Tom Ilube has stepped down as chair of the Rugby Football Union, with Bill Beaumont taking his place on an interim basis.
Ilube’s departure comes under controversial circumstances following the ongoing fallout over the organisation’s executive bonuses.
Beaumont, the former World Rugby chair – whose eight-year reign came to an end last month – will take up the role in the short term before a permanent successor is identified.
“I am honoured to be taking on the role on an interim basis and would like to pay tribute to the great work and passion of Tom Ilube,” the 72-year-old ex-England captain Beaumont said.
“We now must look forward and I hope I can help to unite the game and drive forward the game of rugby in England at both an international level and in the community game.”
Ilube said he decided to walk away from the role “as recent events have become a distraction from the game” while he “will stay on to ensure a smooth transition to a new chair”.
He added: “It has been an honour to chair the RFU, and I look forward to once again enjoying the game that I grew up with from the touchline and watching it grow.”
Under Ilube, the RFU’s published accounts for the 2023-24 financial year sparked fury.
It showed chief executive Bill Sweeney had received £1.1 million – made up of a £742,000 salary and £358,000 in bonuses.
The accounts, published in November, also showed a record operating loss of £37.9m, while 42 members of staff were made redundant in September.
Following an emergency council meeting on Wednesday, the RFU confirmed there will be an independent review of its pay plan for executives.
The controversy led to an increasing number of England’s grassroots and community clubs losing confidence in Ilube, who faced the possibility of a vote of no confidence.
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The post Bill Beaumont appointed interim Rugby Football Union chair as Tom Ilube steps down over pay row first appeared on Rugby 247.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-12-20 22:47:06
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