNANCE


Like other national governing bodies, the RFU is subject to the Code for Sports Governance published by Sport England (the Code).  Prior to the Code being announced in 2017, the RFU was compliant with principal aspects of the Code to ensure proper governance, including an open and transparent appointment process for directors on the Board, term limits for Board members, and establishing key committees of the Board such as an Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and the Nominations Committee.  On announcement of the Code, the RFU undertook a process to amend its constitution to achieve compliance with the Code, including introducing term limits for Council Members.

The RFU has been subject to audit against compliance with the Code by independent auditors on behalf of Sport England, which found the RFU to be compliant.  Sport England had allowed the RFU to use transitional provisions to stagger the retirement terms of members of the RFU Council.  The majority of these have now been unwound.

Sport England now undertakes an assurance process to ensure compliance with the Code.  The current assurance process is currently taking place.