Recommendation for Repeal of RFU Council is Proposed by Review They Commissioned
Rewritten Article:
Let's take a gander at the proposed overhaul of rugby union's administration, spearheaded by a comprehensive review commissioned by the RFU Council itself. The focus? To streamline decision-making, boost representation, and bring English rugby up to speed for the modern era.
This 12-month review paints a picture where the 63-strong RFU Council might bid adieu, or transform into a smaller cabal of expert advisors who get appointed instead of being elected. The idea is to improve the governing body's decision-making process, and to do that, it's proposed to have separate boards responsible for the men's professional game, women's rugby, and amateur rugby, all reporting to the RFU executive.
Malcolm Wharton CBE, who chaired the review group, explains, "We're looking for a progressive, inclusive, agile, and local approach to governance, one that promotes greater transparency and fosters a culture of shared ownership, so rugby can flourish nationwide."
The RFU acknowledged several "key issues," mainly: convoluted and sluggish decision-making, lack of transparency and communication, insufficient representation and diversity, role ambiguity between the Board and Council, and excessive administrative burden on volunteers.
Now, a public voicing-out session has been launched, inviting everyone to contribute ideas on how to modernize English rugby's management. It runs until the end of June, after which the group will unveil its final report and recommendations.
City AM columnist, and former chair of UK Athletics, Ed Warner, participated in the review. In Thursday's paper, he asserts, "The rugby framework I've seen—established in the 19th century—clearly isn't designed for the present times."
He continues, "The most newsworthy suggestion is abolishing the RFU Council entirely or replacing it with a smaller bespoke group. While this could ruffle some Council members' feathers, I'm optimistic that the logic behind this sleeker structure, empowering community rugby, will win hearts and minds."
Warner emphasizes that this doesn't absolve the RFU board and executive of their duties. On the contrary, it makes it nearly impossible for them to avoid their responsibilities, as it should be.
Behind the Scenes:
The year-long governance review initiated by the RFU Council proposes substantial alterations to modernize rugby union's structures in England, focusing on streamlining decision-making and improving representation:
Main Governance Reforms:
- End of RFU Council (possibly): The 63-member council, criticized as outdated and inefficient, could be wiped out. Alternatively, it may be replaced by a smaller national advisory group or embedded representatives within key decision-making bodies, like Regional Growth Boards[1][2][3].
- Defined roles: The review highlights ambiguity between the RFU Board and Council, suggesting clearer separation of responsibilities to reduce overlap[1][3].
- Regional Growth Boards: Power might shift to regional bodies to address local needs more effectively[1][3].
Structural Shifts:
- Separate boards for professional/amateur rugby: The proposal includes unique governance structures for the men's professional game, women's rugby, and community rugby, all reporting to the RFU executive[3].
- Lessened administrative burden: Simplifying processes to lighten the workload on volunteers, including streamlined communication channels[1][3].
More on the Premiership:
While not part of the RFU governance review, there's been word about parallel talks on Premiership Rugby's future:- 12-team league: Expanding from the current 10 clubs, with potential elimination of relegation to attract investors[4].- Franchise model: Bath owner Bruce Craig advocates adopting a closed-league system to strengthen finances[5].
Consultation, Approval, and Implementation:
A public consultation runs until 30 June 2023, with final recommendations due in autumn. A membership vote is expected later in 2023, targeting implementation by the 2024-25 season[2][3].
- The proposed restructuring of rugby union's governance in England aims to streamline decision-making and enhance representation by potentially eliminating the RFU Council and replacing it with a smaller national advisory group.
- A separate board would be established for the men's professional game, women's rugby, and community rugby, all accountable to the RFU executive.
- A public consultation is underway, inviting opinions on modernizing English rugby's management, with final recommendations due in autumn.
- In parallel discussions, changes to the Premiership Rugby league are being considered, such as expanding to a 12-team league or adopting a franchise model.
