DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING (TO BE APPROVED BY MEMBERS AT THE 2021 AGM) - AGM 2020 - Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham ...
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AGM 2020
DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING
(TO BE APPROVED BY MEMBERS AT THE 2021 AGM)
Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7BA
www.englandrugby.com
1 of 11DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Virtual Meeting held at 17:00 on Friday 12 June 2020
The following Unions and Clubs were represented:
Aldermaston RFC Chosen Hill Former Pupils RFC Hertford RFC
Ampthill & District RFC Cleethorpes RUFC Hertford RFC (Oxford)
Anselmians RUFC Colchester RFC Hertfordshire
Army Rugby Union (CB) Colerne RFC Hope Valley RUFC
Aylesbury RFC Corpus Christie/Somerville RFC Hove RFC
Balliol RFC Coventry University RFC Hungerford RFC
Banbury RFC Crewe & Nantwich RUFC Jesus College RFC
Barnes RFC CS Stags 1863 Kenilworth RFC
Bedford Athletic RFC Datchworth RFC Kent
Bedworth RUFC De Montfort University (Leicester) Kesteven RUFC
Berkshire RFC Kettering RFC
Berkshire County RFU (CB) Devizes RFC Keynsham RFC
Berwick Upon Tweed RFC Devon RFU (CB) Keyworth RFC
Bingham RFC Devonport Services RFC Kidderminster Carolians RFC
Birstall RFC Dorset & Wilts Kings Norton RFC
Bishops Castle & Onny Valley RFC Dorset & Wiltshire RFU (CB) Law Society RFC
Black Horse RFC East Midlands Rugby Union (CB) Ledbury RFC
Blackheath FC Eccleshall RUFC Leicestershire Rugby Union Ltd (CB)
Blandford RFC Edwardian FC Liskeard-Looe RFC
Bletchley RUFC Egham Hollowegians RFC London Irish Amateur RFC
Bournville RFC Emmanuel College RFC Long Buckby RFC
Bredon Star RFC Erdington RFC Longton RFC
Brixham RFC Esher RFC Lutterworth RFC
Broadstreet RFC Essex County RFU (CB) Lymm RFC
Bromyard RFC Fairford RFC Marlborough RFC
Buckingham RUFC Five Ways Old Edwardians FC Marlow Rugby Union Football Club
Burntwood Rugby Club Limited Girton College RFC Melksham RFC
Burton RFC Ltd Gloucester & District Mellish RFC
Camborne RFC Ltd Gloucestershire RFU (CB) Morley RFC
Cambridge University RFC Goole RFC New Brighton Football Club (RU)
Cambridge University RFU (CB) Gosford All Blacks RFC Newbury RFC
Camp Hill RFC Halifax Vandals RUFC Newcastle (Staffs) RUFC Ltd
Castle Donington RUFC Hammersmith & Fulham RFC Norman Robertson
Cheltenham Civil Service RFC Hampshire RFU Ltd. (CB) North Hykeham RUFC
Cheshire RFU (CB) Hampstead RFC North Midlands RFU (CB)
Cheshunt RFC Haslemere Community Rugby Club North Petherton RFC
Chester RFC Haywards Heath RFC North Yorks & Cleveland
Chesterfield Panthers RUFC Henley Rugby Club Ltd Northampton Old Scouts RFC
Hereford RFC
2 of 11Northumberland Rosslyn Park FC Sussex
Northumberland Rugby Union (CB) Rugby Football Referees Union Sussex RFU Ltd. (CB)
Northwich RFC Rugby Lions RFC Swaffham RUFC
Norton RFC Ruislip RFC Swanage & Wareham RFC
Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire RFU (CB) Saracens Amateur RFC Ltd Teignmouth RFC
Oadby Wyggestonian RFC Scarborough RFC Tonbridge Juddians RFC
Oakham RFC Seaford RFC Trentham RFC
Oakmeadians RFC Seghill RFC University of Essex RFC
Old Halesonians RFC Selwyn College RFC University of Manchester RFC
Old Leamingtonians RFC Sileby Town RFC Uxbridge RFC
Old Merchant Taylors' FC Sleaford RFC Vale of Lune RUFC
Old Otliensians RUFC Ltd Slough RFC Warwickshire
Old Priorians RFC Somerset County RFU Limited(CB) Warwickshire RFU (CB)
Old Saltleians RFC South Leicester RFC Wasps FC
Olney RFC Southam RFC Wednesbury RUFC
Oxford University RFC Southampton RFC Westbury RFC
Oxfordshire RFU (CB) Southend RFC Westcliff RFC
Penrith RFC St Edmund Hall RFC Widden Old Boys RFC
Penryn RFC St Hilda's College RFC Wimborne RFC
Peterborough RUFC St John's College RFC Windermere RUFC
Plymouth St Mary's Old Boys RFC Wisbech RFC
Pocklington RUFC Staffordshire County RFU (CB) Wortley RUFC
Prudhoe and Stocksfield RFC Stanley Rodillians RUFC Wymondham RFC
Quintin RFC Stockport RUFC Yardley & District RFC
Ramsey RUFC Stourport RFC Yeovil Rugby Club
Redditch RFC Stow-on-the-Wold & District RFC York RUFC
Richmond FC Suffolk & North Essex Yorkshire RFU (CB)
Ripon RUFC Ltd. Surrey Rugby (CB)
The following Council Members were represented:
Peter Wheeler (President) Ivor Smith Paula Carter
Jeff Blackett (SVP) James Cook OBE Pete Whiting
Andy Cosslett (Chairman) Jeff Blackett Peter Howard
Bill Sweeney (CEO) Jim Chapman Phil de Glanville
Alan Milliner MBE
John Rogers Rob Briers
Allan Butcher
Jonathan Webb Rob Udwin
Andy Shorney
Ken Andrews Robert Walsh
Charlie McGinty
Louise Latter Robin Wannop
Chris Cuthbertson
Maggie Alphonsi MBE Roger Clarke
Chris Kelly
Malcolm Caird Roger Pierson
Christopher Smith
Malcolm Wharton CBE Ron Jones
Danny Hodgson BEM
Maureen Jackson Simon Collyer-Bristow
David Ewing
Michael Procter Stephen Guy
David McAteer
Mike Waplington Stephen Pearson
David Roberts
Nigel Gillingham OBE (JVP) Steve Miles
Deborah Griffin OBE
Nigel Orton JP Ted Atkinson
Fred Batchelor
Norman Robertson Terry Burwell
Genevieve Glover
Paul Kaminski Tracy Edmundson
Ian Metcalfe
3 of 11*Please note due to the virtual nature of this meeting, questions from members were submitted via the
AGM portal, it was explained at the start of the meeting that now all questions would be addressed in
order to keep to the timings.
1. Approval of the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 14th June 2019
No substantive comments were received, the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 14th
June 2019 were APPROVED.
2. Chief Executive’s Report for Season 2019/2020
Bill Sweeney welcomed those who had joined the virtual AGM and started by noting that this is
the most challenging period for our sport in modern times. The global pandemic means the RFU
has to focus on the immediate need to preserve the RFU, maintain our liquidity and support the
community game, while taking advantage of any opportunities that this crisis presents.
Currently, the RFU is focused on short-term stabilisation of the business and longer term planning
for our future in the new environment. Supporting grassroots clubs and a thriving community game,
consistently winning England teams, a focus on our people and a strong business model remain
at the forefront of all planning and decision-making.
The RFU is working with the Department of Digital, Media Culture and Sport (DCMS) on the specific
financial impact of Covid-19 on the RFU and making suggestions on potential Treasury help to
support rugby and other National Governing Bodies. The RFU will, however, have to make
important and difficult decisions on managing our resources for the long term as consequences of
this crisis will have a lengthy and significant impact.
The RFU is involved in preparation for the elite return to play guidance and working, led by Sport
England, on the return to community sport guidance. Our roadmap of steps to restart training and
playing rugby was shared with the rugby community last week. Most clubs will want a swift return
given concerns over retaining players and generating revenue streams but the RFU decisions must
be based on the best interests of players, volunteers and clubs and so the RFU will only move from
one stage to the next when guidance and advice says that it is safe to do so.
Sweeney went on to note that on 16th March the RFU became one of the first sports to suspend
play, ending the season outside of the Premiership four days later, providing clarity and allowing
clubs to reduce costs. On 2nd April the RFU announced the mechanism to determine final league
standings for the season. On 25th March the RFU announced pay cuts within the RFU and
immediately reduced costs throughout the business by stopping all non-essential activity. On the
same day the RFU launched a £7 million support fund for the community game as well as helping
clubs to access small business grants from government and financial aid from Sport England.
The RFU furloughed 60% of RFU staff, while providing regular updates, advice and webinars for
the game. Twickenham’s North Car Park became a drive-through coronavirus testing facility on
18th April reaching a peak capacity of just over 1000 tests per day.
The 2019/2020 season was already budgeted to be a loss-making year within a four-year cycle,
due to the costs of the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign and only hosting two home Six Nations
games. The financial impact of coronavirus on sport has been dramatic and the RFU laid out the
repercussions to a DCMS Select Committee in early May.The RFU has considered a range of
potential scenarios that project a revenue reduction of between £27m and £103m for the financial
year 2020/2021. For the remainder of the 2019/2020 season the situation is constantly moving,
but the RFU expect to achieve figures within £2-3m of budget, which is an excellent result given
that the RFU have lost over £15m of revenues in March to June 2020 due to cancelled events.
Our business model is similar to most rugby clubs: the RFU earns revenue from events on and
off the field, with 55% of revenue coming from ticketing & hospitality, and invest that back into the
game. The RFU benefits from strong Twickenham Stadium revenues but is also affected if there
is widespread cancellation of games and events. Twickenham welcomed 471,992 rugby fans,
with capacity crowds at the Quilter Summer Internationals and our two Guinness Six Nations Test
matches, but in lockdown the revenues these fans bring cease and no longer fuel the game.
Sweeney explained that Project Union defined our purpose, vision and mission and a clear set of
objectives. The RFU had to refocus and launch Project Rise to coordinate the considerable
amount of change required. This has included concentrating on restarting our core activity and
reshaping what the RFU does over the next 12 to 18 months and beyond. From this, the RFU
4 of 11now has two equally important objectives: to ensure that it has the right capabilities across the
organisation to deliver our core activities and strategy with the resources available. Additionally,
the organisation will have to focus on doing less and with fewer resources as Covid-19 hits both
our short and longer-term revenues. The RFU’s lasting commitment remains to both the
community game – the lifeblood of our sport – and professional rugby. Without our grassroots
clubs the RFU would have no game and no England team, our network of community clubs
across the country is our strongest and biggest asset.
Sweeney noted that the RFU remains committed to having a world-leading coach, player, and
officials pathways across the game to develop the talent that comes through the community to
deliver consistently winning England teams. Work continues to reschedule postponed fixtures
including the final round of the men’s Six Nations, the outstanding women’s Six Nations fixtures,
and to replace England’s Japan Tour. The RFU has been in regular dialogue with World Rugby,
SANZAAR and the Six Nations around reviewing the global and domestic calendar.
Conversations between the northern and southern hemispheres on calendar alignment have
been extremely positive. The RFU now faces a very complex and congested balance of the year
as the international and club game seeks to fulfil outstanding fixtures.
In January, the RFU signed a ground-breaking partnership with the other Six Nations unions
combining our collective men’s and women’s international broadcast and associated series
sponsorship rights. Entitled Project Light, this bundles Autumn Internationals and Six Nations
fixtures and puts the RFU in a position of strength compared to the current fragmented rugby
broadcast media landscape The key next step is the tendering of the 2020 Autumn Internationals
which will be challenging in the current broadcast market, and the 2022 Six Nations rights.
Sweeney explained that the organisation’s commercial partnerships programme has proved
robust in a challenging market. Mitsubishi Motors, Britvic and Champagne Bollinger extended
their partnerships, with new four, six and five year agreements respectively, all running from 1st
September 2020. The RFU also saw five new brands join the sponsor family, namely: Red Bull,
Irwin Mitchell, Simplyhealth, Bremont and Optimum Nutrition. Umbro and Charles Tyrwhitt have
both signed new agreements.
Since rugby stopped in March, the RFU social media team has tailored content to support
government messaging, while keeping our varied audiences informed and engaged. As a result
the England Rugby social channels have experienced substantial year-on-year growth; with The
Rising Sons’ inspiring campaign during the Rugby World Cup taking fans along on the journey
with the team and has generated 119m fan engagements, and also leading to an ITV
documentary.
It was a very different world when the RFU enjoyed the Rugby World Cup in Japan at the start of
the season. Sweeney took the time to congratulate Japan again on a well-staged, record-
breaking World Cup, especially given that it took place in the face of the tragedy of Typhoon
Hagibis. On the pitch, Eddie Jones and the most diverse England senior men’s squad ever
secured some great victories and, while the result did not go the way we wanted in the final, the
RFU is proud of Eddie’s and the squad’s achievements. In regard to the 2020 Guinness Six
Nations, with the final match against Italy postponed, England currently sits top of the table on
points difference. The RFU is in dialogue with the Six Nations and other Unions regarding options
to reschedule for later in the year. England Women started this season with a clean sweep in the
Quilter Internationals in November.They were on course for back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six
Nations, when rugby went into lockdown and the home Six Nations matches drew impressive
crowds.
The shutdown of sport has presented big challenges for our grassroots clubs. They need simple,
focused support which delivers real benefit. The RFU wants to help them to be financially
innovative and sustainable, to address the adult male 15s challenge, and to run and retain youth
and women's teams for the future development of the sport.
Diversity remains essential. The senior mens team represented our most diverse to date with
35% BAME players and 70% coming from state school under the age of 16. Sweeney explained
this should inspire us all to make our game, and its unique values, more accessible to a wider
and more diverse group of players and administrators. Before the season ended early, player
numbers suggested a continued increase in age grade teams, growth among women players,
and men’s player numbers stable. January’s Adult Male Competition Future Structure Survey had
6,000 responses of which 48% were players and the RFU recently held webinars to help
5 of 11understand the views of rugby players and clubs about creating a competition structure which
meets their needs both now and for the future. The RFU is now into deep consultation to review
the options available and ensure the organisation does what is right for the game overall.The
Game On principles, allowing teams short of numbers to play with smaller teams over a shorter
match duration, continue to provide flexibility, helping more games to take place. Sweeney
highlighted that the women’s and girls’ game continues to go from strength to strength, with
40,000 registered women players in over 400 clubs, 90,000 girls taking part in schools, colleges
and universities, and 10,000 female O2 Touch players. The RFU has a target to reach 60,000
registered players by 2029 with 220 more clubs and 1,513 more teams playing women’s and
girls’ rugby. The organisation’s investment in the grassroots game continued and included grants
to clubs affected by extreme weather conditions in January and February. The Rugby 365 AGPs
were used by over 360 clubs over the year, with almost 5,000 matches hosted. New AGPs were
completed at Lymm and Chippenham RFC, taking the total number of operational RFU AGPs to
28 across England.
The All Schools target of taking rugby to a further 750 state secondary schools was reached in
September 2019 and celebrated at Luton’s Lealands High School. The Quilter Kids First pledge
has now been signed by more than 1,000 clubs and schools, with 10,863 coaches and referees
on Quilter Kids First courses. The Half Game Rule became a mandatory regulation this season
for age grade players in all clubs, schools and colleges, ensuring that every player now gets at
least half a game rather than sitting on the sidelines. Important work with universities has seen
some 2,500 players at risk of leaving rugby retained. O2 Touch remains popular among
university students and the O2 Touch season’s target of 35,000 players was hit in March.
The RFU continues to train and support community coaches and referees who are so essential to
the game. Female coach and referee numbers continue to increase as the RFU raises the profile
and importance of women coaching in both the men’s and women’s game.
The RFU is fortunate to have more than 100,000 volunteers ensuring that everyone has the
opportunity to play and that our community clubs thrive. The Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer
Recognition Programme has thanked many of them.
Sweeney noted that Covid-19 presents huge challenges across the game and the RFU will work
closely with Constituent Bodies to support clubs, competition organisers and the wider rugby
community in preparing to restart rugby in what is likely to be a challenging environment. The
CEO has great confidence in our clubs. The RFU has been inspired by the many stories of the
rugby family working together to support the most vulnerable in their community – Sweeney
noted how this encapsulates the unique spirt of rugby and reinforces that clubs across our
community game are more than just rugby clubs in their local communities. Sweeney assured
the members that the RFU is on top of this most challenging of times and is confident that this
spirit and resilience during this period will ensure that everyone will come through this together
and emerge stronger.
In response to Buckinghamshire Country RFU (CB) Sweeney explained that all areas of the
game are being scrutinised in terms of the RFU’s ability to support them, the organisation has
been in dialogue around running a consolidated GB 7’s team to reduce costs. The RFU is also in
discussion with UKSport who would help fund our 7’s team to be able to compete at the
Olympics.
In response to Hillingdon Abbots RFC, who queried whether the RFU would relax a number of
Regulations (namely 3.3.1(d) and 3.5) as it was likely a number of clubs would fall foul of these,
Angus Bujalski (Legal & Governance Director) explained that that these regulations relate to the
minimum numbers of matches that clubs must play over two years to retain voting membership.
He explained that at the start of each season the RFU audits which clubs have played the
requisite numbers of matches, and which clubs were at risk. This was already on the agenda at
the next Governance Standing Committee meeting, as the RFU does not want to prejudice
against clubs who are affected by the pandemic.
Following two questions received from Marlborough RFC, Sweeney explained that, in regard to
the 150th anniversary of the RFU, the celebrations would have to be scaled down in light of the
crisis. However, it will be a great opportunity to celebrate this important milestone and the RFU is
in conversations with its President-elect to mark the anniversary, but it was important to state it
will be somewhat toned down from the original ambitions. In answer to the second question,
6 of 11Sweeney explained that the RFU was lobbying hard to reduce the social distancing distance from
2m to 1m as it aligns with the World Health Organisation guideline figures.
In reponse to Melksham RFC, Sweeney explained that, in terms of getting level 6 and below back
playing rugby, the RFU was well represented by a number of medical groups who were providing
the organisation with expert advice. A lot will depend on how much Covid-19 stays within society,
however the RFU has published its 5-stage road map to return to play, currently rugby is at stage
B which allows groups of 6 to engage in controlled training. It is the RFU’s belief that there will
need to be a 4-week period between the final two phases, with a hope to hit that penultimate
phase in August to allow a restart in September, which is the primary target date. If this date
cannot be achieved, November and then January would be the next target dates.
Following a question from Ripon RUFC Ltd, the CEO explained that the RFU generates around
85% of its revenues through the Men’s team playing at Twickenham, so it is important they
perform well from that point of view but also to help inspire the next generation coming through.
In that context, reaching the final of the World Cup was indeed a good achievement and value for
money.
The CEO confirmed to Colerne RFC that the data on the funds allocated to the Area Facility
Managers to issue grants to clubs for facility improvements could be shared and the RFU will
respond to this query in due course.
In reponse to Bournville RFC, Sweeney noted that the RFU was working closely with each CB
and constantly monitoring clubs. The loan process has been a success so far but the RFU or CB
can look at this case offline.
In reponse to concerns from Stow-on-the-Wold & District RFC around the reduction in numbers in
the adult male players, Sweeney noted there were a number of factors being reviewed such as
time and travel. When compared to other team sports, rugby was in a relatively good position
around number retention.
Following a question in regard to Clubhouse reopenings from Hope Valley RUFC, the CEO
explained that the advice the RFU had received was that if you have a licence to serve food and
drink and you have the grounds to serve it, then the club shold contact the local authrority to ask
for permission to do so.
In reponse to Colchester RFC and following a question around using academy players instead of
overseas players to help with budgets, Sweeney assured the members that the RFU was in
constant dialogue with PRL over these ideas and suggestions.
In response to Chosen Hill Former Pupils RFC, Sweeney stated that the RFU was looking at
various different options and formats of the game to allow a faster return to the game for minis
and youth rugby.
3. Financial Report and Annual Report and Accounts 2018/2019
Sue Day (Chief Financial and Operating Officer) noted that the annual report from 2018/19 had
been audited, approved and published in November 2019. Day provided highlights from 18/19
where it was noted that the RFU had an operating profit of £14.9m, capital employed equalling
£196m, bank borrowing of £60m and P&L reserves of £28.6m.
Day provided some highlights of the 2019/2020 year which was not quite completed but the
expectation was that the Consolidated Group revenues are forecast for £160m, compared to
£180m in the Business Plan. As Sweeney had mentioned previously, a loss was planned due to it
being a Rugby World Cup year with a low match profile at Twickenham which is how the
business would normally make a large proportion of its income. The organisation expects a loss
to reserves of £22m compared to £20m in the Business Plan. Most losses in the year incurred by
Covid-19 have been mitigated by cost and investment savings. One area affected by Covid-19 is
the P&L investment in rugby, which is £94m, £7m less than budget.
Day went onto explain that the RFU’s revenue has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19
crisis which was a shame as the organisation had been ahead of its forecasted revenue before
the crisis took effect. The positive to take was that the RFU was still creating new sponsorship
and partnership deals and renewals. In terms of investment, Day explained that the total
investment into rugby for the 2019/2020 financial year would be £94m, a decrease from the
£100m in the 2018/19 year. The organisation’s investment into grassroots rugby is £28m,
7 of 11compared to £34m in the 2018/2019 year. The reason for these reductions in investment was
that it was part of a continued effort to reduce spending as future revenues are lower than
previously forecasted due to Covid-19. The RFU’s capital investment was £8m which was
primarily stadium focused. Day went on to explain the RFU will have year-end borrowing of £75m
against the current gross facility of £100m and the organisation’s cash was currently sitting at
£30m.
The CFOO then went on to provide a preview of the 2020/21 year ahead, noting the current
period of huge uncertainty caused by the current crisis. This uncertainty will impact the
organisation’s pre-covid forecast revenues of £215m, depending on when return to play will be
and when the RFU can have people back in the stadium watching matches again. The
uncertainty also means that the organisation’s levels of investment into rugby will be dependent
on that too. This is why the RFU was looking to secure additional facilties to be able to manage
the short-term cash impact, should the organisation require it. Day emphasised the fact that we
currently did not need this additional facility but that it would be important to have it to create
extra headroom for the organisation.
Day finished by stating that there were difficult years ahead that would lead to tough decisions to
make, but reassured the members that the organisation is managing the financial position
carefully to ensure the Union remains in a stable position for the ongoing future.
Ian Clayden of Auditors BDO, provided an Audit Report. Clayden noted it was a pleasure to address
the RFU on behalf of BDO for the first time and explained that the members had access to the
Auditor’s Report and therefore did not propose to read it in its entirety. The audit was conducted in
accordance with the international standard of auditing and the report was unqualified. Clayden
explained this meant that the financial statements were perceived to give a fair and true position of
the performance of the organisation and that they were properly prepapred in accordance with the
Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Clayden also reported on two key matters
BDO had highlighted: the recognition, depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets in light
of the East Stand redevelopment at Twickenham Stadium; andthe recognition and measurement
of deferred assets. The report also included going concerns and Clayden reiterated that BDO is
engaged by the members and would remain approachable and accessible despite the current
Covid Crisis.
In response to a number of questions submitted around the increase in borrowing facility from the
bank from the Army Rugby Union (CB), Gloucester & District and Wymondham RFC, Day
explained that, in the most likely scenario whereby the Autumn Internationals are played with no
or reduced capacity crowds, we still do not forecast the need to draw any more borrowing. The
situation where we would need to secure an increase in available facilities would be if there were
no matches played all of next season, which is why we want to get this approved now. There is no
security involved in the increase in borrowing.
4. Appointment of Auditors for the 2019/2020 Accounts
It was AGREED that BDO would be re-appointed as RFU auditors to audit the 2019/2020 RFU
Accounts.
5. Rule Changes
Chris Cutherbertson (Chair of the Governance Standing Committee) noted that there was one
proposed amendment to the Rules requiring approval by the game in this General Meeting.
Currently, under Rule 4.2(b), approval of the members is required for the Union to borrow more
than £100m. This limit has been in place since 2008 and, with the current Covid-19 pandemic
having caused severe uncertainty and disrupting the Union’s revenue streams, the RFU may
need to borrow more than the current limit in order to ensure the safety of the game and the
Union. As Day has already stated, currently the forecasts for borrowing peak below £100m.
However, if the situation was to worsen, the RFU would need to access these funds in a timely
manner, which is why the organisation was seeking approval from its members at the General
Meeting. Cuthbertson also noted that, if the rule change were to be approved, the Board would
still require Council’s approval for any increase in borrowing.
The proposed changes to Rule 4.2(b) were:
8 of 11At the time of the borrowing the sum of the amount remaining undischarged of monies borrowed
and of the amount of the proposed borrowing shall not exceed one hundred and fifty million
pounds (excluding any borrowing from government or such other greater sum as Members in
General Meeting may from time to time determine provided that for this purpose (…)
In response to a question from Bedford Athletic RFC, Cuthbertson noted that this change in
borrowing was a permenant change, Bujalski added that if the additional borrowing was
approved, it did not mean the RFU would automatically draw down to the limit.
It was AGREED that the change to the Rules as laid out in the notice circulated would be
adopted.
6. Any Other Business
A number of questions had been received within the ‘AGM portal’. The first to be addressed was
from Stow-on-the-Wold & District RFC and Goole RFC concering the investment between
community and professional rugby. Sweeney noted that, after taking the costs of the PGA
agreement out, the investment is around a 50:50 split. The CEO went on to add that currently, the
RFU invests far more into the community game compared to other Unions and urged members to
look at the numbers being invested rather than the percentage. Sweeney also answered a second
question from Stow-on-the-Wold & District RFC in regard to a suggestion made by Francis Baron,
noting that the suggestion was met with reservations from the Southern Hemisphere as well as
those organising the 2023 France World Cup. World Rugby suggested it would not be feasible
given the significant logistical work it would take. Furthermore World Rugby have been working on
a number of packages for the game when we return to play.
In response to Northwich RFC, Sweeney noted that when Twickenham was closed the RFU were
vulnerable. This is not just because of ticket sales but also because sponsors want the exposure
and to be part of a successful Men’s and Women’s team, neither of which are happening when
stadium is closed.
Following a query from Camp Hill RFC, Bujalski confirmed to the members that the rule change
was an enabling rule that allows borrowing to go to the new level of £150m, but that this does not
mean that the RFU will borrow to this limit. Indeed the expectation is that the organisation will not
do so and that this rule change is needed in case the crisis worsens. Bujalski went on to confirm
that the members had the power to revert this rule if they deem fit.
In response to a question regarding the England aspirational teams programme from Ripon RUFC,
Sweeney explained that the RFU is having to scurtinise all its programmes and areas the
organisation invests in. Due to finite resources, programmes may continue, temporarily be cut or
postponed and this is something the RFU is currently going through during a prioritisation progress.
Following a question from Bedford Athletic RFC, Sweeney noted that part of the feedback process
of the Competition Review via webinars flagged the fact that there was not an option to keep the
current status quo. This is something Steve Grainger (Rugby Development Director) and his team
are dealing with.
7. Any other relevant matter for the consideration of the Council and/or the Board of Directors
during the ensuing year, but on which no voting shall be allowed
No matters were raised.
8. Appointments
It was noted that when the members agreed to make changes to the Rules to implement the Sport
England governance code, one of the additional key safeguards for members was their right to
ratify appointments to the Board and certain other key roles. Thus, members were required to ratify
the following appointments:
Andy Cosslett Chair of the Board of Directors for a further one-year term until 31 July 2021;
Genevieve Shore Independent Non-executive Director for a second three-year term until 31
July 2023;
Chris Cuthbertson Chair of the Standing Governance Committee for a final two-year term until
31 July 2022;
David Roberts Chair of Community Game Board for a three-year term until 31 July 2023;
9 of 11Philip de Glanville Senior Representative on the Professional Game Board for a second two-
year term to 31 July 2022;
Paula Carter Council Elected Director for a three-year term until 31 July 2023;
Stephen Pearson Council Elected Director for a second three-year term until 31 July 2023.
The AGM RATIFIED the appointments put forward, outlined in the AGM pack.
9. To elect the President, Senior Vice-President and Junior Vice-President for 2020/21
The nominations for presidential positions agreed by Council in accordance with Rule 8.2 (i) were
as follows:
President Jeff Blackett
Senior Vice-President Nigel Gillingham OBE
Junior Vice-President Rob Briers
The AGM APPROVED the Presidential positions for 2020/2021.
10. *Presidential Acknowledgements
The President congratulated Jeff Blackett as the new RFU President for the 2020/21 season and
looked forward to supporting him in the same manner he had been supported. Wheeler went on to
thank Nigel Gillingham for his support and congratulated Rob Briers on joining the Presidential
Team.
The President reflected on how it has been an unprecedented season, with huge challenges for
Wheeler both personally and for the game of rugby itself. With this in mind, the President thanked
Council, Board and the Executive team for their unwavering support over the season, with
particular thanks to Andy Cosslett (Chair of Board of Directors ) and Bill Sweeney (CEO) for their
support and guidance. Wheeler also went on to thank all the background and IT staff for all the
unseen work and patience, particularly over the last few months as meetings became virtual.
Wheeler noted the fantastic trip to Japan and the brilliant effort the England Men’s team made
during their World Cup campaign, particularly highlighting the semi-final performance against New
Zealand as one of the best performances he had ever witnessed. The President also noted the
strong performing Women’s team and U20’s, stating English Rugby looked in fine health.
Since then, the world has been dealing with one of the worst pandemics of the modern era and
rugby has been and is being massively affected by it. The President was confident that better times
would be waiting ahead and rugby would be played again. Wheeler was immensely proud of the
way the Executive team, Council, Clubs and volunteers are handling the difficult situation, with a
general thankyou to all those that continue to ensure the survival of the game.
Wheeler looked forward to helping and staying involved in rugby for many years to come and he
welcomed Jeff Blackett into his new role, noting that he would be an asset to the Union.
Jeff Blackett thanked Peter Wheeler and everyone who had helped him during a difficult time to
prepare for his Presidency. Blackett noted that it was an enormous pleasure and honour to be
President of the RFU. Blackett welcomed Rob Briers to the Presidential team as Junior Vice-
President.
On behalf of the RFU and the game, Blackett thanked Peter Wheeler and mentioned how he
personified his outstanding service to the game and wished him and his wife Margaret all the health
and happiness in the future. Blackett also took the opportunity to thank the Executive staff for all
they were doing for the game, and noted a special thanks to the CEO and Chair who were the right
people to lead us and the Board during this crisis.
The incoming President noted that never, in modern times, had the RFU faced such a serious
challenges to its own existence. However, that challenge can and has brought the best out of many
of our people during the crisis and provided us with an opportunity to address a number of difficult
issues. Now, more than ever, we must reinforce the values of the game and ensure that rugby
represents the face of modern times in diversity and opportunity. As rugby comes out of Covid-19
restrictions, and we look to rebbot the game there is much to be positive about. The incoming
President noted that the game can take real confidence that the Executive team, the Board and
Council are ready and able to oversee positive changes as the organisation strives to be an
innovative and modern Governing Body, a key influencer on the global rugby stage and in touch
10 of 11with its membership. The incoming President also noted his intentions for the RFU’s 150th
anniversary and his goal to visit each CB during his presidential season.
The incoming President thanked everyone attending the AGM and looked forward to an exciting
season ahead.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 18.40.
*The full text of both the incoming and outgoing Presidents’ speeches can be found on the RFU AGM
webpage full.
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