01-07-2025
Sir Bill Beaumont demands end to rugby infighting
'The results of the 2025 annual general meeting provided important clarity,' said Beaumont. 'Our members have once again spoken with consistency, rejecting the constitutional proposals advanced by the so-called Whole Game Union.
'This marks the third time in just over a year that their motions have been decisively defeated. Three times now, in open and democratic forums, the rugby community has made its view clear: the way forward lies through inclusive consultation, open dialogue, and carefully considered reform — not through unilateral or divisive constitutional change.
'As a membership organisation, the RFU values accountability and robust debate. But it is clear that this group lacks broad support, and, at times, their efforts appear driven by personal agendas rather than the best interests of rugby. These campaigns have risked deepening divisions when unity is needed most.
'One of the responsibilities the RFU has is to navigate the tensions between the professional and the community game, each bringing its own culture, expectations and definitions of success. This is not easy, but the union is making considerable progress at every level and it needs the game working together to help it continue down that path.'
The Whole Game Union, fronted by Alistair Bow of Nottingham RFC and Paddy McAlpine of Chichester RFC and supported by a former RFU president in Jeff Blackett, believes that the RFU executive has put too much emphasis on the elite game and has criticised the decrease in funding to the Championship. Their proposals sought to grant more power to the RFU council and required a 66 per cent share of a members' vote to pass their reforms.
However, all of the resolutions were roundly defeated, with none of them achieving more than 42 per cent and most achieving about 30 per cent. Sources indicated that almost 500 votes were cast at the AGM, including proxies, which was the highest in more than 20 years.
At the AGM, the Whole Game Union challenged Sport England's stance that its proposed reforms would stop England from hosting international events such as World Cups. A motion was also passed to allow local refereeing societies to break away from the Rugby Football Referee Society, which coordinated attempts to remove Sweeney.
The RFU believes that its ongoing governance and representation review will prove to be the best avenue towards modernising the union's governance structures.
'Differences of opinion are healthy but the tone and nature of recent debates, and the questionable motivation behind them, have risked deepening divisions in English rugby,' Beaumont added.
'It is time for that to end. The focus must return to the growth and sustainability of our sport at every level – from grass roots to elite – and to ensuring that every voice in the game is heard and respected.
'No one doubts that the game and its structures need modernising. We all want this to happen. The governance and representation review, now under way and already engaging hundreds across the rugby community, provides an excellent platform for that conversation.
'The group leading this will continue to work with anyone who wants to contribute constructively to that process so we can move forward together – not as factions or interest groups – but as one rugby family, committed to building a stronger, more united game for the future.'
