An open letter to the RFU ahead of Judgement Day as Bill Sweeney ‘needs to STAY’
Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney.
With the historic RFU SGM just a day away, Rob Sigley, chair of the community clubs union, tells Planet Rugby exclusively why his position has changed on Bill Sweeney and why it’s essential that the beleaguered RFU CEO stays in post to continue delivering a joined up vision, as he writes an open letter to the English game.
Dear English Rugby,
Just over two years ago, like many I was outraged by the RFUs decision to lower the tackle height to the waist and a few other things. After a few days of cursing, and moaning (to those that were not already sick of hearing about it from me) and encouraged by some of my closest rugby contacts, I did something about it and set up the Community Clubs Union with the aim of creating an independent voice that represented the community game that was affected by the decision.
For the next few months, the support from the game was unwavering. Over 300 clubs supported the call for an SGM and the traction and mood from within the game showed what we can achieve when connected. And it wasn’t long after that the RFU made the announcement that there had been mistakes in the way that the game was consulted (if we ever were!) and that the height had been altered to a more manageable and agreeable height.
For nearly three months I was consumed by the task, I spoke with many clubs, CBs and supporters of the game, as well as giving daily updates and supporter numbers to all sections of the media, and despite all of this, the one thing that disappointed me most of all was seeing with my own eyes that within the structure of English Rugby, individuals that still had scores to settle, some dating back many, many years.
Broken system
The current system that helps govern our game is broken. Some excellent council members (CBs) are out there but it is a bloated system that no longer represents the thoughts of the clubs, players and members and it needs drastic overhaul to bring it into a modern-day organisation fit for purpose.
The CCU was set up to challenge the RFU. We are NOT kingmakers and we don’t seek power ourselves. It is an independent voice that wants to reflect the feelings of game holistically. We recognise it’s a game for all shapes and sizes, whether you play at level 9 on a park pitch or some of the games more illustrious venue in the Premiership , the game can hide behind stats and numbers, but the harsh he reality is 700 games this season have been cancelled for one reason or another, clubs are closing and playing numbers are dwindling, so we wanted to change the narrative.
So for me to now say what I am about to say is a complete turnaround of my initial viewpoint.
Bill Sweeney needs to STAY.
And I’m writing to the clubs within the CCU and contacting the Chairpersons to say just that. Now, only five months ago when a member of the press contacted me about the LTIP and asked for a quote. I was clear and concise, Bill Sweeney and Tom Ilube as the CEO and Chairman of English Rugby need to fall on their sword.
So why the change???
Yes, he’s made mistakes, and as CEO he has to own them, and he has – we need to respect that. I’ve now met Bill Sweeney a couple of times in his office, spoke to him on the phone numerous times and have built a healthy relationship where we have openly talked about the game’s issues and we agree on a lot of things. We also disagree on a lot of things but there is healthy communication and an opportunity to help guide the community game into the future.
Evolving the game in England
The game now has to evolve: devolution of power from Twickenham, a reformed council and a modern-day approach to the needs of the clubs and its membership are key priorities. We need our Development Officers, Referee Departments and Community coaches back out there, in the regions delivering what the game needs – telling everyone what a great game it really is.
This isn’t about joining your local club and being the next Jonny Wilkinson because those numbers are tiny compared to the recreational game. This is about making friends for life, where the club and your friends support you through thick and thin. I’ve played cricket and I’ve played football and I love them both, but nothing delivers like a community rugby club.
I genuinely believe that we, and the broader game, can work with Bill Sweeney on behalf of the CCU to deliver just that. Transparency and communication is key now, both of which have been promised, and we need to move forwards with a new Chairperson and new and fresh voices that represent the 1600 clubs in England that are struggling.
Did I really just write that? Yes I did. And I mean every word of it. Now is the time for stability and a vision, and I believe that Bill, with careful support from selected stakeholders, can deliver precisely that.
Rob Sigley
Chair, CCU.
👀 READ MORE: ‘Don’t waste this opportunity’ plea to English rugby ahead of Judgement Day for RFU boss
