RFU set to make mass redundancies despite £100m Twickenham deal, say reports

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is reportedly looking to make at least 40 members of staff redundant as part of a major restructuring, placing around 64 roles are in jeopardy.

According to multiple reports, cuts are expected to affect multiple levels and all departments except for elite performance, implying it will not impact the national set ups of the men’s or women’s sides.

All members of English rugby union’s national governing body were informed of the redundancies during a meeting on Monday, which was chaired by RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.

Those directly affected are expected to receive confirmation of their status by the end of October.

The news comes only weeks after the RFU sold naming rights to Twickenham Stadium in a reported £100m deal with Allianz.

Last week, the RFU also revealed a new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) with Premiership Rugby which is reportedly expected to cost the union about £264m over eight years.

Additionally, the RFU is prepared for a significant expenditure in renovating Twickenham from 2027, due to rising costs.

A decline in broadcast revenue also highlighted a loss of £16m in annual television and sponsorship income. 

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 RFU will protect headcount and investment in community rugby and the proposals will not have a direct impact on England men, Red Roses (England women) or pathway performance teams.

‘It is anticipated 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.’

In July 2020, the RFU made more than 100 redundancies amid £145m of lost revenue due the pandemic.

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