Fans are calling for RFU boss Bill Sweeney to step down after the organisation confirmed they are cut more than 40 jobs in a major restructuring effort that will impact almost all areas of the organisation.
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Those affected are expected to receive confirmation of their status by Monday evening, with the process to be completed by the end of October.
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 Community Game Future programme, Digital Transformation and investment in Women and Girls and the Stadium Masterplan.
“Alongside a need to restructure to support transformation, inflation and the overall economic outlook has led to utilities, travel, and the operating costs of running a business to increase significantly while a decline in broadcast revenues and consumer confidence is expected to impact future revenues.
“The RFU will protect headcount and investment in community rugby and the proposals will not have a direct impact on England men, Red Roses or pathway performance teams.
“It is anticipated that 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.
One fan responded on social media: “Sweeney is an utter disgrace….needs to go,”
A second said: “3rd restructure in 6 year. For some reason I feel that one certain individual might be the problem…”
Another commented: “Sweeney is an utter disgrace….needs to go,”
A fourth added: “Can Sweeney be one of them,”
McGeechan didn’t hesitate when naming the best three rugby players in history
A legendary player and coach, McGeechan has spent decades at the heart of the sport, guiding teams and observing the finest talents rugby has to offer.
Without hesitation, McGeechan named his top three rugby players of all time, each of whom left an indelible mark on the game with their extraordinary skill, leadership, and impact on the global stage.
#3. Jonah Lomu
Full Name: Jonah Tali Lomu
Date of Birth: May 12, 1975
Died: November 18, 2015
Nationality: New Zealand
Position: Wing
Overview:
Jonah Lomu was a rugby union sensation and one of the sport’s first global superstars. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing over 120 kg (260 lbs), Lomu combined size, speed, and agility in a way that had never been seen before on a rugby field. He revolutionized the role of a winger, using his power and blistering pace to dominate opponents, and became a household name during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Career Highlights:
Lomu burst onto the international stage as a 19-year-old during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, where his performance made him an overnight sensation. Most notably, he scored four tries in a semi-final against England, including one unforgettable try where he ran through and over England’s defenders. Although New Zealand did not win the tournament, Lomu’s impact was undeniable.
He continued to be a key figure for the All Blacks until 2002, earning 63 caps and scoring 37 tries. Lomu’s career was cut short due to a rare kidney condition, nephrotic syndrome, which eventually forced his retirement and led to a kidney transplant in 2004.
Legacy:
Despite his illness limiting his playing career, Lomu’s influence on rugby was immense. He brought the sport to a global audience and remains one of rugby’s most iconic figures. His untimely death in 2015 at age 40 was met with widespread mourning, highlighting the lasting impression he made on the sport and its fans.
McGeechan wrote: “Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby.”