- English rugby’s governing body are set to let go of more than 40 staff members
- RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney chaired a meeting to discuss plans on Monday
- Those in organisational roles non-specific to rugby are most under threat
The RFU will make 42 of its employees redundant as English rugby’s governing body undertakes a significant restructuring.
All members of the organisation were informed of the plans in a meeting on Monday which was chaired by RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.
The redundancies will not impact the national set-ups of the men’s or women’s sides nor the age grade systems.
Those working behind the scenes and in organisational roles non-specific to rugby are likely to be the most under threat.
An RFU spokesperson said: ‘The RFU has started a collective consultation over proposals to reshape and resize the organisation to maintain investment in rugby.
‘The reorganisation comes as the RFU moves forward with significant transformational projects including the men’s professional game partnership.
The RFU will make 42 of its employees redundant as it undertakes a significant restructuring
‘The RFU will protect headcount and investment in community rugby and the proposals will not have a direct impact on England men, Red Roses (England women) or pathway performance teams. It is anticipated the number of roles in the RFU will be reduced by 42, with 64 roles at risk, and 22 new roles created.
‘The proposed changes will mainly affect head office functions with changes to a centralised leadership for digital and technology, integrating customer service functions and streamlining business operations. The proposals are expected to be finalised at the end of October.’
The RFU last week announced the new PGP – a partnership on how English rugby will work moving forwards – alongside Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association worth more than £250million. They have also recently confirmed a stadium naming rights deal which has seen Twickenham become the Allianz Arena.
RFU chief Bill Sweeney informed members of the organisation in a meeting on Monday
That deal, as MailSport reported, is set to be worth £100m over the course of the next 10 years.
The RFU is the world’s richest union but maintains it needs to streamline its operation as rugby across the globe continues to struggle financially.
